The Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Science degree is a comparatively new two-year post-graduate course in the criminal science subject Forensic Science. Forensic Science is the branch of criminal science which deals with the application of advanced scientific methods and strategies to solve crimes and legal issues that are carried out through the use of advanced diagnostic techniques, innovative testing kits, advanced instruments and tools, and unique chemicals and enzymes. The course is usually undertaken after a three- year BSc graduate degree program and prepares candidates for application, surveillance, and research-based careers in criminology, investigation, and police departments. The course provides in-depth knowledge about the applications of Forensic Science and emphasizes on the theoretical and practical concepts and the fundamentals of testing and diagnostic strategies and their various applications and uses. It involves the basic concepts of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Important theories and basic applications are taught that help to analyse, identify, and infer critical points that are required to identify and capture criminals, identify genetic relationships, analyse crime scenes, carry out toxicology tests, and carry out handwriting analysis. Candidates are trained to apply their understanding and strategically use subject knowledge to catch criminals, analyse crime scenes, and perform laboratory diagnostic and analytical tests.
The course enhances personal skills like communication, leadership, strategic thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, logic, presentation, and analysis; and professional skills like planning and execution, problem-solving, critical thinking, research, analytical thinking, and reasoning.
SCOPE OF MSC FORENSIC SCIENCE
MSc Forensic Science graduates have multiple opportunities in the fields of Research, Science, and Criminology. Opportunities can be found in:
Students can contribute as Scientists in national laboratories and organizations like:
Indian Criminology & Forensic Science Association
Indian Institute of Science
Indian Institute of Technology
National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science (NICFS)
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
Forensic Science Society of India (FSSI)
Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre
All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health
Indian Forensic Organisation
Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT)
Students can become Research Associates in research institutes like:
Institute for Plasma Research (IPR)
Bose Institute
Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL)
Anand Diagnostic Laboratory
Department of Science & Technology (DST)
State Forensic Science Laboratory
Consortium Scientific Research (CSR)
Directorate of Forensic Science services (DFSS)
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
Students can become Research Assistants in laboratories and institutes of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) like:
Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB)
Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI)
Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB)
Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI)
National Institute of Science (NIS)
Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT)
Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB)
North - East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST)
Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS)
National Institute For Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST)
Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR)
Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC)
National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR)
Students can contribute in agricultural research services
Teaching positions in secondary and higher secondary schools, degree colleges, engineering colleges, and universities
Tutoring in Biology and Chemistry for reputed coaching institutes
Professional certifications in specializations like:
Molecular and Cell Biology
Computer/Digital Forensics
Criminal Justice
Advanced Biological Chemistry
Forensic Toxicology
Forensic Psychology
Genomics and Proteomics
Forensic Odontology
Forensic Counselling
Forensic Nursing
Genetic Engineering
Criminal Scene Investigation and Management
Law Enforcement
Fermentation Technology
Forensic Pathology
Crime and Intelligence Analysis
Criminalistics
ADMISSION AND ELIGIBILITY
Colleges and universities offer admission on the basis of two main modes of admission:
Merit - colleges invite for Application Forms. Interested candidates can apply once the applications are open through entrance examination, group discussions, and personal interview
Management - students can go for Direct Admission
Important considerations for admission:
Marks in Bachelor’s degree
Qualification in competitive entrance examinations
Minimum 50% aggregate marks in Bachelor’s degree from any University in India or abroad recognised by UGC/AIU
Compulsory subjects – Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English
Candidates who are in the final year of their studies and writing their final year examination with 50% aggregate marks in all the semesters/years of Undergraduate Examinations
Ratio based on both entrance exam score (85%) and academic record (15%) is considered for admission
COURSE CURRICULUM
The entire program of MSc Forensic Science is divided into two years with each year split into two semesters. In the two-year duration, 16 Theory papers and 7 Practical papers are covered with additional skill-enhancing programs and workshops. The course consists of:
The fundamental concepts, principles, and applications of Forensic Science
Important subjects and topics included:
Bioinformatics
Biological Chemistry
Data Mining
DNA Extraction and Isolation
DNA Profiling
Environmental Forensics
Fingerprint Analysis
Forensic Accounting
