Professor
Professor Dai’s research interests include fluorescent sensors for metal ions and enzyme activities.
Forensic Science, MS
Is crime-solving your calling? Pace University’s STEM-designated Master of Science in Forensic Science program combines rigorous academics with practical experience, offering hands-on training and connections with leading criminal justice organizations throughout New York City.
Location
New York City
Duration
40 Credits
24 Months, full-time and part-time
Modality
In-person
Start Dates
Fall, Spring, Summer
F1 Visa
Yes
STEM Designated Program
Yes
Solve Crimes Professionally
Turn your passion for crime-solving into a career with Pace University’s Master of Science in Forensic Science at Dyson College. Located in the heart of New York City, our program offers an unparalleled combination of academic excellence, hands-on experience, and faculty mentorship. At Pace you can build connections with leading forensic laboratories, including the nation’s largest DNA lab, and benefit from internship-to-employment pathways that can launch your successful forensic career.
Train in fully equipped forensic chemistry and biology facilities, including a state-of-the-art DNA sequencing lab, virtual crime scene reconstruction software, and advanced forensic microscopy laboratories. Work directly with expert faculty who bring decades of field experience and maintain active affiliations with local and federal forensic laboratories.
With fewer than 15 students per course, you’ll receive personalized mentoring and focused instruction. You also have a unique opportunity for internships with investigative teams at major crime labs, including opportunities with the New York Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
$80,300
median salary for forensic chemist in New York (Source: Salary.com)
14%
projected job growth from 2023–2033 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
#2
forensic science technician ranked second in “best science jobs” category (Source: U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
Curriculum
Our 40-credit science-based program in Forensic Science offered on Pace’s New York City campus can be completed in two years of full-time study. Successful candidates have undergraduate majors in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, forensic science or a pre-med platform. The program prepares students for immediate careers in forensic labs and makes available to them connections to various employment opportunities.
NOTE: Students with a bachelor’s of science in biology, chemistry, physics, or in other scientific disciplines may enter the master’s degree program, but may be required to complete some of the undergraduate science and forensic science prerequisite courses.
Take Courses Like…
- FOR 625: Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction
- FOR 615 Forensic Separations Chemistry
- FOR 537 Forensic Biology
Gain Invaluable Real-Life Experience
Our program offers students the opportunity to participate in internships with investigative teams in New York City at major-area crime labs, and upon completing program requirements, students will be able to begin actively working in a forensic laboratory or consider applying for admission into medical or dental schools or advanced graduate studies in forensic science, biology, or chemistry. Students can do research in drug analysis, arson accelerant detection, genetic sequencing, and proteomics.
Careers
Home to numerous forensic laboratories, New York City alone offers many career opportunities. Our alumni also work at governmental forensic laboratories in other jurisdictions, private forensic laboratories and major pharmaceutical companies.
As a Pace student, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with our robust career services team to develop a career plan that best fits your goals.
Our graduates are prepared for jobs like:
- Forensic drug chemists
- Toxicologists
- DNA analysts
- Criminalists
- Crime scene investigators
Student Quote
I was very much drawn to the program’s flexibility. The networking and career opportunities in the New York City area were also an attraction, and I felt that being in this location would be a contributing factor to my success.
—Joe Treviño ’15, Criminalist, NYPD
International Career Success Program
The INSPIRE Program (International Student Professional Readiness Program) is a badged internship and career success program exclusive to Pace. Year after year, this one-of-a-kind program empowers international students to achieve results in obtaining internships, jobs, and salary outcomes. Domestic students, we have an equivalent program for you called ASPIRE.
Where Pace Graduates are Employed
- The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Northeast Regional Laboratory, which employs forensic chemists specializing in the identification of drugs.
- The New York City Police Department (NYPD) forensic laboratory, which employs criminalists for drug identification, fingerprints, arson, and trace evidence.
- The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), which is the largest DNA lab in the country and employs criminalists in its toxicology laboratory and forensic biology laboratory.
Featured Faculty
Professor
Professor Mojica’s research interests include the utilization of nanoparticles in removal of heavy metals in aqueous samples and land pollutants.
Professor
Professor Chan’s research interest focuses on microbial interactions with their environments and other microbes through cell surface proteins.
Admission and Financial Aid
You're ready for a new level of success—whether it's advancing in your current field or launching a new career. Pace is with you every step of the way, providing a world-class education and the skills your industry will be looking for far into the future.
-
- A personal statement explaining to the Graduate Admission Committee why you would like to pursue the program of graduate study you have chosen. Additional information regarding your academic performance, as well as professional experience, may also be included in the supplement.
- A resume or outline describing at least the past five years of your employment history and any significant community, professional, or college extracurricular activities.
- Applicants need 2 letters of recommendation. Letters should be from academic or professional references that can knowledgeably comment on your ability to successfully complete graduate study. Include recognitions and achievements (e.g. licenses, publications, and awards).
- All Official Transcripts: Transcripts from every accredited college or university attended (not just the degree granting institution) must be sent either to Pace University, directly from the academic institution electronically or by mail, or forwarded by the applicant in sealed envelopes from the academic institution.
-
Per credit: $1,450 | Total cost of program: $58,000
*Tuition based on current year and subject to change. -
Fall Term
- Domestic Students: August 1
- International Students: June 1
Spring Term
- Domestic Students: December 1
- International Students: October 1
Summer Term
- Domestic Students: May 1
- International Students: March 1
-
Make an appointment to meet with you admission counselor.
-
Every admitted student is automatically considered for all available financial aid options, assessed based on both availability and individual need. Financial resources include:
- Merit-based Scholarships: Awards of up to $7,000, automatically considered during the application process.
- Graduate Assistantships: Opportunities for hands-on experience while earning financial support.
- Endowed Scholarships: Awards funded by generous donors to support student success.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: A federal loan program with favorable terms.
- Graduate/Professional Direct PLUS Loan: For students who need additional funding.
- Work-Study Programs: Part-time work opportunities to help fund your education.
- Military Benefits: Includes the GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Pace’s Veteran Tuition Scholarship.
For more information about affordability and the full range of financial aid options, visit Pace University Financial Aid.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Contact Us
Admission Contact
Office of Graduate Admission
Phone: (212) 346-1531
Email: graduateadmission@pace.edu
Departmental Contact
Zhaohua Dai, PhD
Email: zdai@pace.edu