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Program Requirements
In addition to a thesis or capstone project, all students must complete the six required core courses for a total of 18 units, three units of seminar, and the appropriate number of elective/research units, depending on selection of Plan I or Plan II, for a total of 48 units. A maximum of 12 units of undergraduate, upper division course work can be accepted towards completion of the degree.
Note: Students who do not maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in graduate courses will be placed on academic probation and will be subject to dismissal. A grade of C in any course is considered a failing grade and the units will not count toward the MS degree.
Program eligibility (Qualifications for Admission)
Academic Requirements
This program is suitable for people with a variety of backgrounds. Requirements for admission include an undergraduate degree in the sciences, engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a four-point scale. Students coming from colleges where a GPA cannot be calculated are evaluated using other aspects of their files and letters bearing on in-class performance when available. Well-qualified applicants will have undergraduate preparation (one year each) in general and organic chemistry, general physics, math through calculus, and a course in statistics. Applicants interested in following the DNA track should consider classes in general biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics. Students lacking the appropriate undergraduate preparation will be advised to take recommended courses before consideration for admission to the program. In addition, those who do not have at least an intermediate course in statistics will be required to take one before submitting a thesis. Graduate Record Examinations (GREs) are not required for acceptance, but can make a difference in borderline cases.
Crime Laboratory Background Requirements
Prospective students planning a career with county, state or federal law enforcement agencies, or with crime labs, should be aware that anyone seeking such employment will be expected to undergo an extensive background check. A history of substance use (alcohol or drugs, including marijuana), disruptive or unethical behavior, financial irresponsibility or a bad driving record may disqualify you from employment, even if you have never been arrested or convicted. Conviction of domestic abuse can also preclude one from being hired. The University of California, Davis cannot advise you on whether the particulars of your background might exclude you. If you have any questions in this regard, you are urged to contact the agencies or labs where you hope to work and obtain information about their specific policies. Furthermore, most forensic laboratories have restrictive requirements for their positions and in general require a degree in one of the physical or natural sciences or a closely related field. Some California forensic science laboratories may also require a course in quantitative analysis or its equivalent.
Program Track and Unit Requirements
The Forensic Science program at UC Davis offers a Plan I Thesis and a Plan II Non-Thesis option.
The Plan I option requires the submission of a thesis whereas the Plan II option requires more course work and the submission of a much more limited capstone project followed by an oral examination on that project. Both plans allow for a DNA track or a criminalistics track. We encourage all students to follow the Plan I Thesis option. But for some students, the Plan II option may be a more viable option.
Both plans require the completion of 48 quarter units with a combination of classes and applied research, and both plans have the same tuition costs.