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Forensic Medicine, Master's

See Program Details, Dates & Deadlines

Build Your Career Learning from Experts Trusted in Forensic Investigations.

The Master of Science in Forensic Medicine is a full‑time, 18‑month graduate program designed to launch your career in forensic science. Through a dynamic mix of classroom learning, online instruction, case discussions, and hands‑on laboratory training, you’ll build a strong foundation in forensic pathology, autopsy techniques, toxicology, radiology, odontology, anthropology, and medicolegal death investigation. Offered collaboratively by the University of Maryland, Baltimore and the State Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the program gives you unparalleled access to one of the nation’s leading medical examination facilities. You’ll learn directly from licensed, board‑certified forensic pathologists and experienced forensic professionals. Graduates are prepared for careers in medicolegal death investigation, forensic toxicology, crime laboratories, prosecutors’ offices, and academic forensic science departments or to continue to medical school, specializing in forensic pathology. A dual MS–JM degree with the China University of Political Science and Law is also available for students seeking a global perspective.

Details, Dates & Deadlines

Program Details

Class Format

Hybrid, Full Time

Program Location

Online
Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

Program Length

18 months

Credits to Complete

30

Cost/Credit Hour

In State: $802
Out of State: $1354

Online application
$75 application fee
Official transcripts
300-500 word essay
Proof of English language proficiency
CV or resume
3 Letters of recommendation

Dates & Deadlines

Fall Deadline (International Students): February 15

Fall Deadline (Domestic Students): May 1

Program Overview

The 18‑month Forensic Medicine master’s program prepares students for impactful careers in forensic medicine through classroom learning, online coursework, case discussions, and hands-on training in one of the nation’s leading medical examination facilities. Offered collaboratively by the University of Maryland, Baltimore and the State Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), the program provides direct mentorship from board-certified forensic pathologists and experts across pathology, toxicology, radiology, odontology, anthropology, and medicolegal death investigation. Graduates are equipped for careers in death investigation, forensic toxicology, crime laboratories, prosecutors’ offices, and academic forensic sciences, or to pursue medical school with a specialization in forensic pathology. In addition to the 30-credit program, a dual degree MS-JM is offered with the China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL). Through a sharing of credits between the two universities, students will earn a Master of Science from UMSGS and a Juris Masters from CUPL. 

Why Study Forensic Medicine?

Forensic medicine is a vital field that protects public health, supports the justice system, and provides answers to families and communities. Forensic professionals determine cause and manner of death, offer objective scientific evidence to law enforcement and the courts, and help identify public health trends such as emerging diseases or environmental hazards. As technology advances in areas like imaging, toxicology, and DNA analysis, skilled experts are needed to drive scientific progress and ensure accurate, trustworthy results. Beyond the science, those in forensic medicine play a compassionate role, helping families find clarity during difficult times. With the growing need for qualified specialists, students entering this field have the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on society. 

  • The degree is designed for completion within 12-18 months, but students are allowed up to three years to complete the program.  
  • Participants can start the program in the fall term only. 

The Master of Science in Forensic Medicine is a non-thesis, full-time, 12 to 18-month program requiring 30 credits of coursework. The courses are offered in a combination of in-class and online lectures, case discussions, laboratory training, and web conferences by accomplished faculty.  

Forensic medicine applies the principles and knowledge of medical sciences and technologies to the purposes of the law, as in determining the cause of death. This program is designed to give program graduates the knowledge and skills to allow them to contribute to the medico-legal death investigation system and to the legal justice systems. These contributions include the generation of knowledge in the field through submission of a manuscript for publication. 

The knowledge and training you'll receive in the Forensic Medicine Program will prepare you to advance in a number of fields, including:  

  • Medicolegal death investigation supporting forensic pathologists at medical examiner's offices or Coroner's offices  
  • Medical school study and then future forensic pathologist  
  • Police organizations  
  • Prosecutors’ offices  
  • Departments/divisions of forensic medicine/science in medical colleges and universities 
  • Government or private forensic medical societies 

The Master of Science in Forensic Medicine program is designed for individuals who have an undergraduate degree and background in health or biological sciences. Candidates with backgrounds in other areas such as forensic studies, criminal justice, and legal studies may also be considered, provided they have the prerequisite coursework cited below. 

