Master of Science in Forensic Science Program
The Center provides a focus and resources to teach the forensic science related content of the MSFS program at . Its full time staff and adjunct faculty come from a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise, in government and private laboratories, and includes practicing attorneys and specialists in many forensic disciplines.
Arcadia’s Master’s Degree in forensic science provides a general approach for forensic science education, providing required coursework in the areas of forensic biology, chemistry, trace analysis and toxicology. This approach to graduate study in forensic science makes for well rounded forensic practitioners, unlike in other graduate programs that require a commitment to a single field of study. In their first year of study, students have the opportunity to take key graduate science coursework necessary for a successful career in forensic science, lacking from their undergraduate education as well as courses in crime scene investigation, forensic serology and forensic chemistry.
In the summer between first and second year, many students find jobs locally as interns in forensic toxicology laboratories, with coroner’s offices, or in other areas. Some of our students spend the summer as mentors at the Forensics Mentors Institute, an intensive training and development program for high school students in the greater Philadelphia area. All students are required to engage in an independent research project mentored by a faculty member affiliated with Arcadia, the Center or our partners.
The second year of the Master of Science in Forensic Science Program at Arcadia introduces more applied coursework in forensic toxicology, forensic DNA analysis, forensic chemistry II and trace evidence, as well as moot court. The students also attend local and regional forensic science conferences to begin networking in preparation for job seeking, and learning about how forensic science is practiced in the real world. Students in their second year of study attend the annual conference, where students often present findings from their research during poster or oral presentations. Second year students also complete their research project, and participate in an internal internship. All Arcadia MSFS students are guaranteed a position in one of The Center’s internship opportunities. 
The Arcadia Master of Science in Forensic Science Program’s capstone event is comprised of oral board examinations and a presentation of the students’ project work.
An emphasis on laboratory coursework through the two year program provides students with significant hands-on experiences. This coupled with the internship and research opportunities, ensure that Arcadia graduates are well-prepared for careers in forensic science and that they are well-received by the forensic science community.
In 2004, Dr. Fredric Rieders, founder of NMS Labs in Willow Grove PA, reached out to neighboring Arcadia University to create a pioneering Masters of Science in Forensic Science graduate program. It became one of the first programs in the country to be accredited through the (FEPAC), sponsored by the (AAFS).
The program has since graduated 100 students, who have gone on to work in state, federal, forensic science, and private laboratories.
Currently the program has 35 students between its first and second years, who are trained in a wide range of forensic science disciplines, preparing them for all available opportunities in exciting forensic science careers.
