Forensic Medicine

Master of Science in Forensic Medicine (MS) 

The degree program is a 40-credit program leading to a Master of Science in Forensic Medicine. Applicants to the program will have a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and anatomy and physiology. It provides a solid foundation in the theory, concepts and principles of forensic medicine, the medico-legal and technical aspects of death scene investigations and clinical pathology skills. The emerging demands and the roles and responsibilities of medico-legal investigators and clinical forensic specialists are also addressed.

All applicants for the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine must have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Candidates will be evaluated utilizing a holistic admissions process. Upper-level life science courses, such as anatomy and physiology, are required. Appropriateness of coursework for the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine program is up to the discretion of the program director.

Classes for the Master of Science in Forensic Medicine program begin in the Fall term only (late August).

Admissions Process

The Forensic Medicine program utilizes a rolling admissions policy. Therefore, applications will be considered throughout the year as received until the desired enrollment has been achieved. Application requirements and a link to the online application are available at https://www.pcom.edu/admissions/apply/. The application closes in August 2026, but an early application is highly recommended.

The Faculty Committee on Admissions screens the applications, evaluates the applicants, and selects the new students. Following completion of the admissions process, applicants will be notified of the Admissions Committee’s decision in writing, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.

Once your application has been processed, you will be contacted via email with a confirmation of its receipt, including reminders of the appropriate steps to complete the application process.

The Faculty Committee on Admissions for Forensic Medicine uses the following information in making decisions concerning admission:

  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate/professional coursework

  • One letter of recommendation

  • A general autobiographical statement explaining your interest in the Forensic Medicine program as it relates to your career goals (in 500 words or less)

  • Writing sample (preferably graded, APA format)

  • Resume/CV

  • Current professional, state or federal license, certificates or registration documents, if applicable

All materials must be forwarded to PCOM’s Office of Admissions.

Note that official college transcripts from all colleges/universities schools attended must be sent directly to:

​Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office of Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

We will accept electronic transcripts via email from Parchment Services and National Student Clearinghouse to admissions@pcom.edu.

Letters of recommendation can be sent directly to PCOM Admissions in PDF format to recommend@pcom.edu. Recommenders can be directed to our “For Recommenders” page for guidance. All other admissions documents can be sent to admissions@pcom.edu.