Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Sciences
The PhD in Forensic Sciences began in Fall 2019 and is a highly interdisciplinary research degree program involving advanced coursework in several forensic disciplines.
The below degree requirements must be met within 9 years of admission to earn the PhD:
- At least 60 credit hours beyond a master’s degree.
- Students are required to complete coursework in Research Design and Methods, Advanced Statistics, and Forensic Science Seminar,
- Complete a minimum of 15 hours in research dissertation (FRNS 6000),
- And remaining credit hours can be achieved through dissertation/research hours or electives as chosen by the student and their committee.
- Admission to Candidacy at least 6 months prior to your date of graduation.
- The preparation and successful defense of a doctoral dissertation.
- 3.50 minimum GPA
Most of our coursework is offered in an online format. If in collaboration with your committee you are able to establish the required resources for your research where you are, then you may not need to relocate.
This degree is ideal for students seeking to contribute new research to the field or pursue a career in higher education. The OSU Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Forensic Sciences meets the PhD requirement for Fellow candidacy qualification as defined in the ABFT Policy and Procedure Manual 2.2.2
Admission to the PhD is highly competitive due to the resources required for mentorship on a dissertation project. Students interested in this program should ideally apply to start in the Fall term. We begin review of applications starting February 1st. The admission review process can take up to 6-8 weeks depending on your date of submission.
- Applicants must have a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject AND forensic-related coursework preferred. Forensic-related coursework may include criminalistics, statistics, crime scene investigation, and science and law. Applicants are expected to have familiarity with quality assurance concepts applicable to forensic science.
- Applicants are encouraged to contact a potential faculty advisor and confirm their mutual interest in the mentor/mentee relationship and to discuss their research interests. Research and career goals should be included in the personal statement.
- Three letters of recommendation preferably from professors and/or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s academic ability, work ethic, and skills.
- Interviews may be arranged as part of the admission review process.
- No GRE required.
Explore our faculty members and their professional backgrounds here
Dissertation titles of some of our recent graduates include:
“Computed Tomography: Solving A Historic Problem in Estimating Sex and Ancestry” Dr. Sandra C.
“An In-Depth Assessment of Mass Shootings Directed at Religious Targets” Dr. Kathryn C.
"An Investigation of the Two-premise Approach to Firearm and Tool Mark Identification” Dr. Jordan G.
"Diagnostic Reasoning Approaches and Success Rates in Bomb Disposal" Dr. Ed B.
“Advancements in Collection and Analysis of Fire Debris-Improved Field Collection Kits with Fast Gas Chromatograph” Dr. Beth S.
“Meeting the Standards During a Global Pandemic: A Mixed Method Study of FEPAC Accredited Forensic Science Education Programs” Dr. Sabra J.
“Using Forensic Toxicology Screening to Enhance Medicolegal Death Investigations” Dr. Sara S.
“Internet of Things (IoT) Connected Building Systems and Their Use in Fire Investigations: A Mixed Method Study” Dr. Dawn D.
Contact us for additional information!
918-561-1108