Forensic Sciences (MFS)
Learn by doing in one of only two Masters of Forensic Science programs in Canada.
A research-intensive accelerated Masters degree within 12 months.
The program is designed to advance the scientific skills of graduates of undergraduate programs in forensic science accredited by the Forensic Science Education Program Education Commission (FEPAC), a standing committee of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).
Laurentian University’s Department of Forensic Science was the first in Canada to be granted full accreditation of undergraduate Forensic Science degrees through the American Academy of Forensic Sciences’ (AAFS) Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
Academic Advisor
Dr. James Watterson
Telephone: 705-675-1151 ext 4349
Email: jwatterson@laurentian.ca
Office: F-325, Science II Building, Sudbury Campus
About the Department of Forensic Science
Laurentian University's Forensic Science education began in 1998 with the Forensic Biology Option. Two decades later, we maintain our status as a distinguished, premier, high-quality, hands-on program. In 2004 Laurentian University lead the country with the establishment of a full, independent Department of Forensic Science. This means that our department has its own dedicated research labs, teaching labs, curator, professors and adjunct professors. We are the first in the country to have such dedicated resources. With small class sizes and professors who are practitioners and researchers in forensic science, your education will be second to none.
The Master of Forensic Science (MFS) has been approved to be delivered in May 2020.
In order to be considered for admission, applicants must present a four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent in Forensic Science. Preference will be given to degrees accredited by the Forensic Science Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). A minimum average of 75% is required.
Application process
Step 1.
Click here to submit the online application. Once students have applied, they will receive instructions (typically within 48 hours) from the Office of Admissions leading them to the MyLaurentian portal. Students can access the portal at my.laurentian.ca; sign-in credentials will be provided in the correspondence received from the Office of Admissions upon successful completion of an application. The following documents will be required in order to complete an application.
Documents for Internal Candidates:
- Statement of Forensic Discipline Interest* (to be uploaded via MyLaurentian)
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume (to be uploaded via MyLaurentian)
- Official Academic Transcript(s) from all post-secondary studies* (Please note that current or prior Laurentian University students do not need to request transcripts from Laurentian)
Documents for External Candidates:
- Three Reference Forms (to begin the process at my.laurentian.ca click on "Reference Submission" on the left-hand navigation menu)
- Statement of Forensic Discipline Interest* (to be uploaded via MyLaurentian)
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume (to be uploaded via MyLaurentian)
- Official Academic Transcript(s) from all post-secondary studies* (Please note that current or prior Laurentian University students do not need to request transcripts)
Step 2.
Once the Admissions Office receives all information and the application is deemed complete, the application will be forwarded to the department. An Admissions Committee meets to review the applications.
Step 3.
The Admissions Committee will review all applications on file and make a decision regarding the suitability of each applicant. The Admissions Committee will then make a recommendation to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Laurentian University. The Graduate Studies office will verify the dossier and if satisfactory, the Dean of Graduate Studies will forward the recommendation to the Office of Admissions at Laurentian University for admission.
Step 4:
If approved for admission, the Office of Admissions will send the student an Offer of Admission via MyLaurentian. Applicants wishing to accept the offer of admission must indicate their response on MyLaurentian within 3 weeks of receiving the offer. Once the student has accepted the offer, a transition to the registration process occurs.
*Statement of Forensic Discipline of Interest
Describe your career interests in forensic practice, including the specific forensic discipline that you wish to specialize in. Specifically, describe how the Master of Forensic Science program structure will help you to achieve those goals.
1. Check your program requirements
You can find your program requirements on this page, under admission requirements. For some Graduate programs you will need to secure a supervisor as part of your application process. You can find if you need to contact a supervisor on the how to apply to graduate programs page.
2. Complete your Application
Once you have reviewed your program requirements you can apply through the graduate application portal. This will take you to an external site, hosted by OUAC. Within 48 business hours of submitting your application you will receive an email with further instructions.
Apply Now3. Setup your myLaurentian account and upload your documentation
Once your application has been received by Laurentian University, you will receive an email that contains information on accessing your myLaurentian Portal where you will continue the application process. To activate your account, visit the myLaurentian Portal and click the yellow bar "New to Laurentian".
Please note that the submission of items on the “My Checklist” is solely the obligation of the applicant. Please review this list carefully in order to complete your application.
Learn more on our how to apply to graduate programs page.
Detailed How To ApplyThe degree options listed below are for the upcoming academic year, not the current academic year. If you are a current student looking for which courses to take in order to complete your degree options from a previous academic year's curriculum, please consult with an academic advisor.
Students must follow these regulations while in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
M. Forensic Science - General Specialization
Trimester 1:
FORS 5026EL Principles of Quality Assurance in Forensic Science
FORS 5016EL Seminar in Forensic Science Research and Practice
Two courses from among:
FORS 5036EL Advanced Topics in Forensic Chemistry and Instrumentation
FORS 5056EL Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Analysis
FORS 5046EL Advanced Topics in Forensic Toxicology
Trimesters 2 &3:
FORS 5005EL Major Applied Project
M. Forensic Science - Molecular Biology Specialization
Trimester 1:
FORS 5026EL Principles of Quality Assurance in Forensic Science
FORS 5056EL Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Analysis
FORS 5016EL Seminar in Forensic Science Research and Practice
One course from among:
FORS 5036EL Advanced Topics in Forensic Chemistry and Instrumentation
FORS 5046EL Advanced Topics in Forensic Toxicology
Trimesters 2 & 3:
FORS 5005EL Major Applied Project
M. Forensic Science - Chemistry/Toxicology Specialization
Trimester 1:
FORS 5026EL Principles of Quality Assurance in Forensic Science
FORS 5036EL Advanced Topics in Forensic Chemistry & Instrumentation
FORS 5046EL Advanced Topics in Forensic Toxicology
FORS 5016EL Seminar in Forensic Science Research and Practice
Trimesters 2 & 3:
FORS 5005EL Major Applied Project