M.Sc. in Forensic Sciences is a 2-year full-time post-graduate course that is divided into 4 semesters. Forensics is a method used to determine what happened before, during, and after a crime. Students can choose to focus on one area of forensics, such as Biology or Cyber Security, relevant to the sort of criminal activity to detect. The course may also involve an advanced study of Psychology for understanding a criminal’s mind.
The course prepares students to detect dicey situations where a crime may occur, such as cyber security, towards preventing digital attacks before they can happen. Even handwriting analysis can be used in marital counseling and to help someone choose a career path.
See Also: Forensic Science Courses
There are multiple universities and colleges offering Forensic Science degrees. The course prepares candidates for professional roles in Forensic Science, such as police or forensic practice, the criminal or civil justice system or research. They can develop command, control, and management skills that will enable them to present expert evidential incident reports to the court of law.
The average annual course fee in India ranges between INR 20,000 and 2 lacs, depending upon the institute offering the course. The average annual salary offered in India to successful postgraduates of the course ranges between INR 2 and 10 lacs, depending upon the candidate’s expertise in the field.
Table of Contents
- What is MSc Forensic Science?
- MSc Forensic Science Course Details
- MSc Forensic Science Admission Process
3.1 Eligibility
3.2 Entrance Exams
What is MSc Forensic Science?
M.Sc. in Forensic Science is designed for both graduate students and forensic practitioners. The course aims to build in students both theoretical knowledge and practical application of the key aspects of forensic science. Enrolled students are initially taught the fundamentals of Forensic Biology and Forensic Chemistry that underpin much of the laboratory analysis associated with forensic investigations.
Subsequently, the recovery and processing of a variety of evidence types found at crime scenes are studied in detail, as is the evaluation and presentation of that evidence in legal contexts.
See Also: Forensic Science Eligibility
The course affords students access to extensive modern facilities with state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories. Upon completion of the course, students are needed to undertake a research project towards developing research skills in a diverse range of projects, both within the university and through external placements.
See Also:
M.Sc. in Forensic Sciences: Course Highlights
Tabulated below are some of the major highlights of the course.
| Course Level | Post Graduate |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination Type | Semester system |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in science or equivalent qualification |
| Admission Process | Counselling after qualification of entrance examination |
| Course Fee | INR 20,000 to 2 lacs |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2 to 10 lacs |
M.Sc. in Forensic Sciences: Admission Process
The merit list for admission to the course is usually prepared on the basis of the candidate’s performance in a relevant qualifying examination and entrance exam. General weightage is given to both the score obtained in the entrance exam, and to the score obtained in the last qualifying examination.
The round of written tests is often followed by subsequent rounds of Group Discussion and Personal Interviews.
See Also: Forensic Medicine Courses
Eligibility for M.Sc. in Forensic Sciences
Minimum eligibility criteria for M.Sc. in Forensic Science courses may vary across institutes. Primarily, the criteria include
- Bachelor’s degree in science/engineering/pharmacy/ medicine, obtained from a recognized university.
- A minimum aggregate score of 60% at the level of graduation.
MSc Forensic Science Entrance Exams
M.Sc. in Forensic Sciences Syllabus
A semester - wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated below.
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Forensics techniques | Finger prints impressions |
| Physical instrumental methods | Questioned documents |
| Biological instrumental methods | Forensic chemistry |
| Forensic photography | Forensic toxicology |
| Practical | Practical |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Forensic physics | Forensic physics |
| Forensic biology | Forensic chemistry |
| Forensic serology | Forensic ballistics |
| Recent advances | Forensic photography |
| DNA isolation | Finger print analysis |
| Practical | DNA profiling |
| - | Practical |
| - | Dissertation |
M.Sc. in Forensic Sciences Top Colleges
Some of the top institutes offering the course in the country with the corresponding locations and fees charged by the respective colleges are listed below.
| Name Of Institute | City | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Lovely Professional University | Jalandhar | INR 1,98,000 |
| Lovely Professional University | Chandigarh | INR 1,98,000 |
| SGT University | Gurgaon | INR 3,00,000 |
| Amity University | Gurgaon | INR 1,89,000 |
| Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | INR 1,70,000 |
| Galgotias University | Greater Noida | INR 1,01,000 |
| Gujarat University | Ahmedabad | INR 30,000 |
| GD Goenka University | Gurgaon | INR 1,40,000 |
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | INR 1,60,000 |
| Maharshi Dayanand University | Rohtak | INR 20,274 |
| Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University | Lucknow | INR 1,01,000 |
| Maharaja Agrasen University | Solan | INR 1,50,000 |
| Kurukshetra University | Kurukshetra | INR 1,04,000 |
M.Sc. in Forensic Sciences: Career Prospects
Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Biology, and Crime Scene Investigation have always had career scope. Forensic Speech Science deals with analyzing voice samples using spectrogram, recordings, and machines to help identify the speaker. Some voice recordings are permissible as evidence in a court of law in anti-corruption and other criminal offenses.
