M.S. Forensic Pattern Analysis Academics

Loyola’s Forensic Pattern Analysis program offers a dynamic curriculum that integrates technology, scientific methodology, and hands-on training to prepare students for impactful careers in criminal investigations and the justice system. Students benefit from comprehensive instruction delivered by experienced forensic practitioners, ensuring both the breadth and depth necessary to excel in this evolving field.

While many graduate forensic science programs emphasize traditional disciplines such as forensic biology, toxicology, and crime scene investigation, Loyola stands apart with a specialized focus on comparative sciences, including latent fingerprint analysis and firearms/tool mark examination. Our curriculum is enriched by a capstone experience, courses in technical writing, mock trial preparation, and quality assurance, as well as a growing array of electives that foster critical thinking and real-world problem-solving.

This innovative approach equips students, not just with technical proficiency, but with the analytical mindset and professional skills needed to become leaders and changemakers in forensic science.

2024-2025 Program Requirements

2025-2026 Program Requirements

The degree consists of 39-42 graduate credit hours. Requirements for the major and an example of a typical program of courses are as follows:

Required courses:		30 credits
FO 500 FO 530 FO 610 FO 630  FO 650 FO 675 FO 685 FO 710 or FO 785 FO 79*  WR 626	Forensic Studies Seminar Series+ Criminalistics Fingerprints Quality Control and Assurance Forensic Laboratory Introduction to Firearms & Toolmarks Analysis Forensic Pattern Evidence Mock Trial for Forensic Pattern Evidence Adv. Topics and Tech. in Fingerprints or Adv. Firearms & Toolmarks Analysis Forensic Science Capstone Advanced Technical Writing	1 cr. (2 cr. total) 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 4 credits or 4 credits 3 credits 3 credits
Elective Courses: choose three (3) courses from the below list		9-12 credits
FO 584 FO 600 FO 651 FO 656 FO 657  FO 676 FO 685 FO 690 FO 695 FO 706 FO 711 FO 715 FO 731 FO 752 FO 781 FO 785 GB 705 PL 611 ST 681	Forensic Chemistry Crime Scene Investigation Forensic Entomology w/lab Biological Forensics Biological Forensics Lab Digital & Forensic Imaging  Intro to Firearms & Toolmarks Analysis Topics in Forensic Science# Crime Scene & Evidence Photography Investigations Into Violent Crimes Animal Law Forensic Anthropology Forensic Science Management Forensic Science Errors & Wrongful Convictions Cold Case Investigation Advanced Firearms & Toolmarks Analysis Leading and Managing People Bioethics Probability and Statistics	3 credits 4 credits 4 credits 3 credits 1 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 4 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits
		Total 39-42 credits

+FO 500 Must be repeated once for a total of 2 credits.
#FO 690 May be repeated once for credit.
*FO 79* can be fulfilled by:
FO 790 Forensic Science Internship or
FO 791 Forensic Science Research or
FO 792 Forensic Science Independent Study
Capstone must be approved by the graduate program director, and may be repeated for credit, with approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Course Sequence

First Year

Fall Term

• FO 500 Forensic Science Seminar
• FO 610 Fingerprints
• FO 530 Criminalistics
• FO 685 Introduction to Firearms & Toolmarks

Spring Term

• FO 500 Forensic Science Seminar
• FO 710 Advanced Topics/Techniques in Fingerprints OR
  FO 785 Advanced Firearms & Toolmarks
• FO 650 Forensic Pattern Evidence
• WR 626 Advanced Technical Writing OR
  Elective

Fall Term

• FO 675 Mock Trial for Forensic Pattern Evidence
• WR 626 Advanced Technical Writing OR
  Elective
• FO 79* Capstone OR
• Elective

Spring

• FO 630 Quality Control & Assurance Forensic Laboratory
• Elective
• FO 79* Capstone OR
• Elective

FO 79* Capstone can be fulfulled by:
FO 790 Forensic Science Internship
FO 791 Forensic Science Research
FO 792 Forensic Science Independent Study