Doctor of Forensic Sciences
The DFS began in Fall 2021 and was the first fully online professional, non-dissertation doctoral degree in the forensic field. The DFS is consistent with the land grant mission of Oklahoma State University, as well as the vision of the Center for Health Sciences, by providing applied graduate education and training. This degree is designed specifically for forensic science investigative and criminal justice practitioners to improve their knowledge base, tactics, techniques, and procedures. While a traditional dissertation is not a part of the professional degree curriculum, each student will be required to complete an in-depth Capstone Project to provide them with a specific area of emphasis and discipline expertise.
Degree Requirements
In the DFS degree, students are able to build a plan of study based on their professional goals and interests. Coursework is asynchronous and based on 16-week Fall and Spring terms and an 8-week Summer term. The School of Forensic Sciences offers coursework in the subject areas of:
- Forensic Psychology
- Biology/DNA
- Fire Investigation
- Firearms and Tool Marks
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Forensic Crime Analysis
- Leadership and Administration
- Chemistry/Toxicology
- Explosives
- Digital and Multimedia Investigation
- Forensic Threat Assessment and Management
- Etc...
The below degree requirements must be met within 9 years of admission to earn the DFS:
- Successful completion of 60 credit hours, a minimum of 30 must be earned in residence
at OSU.
- The program core requires completion of the following coursework: Survey of Forensic Sciences, Law and Expert Evidence, Forensic Science Seminar, Critical Readings in Forensic Sciences and Doctoral Capstone Experience
- The remaining credit hours can be met with a combination of up to 30 hours of approved transfer credit from a master’s degree and elective courses in Forensic Sciences.
- 3.00 minimum GPA
Transfer Credit
In addition to the flexible format of the online coursework, this degree offers a unique opportunity to apply credit hours (up to 30 hours) from a master’s degree towards the 60-credit hour requirement. Students can request a review of their coursework at admission and acceptance is at the discretion of the faculty advisor and ultimately the Graduate College. Each course would be evaluated based on the grade, age, and topic. Course content should be relevant to Forensic Sciences and more specifically the subject areas above. Acceptance of transfer credit is not guaranteed for every student.
We begin review of applications starting February 1st for Fall admission and October 1st for Spring admission. The admission review process can take up to 4-6 weeks depending on your date of submission.
- Applicants must have a Master’s degree with forensic-related coursework preferred.
- Students should submit a personal statement outlining their subject areas of interest and their professional goals as they align with this degree. There isn’t a length or format requirement but a minimum of 2 paragraphs is typical.
- Three letters of recommendation preferably from professors and/or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s academic ability, work ethic, and skills.
- Students should include a resume/CV and are expected to have profession experience in the field of Forensic Sciences.
- Interviews may be arranged as part of the admission review process.
- No GRE required.
Explore our faculty members and their professional backgrounds here
Contact us for additional information!
918-561-1108