Forensic Ballistics
Forensic Biology
Forensic Chemistry
Forensic Data Analysis
Forensic Law
Forensic Photography
Forensic Physics
Forensic Serology
Forensics Techniques
Forensic Toxicology
Genetic Engineering
Genomics
Handwriting Analysis
Inorganic Chemistry
Instrumental Methods – Biological, Chemical, and Physical
Investigation Techniques
Molecular Biotechnology
Organic Chemistry
Preservation
Proteomics
Questioned Documents
Practical classes consist of:
Dry Laboratory Techniques
Wet Laboratory Techniques
Scene Investigations
Dissertation
Electives are included for further specialization
Guided Dissertations and Projects for practical exposure
Certification and Foundation Courses for holistic development
Study Tours to reputed national laboratories, research institutions, and industries, under the supervision of the department
Seminars
Lectures by experienced faculty and scientists
Workshops
Tutorials and Brainstorming Sessions
QUALIFYING ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
In order to get admission through Merit into reputed colleges in India, qualification in entrance examinations is important. The examinations may be national, state, and institution-specific. These examinations:
Are NOT mandatory but may be required for certain colleges/universities to be considered for the Merit category
Consist of objective type questions with MCQs
Syllabus includes 4 main sections:
English Grammar and Comprehension
Quantitative Reasoning
Analytical Thinking
Numerical/Graphical Analysi
A maximum of 4 options will be given to aspirants
Negative marking may be present
FUTURE PROSPECTS
After successful completion of MSc Forensic Science course, students have many opportunities:
Research Associate in national and international research laboratories
Teacher, Professor, or Lecturer in schools, colleges, or universities
Research Scientist
Public and Private companies and MNCs
M.Phil. in Forensic Science
Ph.D. in Forensic Science
Diploma in subjects like Criminal Forensics, Forensic Toxicology, Crime Scene Investigation, or Forensic Pathology
INTERNSHIPS AND PROJECTS
The course curriculum of MSc Forensic Science includes opportunities for students to obtain practical exposure. Summer internships, dissertations, and project provide a strong foundation for a career in Research. Points to remember:
Students are trained to write a clear scientific report that includes a theoretical background, experiment description, presentation of methodology, analysis of results, careful interpretation and evaluation of data, and conclusion
The Research Project is an opportunity to get hands-on training and laboratory exposure
In the final evaluation, class assignments, end-semester exam results, internships, and project reports are taken into account for a candidate to earn their MSc Forensic Science degree.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Multiple career opportunities are available in public and private academic institutions, medical start-ups, hospitals, research laboratories, intelligence bureaus, private detective agencies, pharmaceutical companies, police departments, manufacturing companies, forensic science laboratories, defence/army corporates, law firms, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), MNCs, and medical industries.
Potential career roles:
Teacher
Research Scientist
Lecturer/Professor
Toxicologist
Corrections Officer
Research Analyst
Forensic Scientist
Consultant
Online Tutor
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Compliance Officer
Forensic Science Project Mentor
Lab Assistant
Training Manager
Cyber Forensic Expert
Auditor
Research Associate
Research Scientist
Investigative Officer
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Control Manager
Research Biochemist
Legal Counsellor
Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
Law Expert
Clinical Data Manager
Medical Coder
Regulatory Affairs Associate
Scientific Laboratory Technician
Crime Scene Investigator
Lab Technician
Medical Representative
Business Development Manager
Crime Reporter
Safety Specialist
POPULAR RECRUITERS
Graduates can find employment in many public and private companies.
Popular recruiters are:
Schools
Colleges
Research Centers
Abbott Laboratories
Baxter Research
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Zydus Cadila
Accenture
Cipla Inc.
Biocon
Intelligence Bureau (IB)
Dr. Reddy Laboratory (DRL)
Boston Scientific Corporation
Cognizant
Bioceramics Limited
GlaxoSmithKline
Central Govt. Forensic Sciences Labs
Reliance Life Sciences
Wipro
Syneos Health
Wildlife Institute of India
Capgemini
Novartis
National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science
Tata Consultancy Services Limited
SALARY PACKAGE
Fresh graduates can easily get jobs in popular scientific research companies. Job positions start as Trainee and gradually proceed to Senior Associate/Scientist. With more career exposure, project experience, skills, and certifications, a salary hike of about 20% to 25% is guaranteed together with additional benefits and bonuses. The average salary after MSc Forensic Science ranges between 3 LPA to 10 LPA. The lowest salary expected (for a fresh graduate) is between 2.5 LPA to 3 LPA and with work experience increases to 15 LPA to 20 LPA.
CONCLUSION
MSc Forensic Science is a very popular yet new and upcoming criminal science course in India. The two-year MSc Forensic Science post-graduate course is designed to prepare students for a career in investigative research. The curriculum consists of strong theoretical concepts, practical experiments, and skill-building programs that create a balance between academics and practical exposure. This degree is available for students all over India and admission is subject to eligibility criteria. Multiple internships, project, and career opportunities are available in various departments, business sectors, and professional fields. Graduates are prepared for ANY type of job opportunity in the future.
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