{"id":1731,"date":"2011-12-02T14:37:24","date_gmt":"2011-12-02T19:37:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/forensics\/?page_id=1731"},"modified":"2026-10-23T15:47:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T19:47:41","slug":"assessment-student-outcomes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/forensics\/about\/assessment-student-outcomes","title":{"rendered":"Assessment & Student Outcomes"},"content":{"rendered":"

A. Grade Point Average (GPA) Marshall University Forensic Science Program Average Incoming Undergraduate GPA versus Exit MSFS GPA<\/h2>\n

Graph A: This graph provides the average undergraduate GPA for students coming into the Forensic Science Program as well as the average GPA upon graduation from the Program.<\/p>\n

\"Line<\/a><\/p>\n

Graph A: Marshall University Forensic Science Student Average Undergraduate GPA vs. Exit MSFS GPA<\/p>\n

B. Employment Statistics: Marshall University Graduate Employment Statistics<\/h2>\n

Table B: Breakdown of employment by category for graduates of each class of the Forensics Science Program as well as the totals for all graduates from the past 10 years.<\/p>\n

10-Year Employment Statistics<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Class<\/th>\nTotal Students<\/th>\nForensic Science<\/th>\nForensic Science Related<\/th>\nNon-Forensic Science Related<\/th>\nAdvanced Degrees<\/th>\nDid Not Respond<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
2015<\/td>\n19<\/td>\n18 (94.70%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n1 (5.30%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2016<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n10 (66.70%)<\/td>\n2 (13.33%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n2 (13.33%)<\/td>\n1 (6.67%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2017<\/td>\n17<\/td>\n13 (76.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n1 (5.88%)<\/td>\n3 (17.65%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2018<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n9 (60.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n1 (6.60%)<\/td>\n3 (20.00%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2019<\/td>\n18<\/td>\n14 (77.77%)<\/td>\n3 (16.66%)<\/td>\n1 (5.55%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2020<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n6 (50.00%)<\/td>\n1 (8.33%)<\/td>\n1 (8.33%)<\/td>\n1 (8.33%)<\/td>\n2 (16.67%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2021<\/td>\n17<\/td>\n12 (70.50%)<\/td>\n2 (13.33%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n3 (17.65%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2022<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n7 (63.63%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n2 (18.18%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2023<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n6 (85.71%)<\/td>\n1 (14.29%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2024<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n11 (91.67%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2025<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n3 (66.67%)<\/td>\n2 (33.33%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n1 (0.00%)<\/td>\n0 (0.00%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total<\/td>\n149<\/td>\n110 (73.83%)<\/td>\n11 (7.38%)<\/td>\n2 (1.34%)<\/td>\n7 (4.70%)<\/td>\n14 (9.40%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

* Individuals classified as having a Forensic Science job are those in the actual field of Forensic Science after graduation with respect to the relevancy of their degree obtained. Examples of this would be as follows: Laboratory or field work with forensic governmental agencies, private corporations, etc.<\/p>\n

Table B: Employment Statistics 2026 (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n

C. Professional Development Marshall University Forensic Science Graduate Student Presentation at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Annual Meeting or MAAFS Regional Meeting<\/h2>\n

Graph C: This graph provides the number of second-year students attending compared to the total number of students enrolled in the program for that year. \u201cPercent Presenting\u201d is based on the number of students who were selected to present a poster or podium presentation at the meeting compared to the total number of second-year students in the Program.<\/p>\n

Second-year students have completed research projects to be eligible for national meeting presentation.<\/p>\n

Important Note: 2021 shows 0 attendance due to Covid. Attendance from 2022 and 2023 include virtual attendance.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Line<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Graph C: Students at AAFS National or other Regional Meetings: Percentage (%) of Presenters and Attendees per Class per Year<\/p>\n

D. Incoming Student GRE Score Averages<\/h2>\n

Graph D1 & D2: These graphs provide average GRE scores of applicants accepted into the MUFS graduate program for the past 5 years in the areas of verbal, quantitative, and writing.
\n

\n\t\n
\n
\n\n\"Bar<\/a>
\nGraph D1: Average GRE Scores of Incoming MUFSP Students (verbal\/Quantitative)\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\n\n\"Bar<\/a>
\nGraph D2: Average GRE Scores of Incoming MUFSP Students (Writing)\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

E. Enrollment & Graduates Data<\/h2>\n

Table\u00a0 E;\u00a0 Student enrollment for the past three academic years: total enrollment, number enrolled in each emphasis, and number graduated.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\nMasters of Science in Forensic Science
\n<\/th>\n		\nAcademic Year:
\nPast 3rd Year
\n2023- 2024
\n<\/th>\n		\nAcademic Year:
\nPast 2nd Year
\n2024 – 2025
\n<\/th>\n		\nAcademic Year:
\nPrevious Year
\n2025 – 2026
\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
# of full time students enrolled in degree program<\/strong><\/td>\n19<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
# of students enrolled in each concentration \/emphasis\/ track<\/strong> (if applicable)<\/td>\n\nDNA: 16
\nChemistry: 13
\nCrime Scene: 18
\nDigital: 9
\n<\/td>\n		\nDNA: 10
\nChemistry: 9
\nCrime Scene: 9
\nDigital: 4
\n<\/td>\n		\nDNA: 7
\nChemistry: 9
\nCrime Scene: 8
\nDigital: 4
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
# of graduates in reported in each year<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Table E: Enrollment & Graduates Data 2026 (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n

