M.Sc Forensic Science

Sakshi Chaudhary

Updated on - Jan 6, 2024

MSc Forensic Science is a two-year postgraduate course that offers a comprehensive understanding of forensic science theories, principles, and techniques for the investigation of crimes and legal matters. After completion of the course, students can work as Forensic Toxicologists, Digital Forensic Analysts, Research Scientists in Academia, etc.

About MSc Forensic Science Course

MSc Forensic Science full form is Master of Science in Forensic Science. The course falls under the umbrella course MSc. The aim of the degree is to understand the investigation of artificial crime scenes through the collection, handling, and analysis of evidence for the purposes of criminal investigations. The MSc Forensic Science duration is two years. 

MSc Forensic Science Admission requires students to have a minimum of 50% in their BSc Forensic Science from a recognized university. The candidate should clear cut-off marks in entrance exams such as LPU NEST, AIFSET, etc. The MSc Forensic Science syllabus helps students in understanding forensic science and its application through research projects, practical laboratory work, and internships.

MSc Forensic Science graduates can make a good career in a range of fields such as Central Investigation Agencies, Law Enforcement Agencies, Research Institutions, etc. The average salary of an MSc Forensic Science graduate is INR 6.20 LPA.

Why Choose MSc Forensic Science Course?

The MSc Forensic Science course provides students with the ability to apply knowledge, methods, skills, and technologies at crime scenes. Below are a few points that give us in-depth insight into why to choose the MSc Forensic Science course:

• The graduates can work in diverse areas like government forensic laboratories, government hospitals, armed forces, intelligence bureau, central bureau of investigation, etc.
• As per the latest reports, more than 90,000 forensic scientists will be required in the next 9 years.
• The course offers the chance for graduates to collaborate with experts, including medical professionals, ballistic experts, and handwriting analysts.

Who Should Pursue a Master of Science in Forensic Science Course?

Below are the points regarding who should pursue MSc in Forensic course:

• Individuals who have strong analytical skills and proficiency in scientific reasoning and data analysis.
• Students who want to build their career in Forensic Psychologist, Anthropology, Digital Forensics, etc. can pursue this course.
• Students who want to have a deep understanding of criminal investigation and forensic science can enroll in the course.

MSc Forensic Science Eligibility Criteria

The MSc in Forensic Science eligibility criteria may differ from college to college as per their requirements. The standard eligibility criteria is mentioned below:

• The eligibility for the MSc Forensic Science course in India requires the aspirants to complete their BSc Forensic Science with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
• A relaxation of 5% marks is given to OBC/SC/ST candidates.
• Students must clear the entrance examinations such as CUET-PG, AIFSET, etc. 
• The minimum age to apply for the course is 20-21 years.

MSc Forensic Science Admission Process

The admission procedure for the MSc Forensic Science course is done on a merit or entrance basis. Listed below is the procedure to get admission for the MSc Forensic Science course:

• Step 1: Students must meet basic M.Sc Forensic Science eligibility criteria with a minimum of 50% in B.Sc Forensic Science. 
• Step 2: Students must fill out the application form available online and offline mode.
• Step 3: As required by the college, students must clear entrance exams to be accepted into the course.
• Step 4: A general interview (GD) or interview is also invited, and then a final merit list is published.
• Step 5: Students must pay the admission fees and provide the necessary documentation for verification.

MSc Forensic Science Entrance Exams

MSc Forensic Science admission includes entrance exams at national and institute levels. The common MSc Forensic Science entrance exams are listed below, along with application details:

MSc in Forensic Science Fees Details

The average MSc Forensic Science course fees are in the range of INR 20,000- 2 LPA. Below is a list of the best MSc in Forensic Science colleges along with the breakdown of their fees:

Types of MSc Forensic Science Courses

The course has full-time, part-time, and distance learning options available to students. The following MSc Forensic Science course details are provided below:

Distance MSc Forensic Science Course

Below mentioned are the distance MSc Forensic Science courses detail:

• The distance MSc Forensic Science course can be pursued by colleges like IMTS Institute, IFS Education Department, etc.
• The average course fee is in the range of INR 20,000-40,000 PA.
• The students should have completed BSc Forensic Science with at least 50% of the marks.
• The duration of the course is two years which can be maximum extended to five years.

