Online Professional Science Master’s in Forensic Science (PSM)

If you’re working in a forensic science, law enforcement, medical or legal role and looking to elevate your career in management or research, this program would be a great fit for you. You’ll advance your skills in forensic science with courses in toxicology, botany, entomology, forensic science and forensic DNA.

The coursework in this program provides you with the opportunity to simultaneously explore forensic science ethics, as well as your leadership abilities in this field. You’ll also have the chance to utilize your current skills and experience in a culminating applied project. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to begin or advance your career in forensic engineering, criminalistics and more.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

As an ideal candidate, you should aspire to hold leadership positions in forensic or crime laboratories. The curriculum was designed for those with the following backgrounds in mind:

  • You’re a practicing forensic scientist working in a lab setting. Ideally, you’re looking to enroll in the forensic science master’s program to earn more education, skills and experience to support career advancement.
  • You’re currently working with medical examiner’s office personnel, law enforcement or the legal community with additional training in forensic science and want greater exposure to work within a lab setting.

Please note, not working in one of the above settings is not prohibitive from being admitted, but it’s essential that students have a general interest in forensic science.

Program Field of Study
Professional Science Master's
Program Focus
Forensic Science
Program Name Abbreviation
Forensic Science (PSM)
Program Category
Degree Image
A forensic science student in latex gloves placing evidence in a test tube.
Program Description Intro

Arizona State University’s Professional Science Master’s in forensic science online prepares you for career advancement in sectors such as forensic science, law enforcement, medicolegal and other related fields. This program best suits forensic science professionals who seek to expand their skills and pursue advanced leadership roles.

Plan Code
ASFRSCIPSM
Program code
GRAS
Start Date
Areas of Interest
Courses Summary

The curriculum for this master’s in forensic science program combines core coursework and specialized forensic science courses focusing on areas such as ethics, pharmacology, quantitative methods and more. At the end of the program, you’ll complete an applied project based on your specific area of interest in the field.

Total Classes
10
Total Credit Hours
30
Program Fee Code
Forensic Science Online (P.S.M.), Admitted Fall 2025 or Later
Courses Section Title
Online forensic science master’s courses
CIP code
43.01
Title
Learn from industry experts
Description

As an online student at ASU, you’ll get the New College experience from world-renowned faculty. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Our areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our mission is to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they have learned to pursue careers that benefit their community.

Accolade title
Study at a globally recognized university
Accolade Description

ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.

Accolade item
Accolades Title
#1
Accolades Description

in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description

best online bachelor’s programs.

Accolades Title
Top 10%
Accolades Description

best global universities.

Accolades Title
80%
Accolades Description

of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities. 

Admission requirement title
How to apply
Admission requirement description

Applicants to the Professional Science Master’s in forensic science online program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.

Admission requirement item
Title
Application requirements
Description

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they’ve earned a bachelor's or master's degree in an appropriate physical, biological, computer science or related field from a regionally accredited institution. Examples of related fields include physics, toxicology or social science fields such as sociology, psychology, criminal justice or criminology from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00="A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00="A") in an applicable master's degree program.

The admissions committee reviews applications holistically and may consider applicants with a GPA below 3.00 if they’ve demonstrated a strong past performance in related science coursework, such as biology, chemistry and toxicology.

All applicants must submit:

  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
Title
Additional admission information
Description

An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.

Manual Cost
false
Weeks per Class
7.5
Academic Career
Graduate
Program fee code for resident
GP0177
Program fee code for non-resident
GP0177
Program Description Title
Prepare for leadership roles in the field of forensic science
override admission requirement
Off
Apply Now URL
https://webapp4.asu.edu/dgsadmissions/Index.jsp?term=2261&session=REG&campus=ONLNE
Slug
forensic-science-psm
Program Generated Code
GRAS-ASFRSCIPSM
Title
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
Description

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Schedule to talk
Academic Partner
Entity Type
Program features
Program highlights