M.Sc. Forensic Science

Last Updated on August 10, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Have you completed your B.Sc. Forensic Science program? Are you looking for a good PG course? If yes, this article will be of help to you. Here, we will have an in-depth analysis of the M.Sc. in Forensic Science course.

This article has everything you need to know about M.Sc. Forensic Science course. Course details, duration, eligibility criteria, colleges, syllabus, admission process, fees, specializations, career prospects, and salary.

It is a job-oriented postgraduate level Forensic Science course. The academic program is 2 years long.  If you want to build a career in the Forensic Science sector, this academic program will be of help to you! Through this program, you may even choose to specialize in a sub-discipline within Forensic Science! Here’s an overview of the course –

• Name of the course: M.Sc. in Forensic Science.
• Type of course: Master’s Degree.
• Duration: 2 years.
• Eligibility Criteria: Completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree program (discussed in detail ahead).

What’s M.Sc. in Forensic Science all about? What is it like to become a Forensic specialist? What’s the scope and potential associated with this field? You will find answers to these questions in the next section.

M.Sc. in Forensic Science: Introduction and Scope

In simple terms, forensic science is the application of scientific methods and techniques to matters under investigation by a court of law.   Forensic Science experts can be seen working at the crime scene and in their respective laboratories. At the crime scene, they can be seen working in tandem with the Police force. At the crime scene, their main aim is to –

• Analyze and study the crime scene.
• Collect crucial evidence.
• Mark and label the evidence properly.
• Store and preserve the evidence safely.

At their respective laboratories, they perform the following tasks –

• Keep a record of all the evidence collected.
• Analyze the evidence using scientific methods and equipment.
• Arrive at conclusions after analyzing.
• Prepare reports related to their findings.

There are many specializations and sub-disciplines within Forensic Science. It is a broad and vast field. Some such notable areas of specialization are –

• Digital Forensics.
• Forensic Data Analysis.
• Computer System Forensics.
• Network Forensics.
• Forensic Biology.
• Forensic Toxicology.
• Forensic Accounting.
• Fingerprint Science.
• Environmental Forensics.
• And more…

Through the M.Sc. program, you may choose discipline-specific subjects and specialize in one such area! The availability of specializations and optional subjects may vary from one College to another.   Come, let us take a closer look at the course details.

In the next section, you’ll find details such as – eligibility criteria, colleges, syllabus, admission process, etc.

Duration

The academic program is 2 years long. Each academic year is divided into two semesters. Thus, the entire program consists of four semesters.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates holding Bachelor’s Degrees in relevant disciplines such as – Engineering, Pharmacy, Criminology, Forensic Science, and Science are eligible to pursue this course. The minimum aggregate marks required is 45-55% marks. It may vary from one College to another.

Colleges

There exists many Government and Private colleges across India offering this course. Government colleges charge relatively lower fees than their private counterparts.

Gujarat Forensic Sciences University is a popular institute offering forensic science programs in India. This institute offers exclusive forensic science programs.

Admission Process

Reputed institutes rely on a merit-based admission process. Such institutes make use of relevant entrance tests to select deserving candidates. Some institutes are also known to conduct their own qualifying test in order to select deserving candidates.

Some other institutes are also known to conduct direct as well as donation-based admission processes.

Syllabus

Here are some of the important subjects present in M.Sc. Forensic Science curriculum –

• Physics.
• Organic Chemistry.
• Inorganic Chemistry.
• Communication Skills.
• Biology.
• Law.
• Mathematics.
• Computer Science.
• Investigation Techniques.
• Handwriting Analysis.
• Basics of Criminology.
• Forensic Anthropology.
• Forensic Photography.
• Elective Subjects.
• Project Work.

The academic program consists of a healthy mixture of classroom lectures and laboratory sessions. Lab work includes subjects such as computer science, chemistry and biology. Subjects present in lab work may vary, depending upon the specialization chosen by the student.

Fees

Fees charged for the academic program may vary from one institute to another. Course fees depend upon the following factors –

• Type of institute (Government, Private, Aided, etc).
• Location of the college.
• Status and rating of the college.
• Scholarship status (of a student, if applicable).

Government colleges are known to charge low fees. Average fees in private colleges could be anywhere between 50-150K INR per semester.

Career Prospects

Some of the prime recruiters are –

• Police Department.
• Government Forensic Laboratories.
• Income Tax Department.
• Commercial Tax Department.
• Crime Branch.
• Intelligence Bureau.
• CBI.
• Armed Forces.
• Government Hospitals.
• Government Banks and Finance Institutes.

In the above-mentioned places, one may don roles such as –

• Forensic Expert.
• Forensic Scientist.
• Investigative Officer.
• Forensic Accountant.
• Laboratory In-Charge.
• Laboratory Assistant.
• Law Expert.
• Cyber Forensic Expert.

Salary

Starting salary of M.Sc. Forensic Science graduates depend upon a number of factors. Some of the prominent factors are –

• Institute from which the candidate completed the course.
• His/her specialization.
• Job location.
• Profile of the employer (Government or Private).

On average, starting salary could be anywhere between 50-70K INR per month. In the case of a Government job, the salary will be as per the pay scale and grade. Abroad, the salary is much higher than what it is in India.

Vishnu Nambiar

I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.

I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.