Top MSc Forensic Science Colleges in India

MSc Forensic Science's scope in India is vast as the demand for professionals having an understanding of criminal investigations, legal proceedings, and other forensic applications is increasing. The MSc in Forensic Science course is offered by various colleges in India and the candidate can get admission based on merit or entrance exam scores.

Top MSc Forensic Science Government Colleges in India

The top government colleges in India offering an MSc in Forensic Science are given in the table below:

Top MSc Forensic Science Private Colleges in India

Below is a list of private MSc Forensic Science colleges in India:

Top MSc in Forensic Science Colleges by City

Top MSc Forensic Science Colleges by State

Master of Science in Forensic Science Syllabus and Subjects 

M.Sc in Forensic Science syllabus is designed to give an in-depth understanding of forensic science principles, policing, and criminal investigation through teaching and research. Some of the common subjects are listed below: 

• Forensic Chemistry
• Forensic Botany and Entomology 
• Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
• Cybercrime Investigation Techniques
• Legal Aspects of Forensic Science

 Read More: M.Sc Forensic Science Syllabus and Subjects

Integrated MSc Forensic Science Course Details

Integrated MSc Forensic Science can be pursued by students after 10+2 (high school degree) completion with a minimum of 60% marks. The integrated MSc Forensic Science course duration is five years. Students can do BSc Forensic Science + MSc Forensic Science from National Forensic Science University. 

MSc Forensic Science Course Comparison

MSc Forensic Science course is typically catered to students interested in understanding scientific methods used to evaluate and interpret physical evidence. However, there are similar courses that also cover the same area of study. Below is a comparison of the MSc Forensic Science course with other courses:

MSc Forensic Science vs MA Criminal Law & Forensic Science

The table below showcases the differences between MSc in Forensic Science and MA in Criminal Law & Forensic Science:

Courses After MSc Forensic Science

In order to enhance learning and domain expertise graduates can pursue higher education or various professional certification courses. Below is a list of a few courses after an MSc in Forensic Science:

• Ph.D. in Forensic Science
• M.Phil
• Certified Forensic Investigation Professional Course
• Certified Bloodstain Pattern Analyst Course

Career Options After Master of Science in Forensic Science

There are various career options available to MSc Forensic Science graduates in both private and public sectors. Some of the positions offered to graduates are:

• Forensic Scientist
• Crime Scene Investigato
• Forensic Consultant
• Forensic DNA Analyst
• Researcher 
• Private Forensic Consultant

MSc Forensic Science Salary in India

The average salary for an M.Sc in Forensic Science graduate is around INR 6.20 LPA (Source: PayScale) which would increase with the experience and skills. The graduates can gain experience by working in the Armed Forces, Intelligence Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation, etc.

Read More: MSc Forensic Science Salary

MSc in Forensic Science Scholarships

Students pursuing forensic science courses get various scholarships from private institutes/organizations and government schemes. Below mentioned are a few of the scholarships provided to MSc in Forensic graduates:

• JM Sethia Trust Merit Scholarship
• Tata Trust Medical & Healthcare Grants
• Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship
• Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences Scholarship
• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam University Scholarship

Skills to Excel as an MSc in Forensic Science Graduate

M.Sc Forensic Science graduates should develop good technical and problem-solving skills in order to effectively do their jobs. A few necessary skills for MSc in Forensic Science graduates are:

• Analytical Skills
• Technical Skills
• Observation Skills
• Time Management Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Good Mathematical Aptitude
• Ability to work for long hours and under pressure

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