Candidates who wish to enter the MS in Forensic Medicine must have a bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited U.S. institution. The students' undergraduate program must reflect the successful completion of the following coursework: biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physiology, biochemistry, mathematics, and English composition.  International candidates with a bachelor’s degree in medicine (B.M.) or with a similar degree that possesses adequate preparation for the graduate program may also be considered.  An outstanding candidate will demonstrate proficiency in Anatomy, Physiology, and Analytical Chemistry.   

Required Courses

  • FMED 710: Forensic Pathology (6 Credits) 
  • FMED 720: Forensic Autopsy (3 Credits) 
  • FMED 740: Epidemiological Data Research Capstone Project (5 Credits) 
  • FMED 750: Criminal Law and Forensic 
  • PATH 602: Systemic Pathology (3 Credits) or PATH 603: General Pathology (3 Credits) 
  • TOXI 607: Forensic Toxicology (3 Credits) 
  • FMED 610: Forensic Toxicology Laboratory (2-3 Credits) 
  • FMED 840: Forensic Odontology and Forensic Anthropology (2 Credits) 

See Course Descriptions

Admission Requirements

Upload your transcripts as a supplemental item to the online application. 

You must submit transcripts from each college/university attended, including coursework in progress at time of application.  Unofficial copies may be provided for the application review process.  
If you are offered admission, you must then provide official transcripts from each college/university from which a degree was earned.  The transcript must be provided to the Graduate School directly from the prior, degree-granting institution in a sealed envelope in order for that document to be considered official.  Alternatively, it may be provided to the Graduate School electronically by way of a secure, encrypted platform.  Each transcript should bear the signature of the registrar and the seal of the granting institution. 

Transcripts (US only) may be obtained from/provided by one of the following secure, encrypted transcript services:
https://www.parchment.com/ 
https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/solutions/ed-transcripts/
Send encrypted, electronic transcripts from your issuing institution to: gradapply@umaryland.edu 

If provided by mail, send official transcripts in sealed envelopes to:
ATTN: Admissions
University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies
620 West Lexington Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1508

Essay
Your essay must be uploaded as a supplemental item to the online application.  The statement should be between 300- to 500-words and should address your academic and/or professional career goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study.   

CV or Resume
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume is required by most graduate programs.  Your CV or resume must be uploaded as part of the online application.

Letters of Recommendation
Applicants should provide at least one letter of recommendation from professors or others who can attest to the quality of your academic performance and scholastic potential.

English Language Proficiency (International Applicants Only)
The Graduate School accepts the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the Duolingo English Test as a measure of English proficiency.  Minimum required scores are 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL, 7.0 on the IELTS, and 115 on the DET. Scores must be sent directly from ETS (for TOEFL, use institution code #5848), the IELTS agency, or Duolingo to the Graduate School.

Application for in-state status classification
Maryland residents only.  If you wish to be considered for in-state residency status for admission and tuition purposes, you must complete an Application for In-State Classification and submit it to the campus classification officer within the Office of the Registrar.

If you have problems with or questions about the application process, please contact us at 410.706.7131 or gradapply@umaryland.edu 

Contact Us

Admissions

Arielle Faulkner
Admissions Counselor
afaulkner@umaryland.edu 
410-706-7132 

Academics

Dr. Ling Li
Program Director
lingl@ocmemd.org

Edernst Noncent, M.D.
Medical Director
noncente@ocmemd.org 

Travis Young, MS, MA, CAADC, QMHP, NPT-C
Assistant Program Director
travis.young@umaryland.edu

 

Meet Your Faculty

Elevate your learning experience with our esteemed faculty comprising accomplished scholars and seasoned health care professionals. Benefit from their wealth of expertise and practical insights as they guide you through our comprehensive programs, ensuring a transformative educational journey that prepares you for success in the dynamic field of health care.

View Faculty Bios

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Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-3100

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