The Ph.D. in Forensic Science program is one of a few such programs in the United States.
The major emphasis of the program is the development and completion of a research project that advances the knowledge or capabilities of forensic science. The degree culminates in an oral defense of the Ph.D. dissertation. To provide the breadth and depth of knowledge required to complete a dissertation, Ph.D. students must complete the same coursework requirements as the M.S. degree plus a research design class (FIS 703).
The objective of the Ph.D. program in Forensic Science is to prepare students to work as professional, independent scientists in academia, government laboratories, or private industry. Through a core of advanced course work and the completion of an independently executed research project, the program provides students with the skills needed to critically assess the current state of knowledge within the field, identify gaps in the knowledge, propose viable and controlled experiments to reveal new knowledge, to execute and interpret experimental results, and, finally, to effectively communicate research findings in oral and written formats. Successful Ph.D. students are able to solve complex problems at the frontier of the discipline.
Because of the lack of doctoral programs nationally in forensic science, the Ph.D. in Forensic Science at WVU establishes the department’s position as a leader in this critically important area of study. The program requires a strong natural science foundation that enables students to teach or work in many of the foundational/traditional areas of criminalistics. Students learn the underpinnings of the discipline, research design, quantitative methods, statistical analysis, and communication skills, such as scientific writing and presenting.
The Ph.D. program reflects a combination of prescriptive coursework and a flexible, research-oriented approach to develop the interests, capabilities, and potential of each student. In addition to the curriculum for the M.S. degree, doctoral students are required to take one additional course in Research Design (FIS 703). The coursework presents the essentials of each sub-discipline at an advanced level and exposes students to the frontiers of forensic science research. Ph.D. students are required to enroll and participate in the departmental seminar program for at least six semesters, where they often serve as role models and mentors for students in the M.S. program.
Pathway to the Ph.D. via the Department’s M.S.
Students who have completed the M.S. at WVU must formally apply for admission to the Ph.D. program.
Pathways to the Ph.D. beside that of the Department’s M.S.
Students who have completed an M.S. at another institution can enter the Ph.D. program; their course work will be evaluated against that of WVU’s M.S. program, and students will be informed of any course deficiencies that need to be completed as part of their course of study under the Ph.D. program.
Academic standards are similar for the M.S. and Ph.D. programs. Research at the Ph.D. differs from the M.S. in that students are encouraged to publish their work in the peer-reviewed literature at coherent steps in their projects that will then serve as the basis as chapters for a publication-quality dissertation.
The form for the dissertation should include an introductory chapter that clarifies the theme of the dissertation, two to four independent—but related—chapters (publications) that describe different sub-projects of the project, and a concluding chapter that integrates the findings, describes the potential implications and broader impacts of the work, and proposes ideas for future work.
Requirements for Application
-
A personal statement, including your research interests and which research faculty most interest you as potential advisors. Faculty members who are available to supervise Ph.D. students in research are Professors Arroyo, Iyengar, Jackson, Morris, Speir, and Trejos.
CV or resume
A research-based M.S. degree in forensic science or closely related discipline, or a B.S. degree in forensic science or closely related discipline and the GRE taken within the last seven years with a score of 300 or better. Note that in the absence of an M.S. degree, the GRE will not be waived.
Academic transcripts
Research writing example of a peer-reviewed publication or thesis
- If you wish to submit an alternative document for review, please contact the Associate Chair of Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Glen P. Jackson (contact information provided below), to determine suitability.
Three letters of recommendation
- All references must be familiar with, and able to comment on, the applicant’s academic and/or research skill set.
Application Deadline
Although early review of applications will begin December 15, the application deadline for the Ph.D. program is January 15. Applications submitted after Jan 15 may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For additional information, please contact the Associate Chair of Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Glen P. Jackson at: Glen.Jackson[at]mail.wvu.edu or (304)-293-9236.