F. Internship, Research Project, & Capstone Experience Information<\/h2>\n

Table F: Summary of research experiences, project titles, and host agencies.<\/p>\n

Most Recently Completed Academic Year 2025-2026<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Type of Experience<\/th>\nTitle or Topic of research project \/ area of study:<\/th>\nLocation (applicable if internship is the \u2018type of experience\u2019):<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Internship<\/td>\nForensic Implications of Non-Touch Environmental DNA for Low-Template DNA Interpretation<\/td>\nMarshall University Forensic Science Department, Huntington, WV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nEvaluation of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Commercial Polyurethane Spray Foam Insulation as Potential Interfering Substrates in Fire Debris Analysis<\/td>\nHuntington Fire Department\/Fire Marshal, Huntington, WV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nInternal Instrument and Software Validation for Analysis of DNA Databank Samples<\/td>\nKansas Bureau of Investigation, Topeka, KS<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nEvaluating the Performance of Fluorescent Fingerprint Powders<\/td>\nMarshall University Chemistry Department, Huntington, WV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nGC-IRD-MS Method Development and Evaluation of Computationally Predicted Infrared Spectra for Psychoactive Drugs<\/td>\nCustoms & Boarder Protection INTERDICT Science Center, Ashburn, VA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nInternal Validation of the RapidHIT\uf8ea ID System v2.1 and RapidLINK\uf8ea Software<\/td>\nWest Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory, Charleston, WV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nInvestigating Gender Differences in Fingerprint Ridge Density<\/td>\nHuntington Police Department, Huntington, WV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Previous Academic Year 2024-2025<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Type of Experience<\/th>\nTitle or Topic of research project \/ area of study:<\/th>\nLocation (applicable if internship is the \u2018type of experience\u2019):<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Internship<\/td>\nAnalysis of IL by GC-MS with H2 Carrier Gas<\/td>\nPinellas County Forensic Laboratory<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nSpermX extraction with a GenSpin Tube<\/td>\nPalm Beach County Sherriff\u2019s Office<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nEvaluation of Vapor Pressures of Ignitable Liquids Water and Fire Debris Analysis, and the Effects on Extraction<\/td>\nATF Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) in Ammendale, Maryland<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nMSTFA Derivatization of cannabinoids for GC\/MS analysis<\/td>\nKentucky State Police, Eastern Laboratory, Ashland, KY<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nUV\/Vis analysis of dried plant material extracts for the semi-quantitative detection of THC<\/td>\nMarshall University Forensic Science Department, Huntington, WV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Previous Academic Year 2023-2024<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Type of Experience<\/th>\nTitle or Topic of research project \/ area of study:<\/th>\nLocation (applicable if internship is the \u2018type of experience\u2019):<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Internship<\/td>\nInvestigation of the Impact of the Fire Debris Sample Extraction Process on Latent Prints<\/td>\nMarshall University Forensic Science Department, Huntington, WV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nImpact of Sound Suppressors on Gunshot Residue Deposition.<\/td>\nHarris County Institute of Forensic Sciences in Houston, Texas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nDetermining Discriminatory Power for Tool Paint (FTIR, MSP, SEM-EDS) and Hot Melt Adhesives (XRF, SEM-EDS, FTIR)<\/td>\nATF Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) in Ammendale, MD<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nValidation of Tetrahydrocannabinol Acid Derivatization<\/td>\nWest Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory, Charleston, WV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nPersistence and Recovery of Touch DNA on Door Handles Over Time<\/td>\nMarshall University Forensic Science Department, Huntington, WV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Internship<\/td>\nImplementation of the Intermountain Bone and Tooth Extraction and Purification Protocol to Improve DNA Extraction from Bone<\/td>\nPalm Beach County Sheriff\u2019s Office, West Palm Beach, FL<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Table F: Internship, Research Project, & Capstone Experience Data 2026 (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A. Grade Point Average (GPA) Marshall University Forensic Science Program Average Incoming Undergraduate GPA versus Exit MSFS GPA Graph A: This graph provides the average undergraduate GPA for students coming into the Forensic Science Program as well as the average GPA upon graduation from the Program. Graph A: Marshall University Forensic Science Student Average Undergraduate<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":120,"featured_media":0,"parent":1757,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1731","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/forensics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1731","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/forensics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/forensics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/forensics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/120"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/forensics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1731"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/forensics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1731\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8706,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/forensics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1731\/revisions\/8706"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/forensics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1757"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/forensics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1731"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}