#crime labs

In an era where crime is becoming increasingly complex and technology-driven, Forensic Science has emerged as a key player in criminal investigations. An M.Sc. in Forensic Science is not just about solving crimes; it’s a gateway to a wide range of career opportunities that combine science, law, and technology.

Whether you’re a science graduate curious about criminology or someone passionate about applying biology and chemistry in real-world settings, this advanced program can set you on a fascinating and impactful career path.

What is M.Sc. in Forensic Science?

Master of Science in Forensic Science is a two-year postgraduate degree that equips students with knowledge and hands-on skills in criminal investigation, evidence analysis, forensic toxicology, DNA profiling, digital forensics, and more.

Institutes like Vivekananda Global University (VGU) offer this course with a strong blend of theory and practical lab training, preparing students for the dynamic demands of forensic careers.

Diverse Career Paths After M.Sc. Forensic Science

An M.Sc. in Forensic Science is far more versatile than most people assume. Here are some of the exciting career avenues:

1. Forensic Scientist

Work in crime labs with police departments or government agencies to analyze evidence like blood samples, hair, fibers, and ballistic material.

2. Crime Scene Investigator

Travel to crime scenes to collect, preserve, and document evidence that can later be analyzed in a lab or presented in court.

3. Digital Forensics Expert

With the rise in cybercrime, digital forensic professionals analyze devices, emails, and encrypted files to trace criminal activity. This role is in high demand across law enforcement and corporate sectors.

4. Forensic Toxicologist

Work in labs to identify chemicals, poisons, or drugs in biological samples—especially relevant in suspicious death cases or drug overdose investigations.

5. DNA Analyst

Specialize in genetic fingerprinting, a critical component in criminal cases, paternity tests, and missing person identifications.

6. Forensic Psychologist

Combine behavioral science and criminology to evaluate suspects, help in profiling, or assist in legal settings like child custody battles or offender rehabilitation.

7. Academia & Research

With an M.Sc., you can pursue a Ph.D., become a lecturer, or join forensic research labs working on technological innovations in crime detection.

Key Subjects You’ll Study

Criminology & Criminal Law

Forensic Biology & Serology

Forensic Toxicology

Questioned Document Examination

Fingerprint & Trace Evidence Analysis

Cyber & Digital Forensics

Forensic Anthropology

Ballistics & Explosives

Forensic Chemistry

Institutes like VGU offer exposure to real-world forensic labs, simulated crime scenes, and interdisciplinary learning environments.

Entrance Exams & Eligibility

To apply for M.Sc. Forensic Science, you typically need a B.Sc. degree in Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related fields with 50%+ aggregate marks.

Top entrance exams and admission routes include:

CUET-PG – Common University Entrance Test (PG)

PU CET (PG) – For Panjab University

VGU Entrance Test – Apply here

Institution-level exams at universities like Amity, Jain, and LPU

Why Choose VGU for M.Sc. Forensic Science?

Vivekananda Global University in Jaipur is known for:

State-of-the-art forensic labs

Industry-aligned curriculum

Internship opportunities with police departments and forensic labs

Highly experienced faculty and real-case simulations

Campus placement assistance

Their emphasis on hands-on learning ensures you're not just academically equipped but professionally ready.

Conclusion

An M.Sc. in Forensic Science is more than a degree—it’s a gateway into a world where science meets justice. Whether in crime labs, corporate investigations, or academia, this course prepares you for a career that is challenging, impactful, and constantly evolving.

Started watching How To Fix a Drug Scandal on netflix & remembered reading a book which detailed a few DNA labs that had been shut down, now these 2 in MA, so found out the DNA scandal was actually in NYS where I live. Anyway I'm one to do actual research from reputable sources, not just find the handiest link, on a subject I want to know about

I'm horrified of the injustices being knowingly committed by our states & legal systems. If you're ever charged with a crime, the most important thing you can do for yourself is ask for INDEPENDENT testing of evidence! It will cost but if you are facing any time & know you're innocent, obviously it's worth it!

So just because someone is convicted of a crime does not mean they are guilty of it; I've known that for most of my life, but I know most people assume people are guilty. Just another reminder:

Do your research! You may need to save your own life with the knowledge someday & you don't want it to be when it's too late & you're behind bars, already said or did something that can be used against you, like in the case of the central park boys or the west Memphis five, just a couple that come immediately to mind.

Forged Drug Lab Results Could Lead To Release Of Thousands Inmates (VIDEO)

Tens of thousands of Massachusetts inmates may have the chance to get their drug convictions overturned, thanks to a Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling, earlier this month. The cases all involved defendants who plead guilty on the advise of council, after state crime lab tests reportedly showed the presence of drugs. In 2013, former Massachusetts crime chemist Annie Dookhan plead guilty…

n January, the New York City medical examiner’s office confirmed that it was reviewing more than 800 rape cases from a 10-year period during which DNA evidence may have been mishandled by a lab technician who resigned in 2011 after an internal review uncovered problems with her work.

The review, then about half complete, had already turned up 26 cases in which the former technician failed to detect the presence of DNA evidence, including one in which the evidence has since led to an arrest in a 10-year-old rape case. The review uncovered 19 cases in which DNA evidence was commingled with DNA evidence from other cases.

A month earlier, a former chemist at a now-shuttered state drug lab in Boston was indicted on 27 counts of obstructing justice, tampering with evidence, perjury and other charges in connection with her handling of some of the tens of thousands of drug cases she worked on during her nine years there. “Little Annie” Dookhan is accused of faking test results, intentionally contaminating and padding suspected drug samples, forging co-workers’ signatures on lab reports, and falsely claiming to have a master’s degree in chemistry.

The ongoing investigation into her work—which could upend thousands of drug convictions—has already led to the closing of the lab, the release of hundreds of convicted drug offenders, and the termination of one lab official and resignation of another. It also led to the resignations of state Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach, whose office oversaw the lab, and Norfolk Assistant District Attorney George Papachristos, who was found to have had an inappropriately personal (albeit not romantic) relationship with Dookhan.