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Dusting for fingerprints
George Mason University

Frequently Asked Questions

Investigate Further: Forensic Science FAQs

Blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience, the Forensic Science Program prepares students for careers in crime scene investigation, laboratory research, and the intersection of science and law. Partnerships and state-of-the-art labs in the Life Sciences and Engineering Building provide valuable hands-on learning to complement a rigorous curriculum.

Forensic Science student using tool to image evidence in LSEB lab

Forensic Science FAQs

Are you an accredited program?

Yes. George Mason University is an accredited institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, therefore all of George Mason's programs are accredited. 

For job postings that require "a degree from an accredited program," rest assured that our programs meet that requirement.

Where do Forensic Science students take their classes?

Freshmen and Sophomore students will start their college experience at George Mason’s Fairfax Campus, although they are welcome to take available courses at any of George Mason’s campuses.

Junior and Senior students will receive a unique and comprehensive hands-on learning experience through a mixture of classes at our Fairfax and SciTech campuses. Starting January 2025, the Forensic Science Program took occupancy of brand new, state-of-the-art labs in the new Life Science Engineering Building. These labs include a Forensic Science suite of dry, wet, and fingerprinting labs, a DNA suite of instruction and research labs, chemical instrumentation labs, and a suite of cadaver labs. These labs house our advanced Forensic Science courses (upper level FRSC 300s and 400s) and allow our students to obtain the hands-on, operational skills we believe are vital to our students’ success and preparedness for the forensic science workforce.

Graduate students will find their coursework located on the SciTech campus, as their coursework is solely FRSC courses and utilizes the state-of-the-art facilities on that campus.

Find more information about the new Life Science Engineering Building and Labs.

How do students travel to, from, and between campuses?

George Mason has several transportation options for our students who are both living on and off campus.There are a variety of parking permits available for different parking needs. Additionally, shuttle bus services between campuses and to local areas of interest are available at no charge to George Mason students, as well as bike and carpool programs. 

George Mason’s Parking and Transportation Office is the best resource for specific information.

I am a transfer student, on which campus will I take classes?

This varies by student as it depends upon what major requirements have already been satisfied with transfer credits.  Most of our transfer students start with our FRSC 200 and 201 courses, which are offered on the Fairfax Campus. For students bringing in many credits, their time at George Mason is usually shortened and their timeline for the upper-level FRSC courses is expedited; these students can expect to take courses at the SciTech campus after a semester or two.

What forensic science experience do George Mason faculty have?

This Forensic Science Program prides itself on the wealth of knowledge and experience that our faculty bring to their classrooms in their instruction. Working in the field and labs as forensic science experts provides invaluable casework experience which we translate to our students as they learn and prepare to join the forensic science workforce. Learn more about our world-class faculty. 

What are the degree requirements?

  • Our Undergraduate/Bachelor’s program requirements and course structure consist of a heavy focus on natural sciences (General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Cellular Biology, Genetics, Anatomy, Physics, Calculus, and additional higher level sciences) as well as a foundation of forensic science courses (Forensic DNA, Forensic Chemistry, Crime Scene Investigations, Forensic Trace Analysis)
  • Students then continue their focus in one of four concentrations: Criminalistics, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, or Interdisciplinary Forensic Science.
  • Our master’s program requirements depend on the specific concentration that a student chooses, in addition to required coursework and FRSC elective coursework, including: Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Chemistry Analysis, Forensic Biology Analysis, Forensic/Biometric Identity Analysis.
  • Specific course and degree requirements can be found in the University Catalog.

Can I see a sample schedule?

We provide 4-year sample schedules to all of our incoming students specific to their catalog year and concentration. These schedules are examples of how a student can complete all of their degree requirements in a typical 4-year timeline. Students are able to adjust their schedules to suit their plans and needs, though we always suggest that the student review their plans with a forensic science advisor to discuss how the changes could affect their graduation timeline. View a list of College of Science Sample Schedules.

Do you provide tours of the Forensic Science Program or classrooms/facilities?

George Mason provides on-campus, virtual, or self-guided tours of the university. Unfortunately, we do not have Forensic Science-specific tours and are unable to accommodate requests. The Forensic Science Program usually participates in George Mason and College of Science admission events such as Fall Premiere, Spring College of Science Spotlight, and Spring Preview. We encourage interested, prospective students to check out the available offerings and options through the Admission Office.

Do you provide field trips or lectures to my high school class/group?

Our Forensic Science Program receives numerous requests to host high school groups or to present to classes. We try to accommodate as many of these requests as possible, yet our availability is limited due to commitments to our own university students and classes. If you would like to submit a request and be added to our request list, please fill out the Outreach Request Form with as much pertinent information as possible. 

I have a different question, how can I contact you?

  • Telephone: 703-993-5071
  • Email: fscience@gmu.edu
  • Office: Discovery Hall 181
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Email is the most direct way to contact us, as our faculty and staff may have hybrid schedules due to their class times and locations.

How can I speak with an academic advisor?

Current George Mason students may set up academic advising appointments through Patriot Connect. To find additional information for current students, visit Forensic Science Advising.

Common Resource Offices

  • Housing at George Mason
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Scholarships:
    • The Forensic Science Program does have scholarships available directly through the program. The College of Science has scholarships available to students, or there may be opportunities through the University and the Financial Aid Office.
  • Teaching/Research Assistant Positions:
    • The Forensic Science Graduate Program has 5 Graduate Assistant positions through the program. When these positions become available, the program will reach out to those currently enrolled and recently admitted students to request applications.

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.