See Also: Forensic Accounting and Fraud Detection Courses
The ability to work with experts from other allied fields like Social Science, Psychology, and Statistics is a must since job profiles largely depend on one’s area of specialization. Such postgraduates work in both government and private agencies, hospitals and laboratories.
Many corporates hire such postgraduates as document experts and in areas such as:
- anti-terrorist operations
- protection of human rights and environment
- mass disaster management
- cyber-crime investigation
- consumer and intellectual property rights.
Some of the top professional avenues for such post graduates are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.
| Job Position | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | County Correctional Officers are often civil service workers who supervise and closely monitor jail or correctional facility inmates and the facility itself. They watch over both those who are awaiting trial and those who have already been convicted and are serving their sentence. | INR 3,37,000 |
| Customs Agent | A Customs Inspector works in the Department of Homeland Security ensuring domestic security against terrorism, inspecting travellers and commercial transport, and enforcing trade regulations. Also, they work with local and federal law enforcement agencies. Some may be trained as dog handlers or be proficient in a foreign language. | INR 5,40,000 |
| Forensic Psychologist | Criminal Forensic Psychologists are highly trained professionals, they typically hold a doctoral degree in their field, though a Master's degree may be sufficient in some cases. Psychologists must be licensed and certification is preferred. | INR 7,70,000 |
| Compliance Officer | The first duty a Tax Compliance Officer performs in a case is ensuring the accuracy of any credits and deductions a taxpayer has claimed. They give advice and pursue legal action if the taxpayer doesn't follow the necessary procedures. | INR 3,33,000 |
| Coast Guard | During the enlistment process, they are required to pass physical exams and background checks that include credit and criminal histories. This is an honourable role where the government retains the right to call members back within the contractual period. | INR 6,00,000 |
MSc Forensic Science: FAQs
Ques. What are the benefits of doing MSc Forensic Science?
Ans. There are numerous benefits of doing MSc in Forensic Science. MSc Forensic Science graduates can get jobs in government as well as private sectors. The study of forensic science improves skills and knowledge. Graduates can employ in Forensic Laboratories, Detective Offices, Banks, etc.
Ques. Which branch of forensic science is popular?
Ans. Forensic Medical Examiner, Forensic Engineers, Forensic Accountants, Crime Scene Investigator, and Crime Laboratory Analyst branch are best in forensic science.
Ques. What skills are required for MSc in Forensic Science?
Ans. Skills required for MSc Forensic Science:
- Analytical skills
- Technical skills
- Observation skills
- Attention to detail towards one’s work
- Team spirit
- Ability to work for long hours and under pressure
Ques. What are the sectors that provide job opportunities to MSc Forensic Science graduate?
Ans. This course offers ample job opportunities to students, and they can work as officers and assistants for organizations like the Secret Service, Police Departments, Private Hospitals, Forensic Laboratories, the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Bureau, and the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Ques. Can I join CID after MSc in Forensic Science?
Ans. Yes, but first it is essential to clear the CSE exams. This will help in clearing the UPSC exam, and then they can join the CID team as a sub-inspector.
Ques. Is the Forensic Examiner job stressful?
Ans. Forensic Examiner, may operate under pressure, depending upon the level of pressure varying by field and experience. The results indicate lab managers are one of the stress factors.
Ques. What is the Job of forensic scientists?
Ans. Forensic scientists work in a lab environment, examining and analyzing evidence provided by investigators.
Ques. what is the highest salary of a Forensic Scientist?
Ans. Forensic experts with 5 years of experience or more can expect a salary of INR 6-12 lakh per Annum.
Ques. How can I pursue phd in forensic science after M.Sc forensic science?
Ans. For pursuing PhD in Forensic Science program, candidates must have a master's degree in forensic science or a related field from a recognized university with average marks of 55%- 65%.
Ques. Does M.Sc forensic science have scope in India?
Ans. After the completion of the M.Sc forensic science course, postgraduates can join the government sector in India. They can find jobs in departments such as Central Bureau of Investigation, the Intelligence Bureau, or the different Police Departments.
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