X

Enhance your credentials with specialized skills in Applied Forensic Science Research

Students who complete the graduate program are able to demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Demonstrate a specialized body of knowledge and research competencies required for advanced forensic science research
  • Utilize advanced laboratory techniques for specimen examination
  • Synthesize research in the context of transcultural, ethical/moral, and legal issues pertaining to forensic science study
  • Develop expertise in a selected area of concentration and apply relevant forensic science concepts to this area of investigation
  • Independently apply research methodology and experimental design to answer forensic science research questions

Career Opportunities in FORENSIC SCIENCE

Career Roles

  • Forensic Scientist
  • Forensic Biologist
  • Forensic Chemist/Toxicologist
  • Forensic Anthropologist
  • Latent Print Specialist
  • Ballistics Specialist
  • Crime Scene Technician
  • Evidence Technician
  • Forensic Technologist
  • Research & Development
  • Forensic Pathologist
  • Odontologist
  • Entomologist
  • Laboratory Manager

Employers 

  • Michigan State Police
  • Oakland County Sheriff's Office
  • American Systems
  • Houston Crime Laboratory
  • Bode Cellmark Forensics
  • Florida Department of Law Enforcement
  • Arbor Bioscience
  • Condat Corporation
  • MC3 Cardiopulmonary
  • DPD, Wisconsin (Madison)
  • WCOME

The MS in Forensic Science has a strong emphasis on applied learning, providing preparation for immediate employment. Students also gain invaluable communication, problem solving, and critical thinking that position them for future success.

Madonna’s Office of Career Development is dedicated to supporting you in preparing for career opportunities upon graduation.

Program Overview

The Master of Science Degree in Forensic Science prepares individuals possessing a forensic or natural science background with advanced research competencies to serve as members of an interdisciplinary team in forensic investigations. Individuals will be prepared to conduct complex investigations leveraging their expertise in scientific methods of investigation.

This program is specialized to the individuals’ area of field concentration, and provides tracks in biology, chemistry, or pattern evidence criminalistics.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

Applied Forensic Science Research Graduate Certificate

Demonstrate a specialized body of knowledge and research competencies required for advanced forensic science research

Learn More

Crime Scene Practice Certificate

Gain additional knowledge in crime scene practice through Madonna’s Criminal Justice program.

Learn More

Crime Laboratory Technician Certificate

Learn to analyze physical evidence to determine significance to criminal investigations.

Learn More

DNA Analysis Certificate

Learn to recover DNA profiles from evidence items used in the biology division of crime laboratories.

Learn More

Faculty Bios

Jessica ZarateAssistant Professor, Forensic Science

M.S. National University

B.S. Madonna University

B.H.S. Ferris State University

jlzarate@madonna.edu

734-432-5523

Jessica Zarate

Ms. Jessica Zarate, MS is currently an assistant professor in the FEPAC accredited undergraduate Forensic Science Program at Madonna University teaching forensic science coursework including impression and pattern evidence. She was a Michigan certified police officer for eight years and is the inventor of the Zar-Pro™ Fluorescent Blood Lifters (US Patent 8,025,852 B2).

She has worked in impression analysis, for over 9 years, including during her time as a Police Officer with the Northville City Police Department when she collaborated with Michigan State Police Northville Forensic Science Laboratory, Latent Print Unit with research and development in the area of impression enhancement.

Her research work is focused within the impression evidence discipline, publishing on a fluorogenic method for lifting, enhancing, and preserving bloody impression evidence, recovering bloody impressions from difficult substrates, including from human skin, and defining methods to create consistent and reproducible fingerprint impressions deposited in biological fluids on a variety of substrates.

X icon
Stephanie Gladyck

Stephanie GladyckAssistant Professor,  Forensic Science

Ph.D. Wayne State

M.S. Syracuse University

B.S. Madonna University

slgladyck@madonna.edu 

734-432-5521

Franciscan Center S217-Q

Stephanie Gladyck

X icon
Wayne Jiang

Wayne JiangProfessor, Forensic Science

Ph.D. McMaster University

wjiang@madonna.edu 

734-432-5511

Franciscan Center S217-V

Wayne Jiang

X icon