Loyola University Maryland’s Master of Science in Forensic Pattern Analysis prepares students for entry into the in–demand—and growing—field of forensic science as latent print examiners, firearms/toolmarks examiners, crime scene investigators, and numerous related fields. Students graduate ready and prepared to make a difference.

Unique among graduate programs in the field of forensic science and the forensic studies discipline, the Master of Science in Forensic Pattern Analysis at Loyola focuses on latent print analysis. Students will graduate with the advantage of having already received the course and lab work required by many private, local, state, and federal organizations.

Traditional forensic science programs offer only a few courses in the comparative sciences, requiring graduates to take extensive and expensive additional training to be case-ready as latent prints examiners and related disciplines. Loyola’s curriculum has been developed in consultation with forensic practitioners at several local, state, and federal agencies. Graduates are prepared to address the current and future challenges associated with careers in forensic pattern evidence analysis.

Program Format

The Master of Science in Forensic Pattern Analysis program may be completed as a full or part-time student and is intended to be completed in as little as two or as many as four years. Classes are taken in–person at Loyola’s Evergreen campus in Baltimore and select courses are also offered online or in a hybrid format (part in-person and part online).

Prerequisites

A student is expected to have completed a college-level introductory science course, with a grade of a  "C" or higher, prior to acceptance into the program. Students without an appropriate science background may satisfy the prerequisite by taking BL 101 Introduction to Forensic Science (undergraduate), or FO 230/530 Introduction to Criminalistics, or an approved introductory science course at another institution. Review all admission requirements.

Career Outcomes and Opportunities

There is a growing need for positions in the forensic sciences. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in the category of forensic science to be the fastest growing in terms of total jobs from now until 2024 and forensic science technician positions are slated to grow “much faster than average,” gaining over 2,400 positions by 2028.

Below are just some of the industries and careers that you will be qualified to pursue upon successful completion of the program.

Possible Careers
Law Enforcement	Policy Analysis
Forensic Laboratories	Social Statistics
Crime Scene Investigator	Private Investigator
Rehabilitation	Latent Prints Examiner
Judiciary	Fingerprinter/Background Checks
Forensic industries	Intelligence
Public Policy	Foreign Service
Research	BioHealth industries
Public Administration	Military
Government Research	Civil Service
Elected or Appointed Leadership	Non-Profit
Missing Persons Identification	Consultant
Academia	Corrections

Request Info Apply