A new master’s degree program at California State University, Fresno is preparing students for careers in the rapidly growing field of forensic science.

The two-year Professional Master’s of Science degree in forensic science is the only program of its kind in the central San Joaquin Valley and is drawing strong interest. Applicants include recent college graduates from throughout Valley, the Sacramento area and Southern California, practicing scientists interested in a career change to forensics and practicing forensic scientists trying to develop their careers.

The multidisciplinary program includes study in natural sciences such as chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics, and in social sciences such as criminology and law.

In addition to classroom instruction, students are involved in research and collaboration with local crime laboratories, and must complete a research internship in a crime lab or other science laboratory. They also must complete a master’s thesis or project.

Hallmarks of the new program are personalized hands-on learning, low faculty-student ratio and personal contact with practicing forensic scientists, said Dr. David Frank, chair of the Chemistry Department.

“Our students work with professors who have real-world experience in nationally accredited crime laboratories and have internationally recognized research publications,” he said.

”They may collaborate with practicing forensic scientists in the California Department of Justice Crime Laboratory in the campus science complex and with Fresno County crime labs,” he said.

For more information on the new professional master’s degree contact forensic scientists Dr. Kevin Miller at 559.278.2311 or Dr. Eric Person at 559.278.2170.