MS in Biomedical Forensic Sciences
2 years
full-time | part-time
boston university medical campus
Accepting applications for 2025
Prospective Students Day (hybrid) 01/13/25 1:00pm EST
A FEPAC accredited graduate program, the Biomedical Forensic Sciences Program (BMFS) trains aspiring forensic scientists in a variety of disciplines applicable to both crime scene investigation and evidence analysis, skills crucial to today’s comprehensive forensic investigations.
The Biomedical Forensic Sciences program’s mission is to teach and model scientific rigor with high professional and academic standards in the various disciplines of the forensic sciences generating confident, competent and ethical future practitioners.
Unique Location and Networking Opportunities
This program is one of the only forensic science programs in the United States based at a major medical center, providing students and faculty access to extensive resources and facilities. It is one of only a few forensic sciences graduate programs in New England, providing a distinct opportunity for individuals to pursue graduate level education in forensic science in Boston: a city that is home to more than sixty universities and several of the world’s top-ranked medical centers.
The campus contains state of the art lecture halls, seminar rooms, sophisticated computerized teaching labs and Boston’s largest biomedical research park. In addition, the campus is within walking distance of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for Massachusetts and the Boston Police Department Crime Laboratory, providing opportunities for professional advancement beyond the classroom.
Emphasis on Scientific Rigor
Professionals are trained in the basic principles of forensic science with a strong biomedical and chemistry background, providing crucial expertise to forensic investigations. The Biomedical Forensic Sciences program curriculum provides a broad-based learning experience in multiple forensic science disciplines emphasizing topics such as:
- Human Biological Evidence and DNA Analysis
- Toxicology and Controlled Substance Analysis
- Forensic Analytical Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis
- Pathology and Medicolegal Death Investigation
- Criminal Law and Ethics
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Pattern Evidence Recognition and Interpretation
Graduates are prepared to pursue a variety of career options in crime laboratories, medical examiner offices, law enforcement agencies, scientific instrument companies and hospital or biotechnology laboratories. Prior graduates have secured positions in city, state, county, federal and private laboratories. Some graduates have pursued advanced degrees in law, medicine and science across the United States.
Instrumentation and Resources
The Biomedical Forensic Sciences program is proud to possess an array of state-of-the-art equipment housed within its Chemistry, Biology, DNA, Toxicology and Microscopy laboratories. The application of innovative methodologies within the field of forensic science has made it imperative for graduates entering the field and those currently working within the field to be proficient in these techniques. All students obtain instrumentation and analytical experience through required laboratory courses and independent research.
Student Research
All students complete a program of independent research culminating in a written thesis of publishable quality. Data collection and analysis take place in the BMFS laboratories, other departments at BU or at internship sites such as crime laboratories or forensically relevant industries.
Travel grants for students presenting at conferences are available through the Biomedical Forensic Sciences Program.
Internship and Career Opportunities
Internships in forensic settings are strongly encouraged and depending on hours completed and nature of work may be approved for academic credit. The professional environment supplements classroom learning, introduces students to new skills and provides experience beneficial to future career planning.
Graduates of the MS in Biomedical Forensic Sciences program pursue careers as forensic scientists and toxicologists, DNA analysts, drug chemists, death investigators, trace evidence examiners, serologists, firearms examiners, fingerprint examiners, death investigators and crime scene responders at the local, state and federal levels. Based on data from 2022-2024 graduates, over 87% had attained employment in a forensic lab, law enforcement, biomedical or other scientific field, or had enrolled in an advanced degree program.
2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | 2023-2024 | |
Total enrolled | 41 | 35 | 39 |
No. of graduates: | 26 | 12 | 19 |
with job offers | 24 | 8 | 16 |
obtaining advanced degree | 1 | 1 | 0 |
News
Dr. Robin Cotton was an invited plenary speaker at the 2024 Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists annual meeting in Atlantic City. Her talk, which she delivered along with Dr. Pamela Marshall from Duquesne University, was entitled “Inspiring Minds: The Evolution of the Next Generation of Forensic Scientists”.
Congratulations to Boston University students for winning the NEAFS George Chin Cup again in 2024! The winning team consisted of four BMFS students who outscored other graduate program teams in an academic forensic science competition.
Associate program director Amy Brodeur was recognized by the Council of Forensic Science Educators for her outstanding service to the organization in 2023. COFSE is an organization of professionals teaching forensic science whose objectives are to promote and exchange resources for all involved in educating and fostering the next generation of forensic scientists.
At the 2022 American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting, program director Robin Cotton was the honored recipient of the Paul L. Kirk Award, given annually by the AAFS Criminalistics Section. This prestigious award is bestowed upon a person who has developed a method that greatly improves the capacity or accuracy of criminalistics or forensic science and/or performed a special service that results in marked improvement in the quality, recognition, or acceptance of criminalistics or forensic science.
Ashley Holt was presented with the 2022 ASCLD Education Scholarship based on her academic record and research on the characteristics of bloodstains on waterproof fabrics. Congratulations Ashley!