Format

The Doctor of Forensic Sciences degree will provide applied graduate education and training at the doctoral-level in forensic sciences (60 credit hours). Given the current conditions within our society, the need for a professional, non-research oriented doctoral program for forensic sciences practitioners has never been greater. The professional doctoral degree is designed specifically for forensic science practitioners to improve their knowledgebase, tactics, techniques, and procedures. In the DFS, students may be eligible to bring in up to 30 credit hours of transfer credit based upon acceptable coursework completed at the Master of Science level and with approval by the program director and dean of the Graduate College.

 

Curriculum

Doctor of Forensic Sciences: 60 total credit hours

• Program Core: 15 hours
• Guided Electives: 45 hours
• TOTAL: 60 hours

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Admissions

• Completed online application for: Fall priority deadline - February 1st, Spring priority deadline - October 1st (applications received after the priority date are reviewed on a rolling basis and admissions granted if space is permitted)
• Completed Master’s degree official transcript, Completed bachelor’s degree official transcript
• 3.0 GPA or higher
• Three letters of recommendation preferably from professors and/or supervisors familiar with your academic ability, work ethic, and skills. (Applicants only need to provide their recommenders’ email addresses. Recommenders will then be emailed a link from which to upload their letter.)
• Statement of purpose describing your personal career goals and how the doctoral degree will support those goals, a brief description of experience or qualifications in support of the application and the specific track you want to pursue.
• Skills, equipment and access for online course participation includes the capacity for independent learning, proficiency in Windows, Internet, e-mail and basic applications; multimedia computer and high-speed Internet access are necessary.
• Applicants graduating from schools outside the U.S. are required to submit transcripts that have been evaluated to U.S. standards
• International applicants: coursework in the School of Forensic Sciences is online. That said, you will be able to remain in your home country.
• $50.00 application fee

 

Cost

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Forensic Sciences program will complete 60 credit hours during the course of their studies. Cost estimates below are calculated based on 2022-2023 rates. Additional cost details and OSU’s tuition and fee estimator are available on the Bursar website.

This is only an estimate of cost based on currently approved rates. Cost estimates do not include textbooks, exams, or course expenses, nor do they factor in individual transfer credits or scholarship information. Cost will vary if not enrolled in a fully online degree program. Active-duty military and veterans may qualify for resident tuition rate. Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Full disclaimer. 

 

Scholarships and Financial Aid

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