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Where scientific discovery meets public safety.

The Marshall University Forensic Science Center is where scientific discovery meets public safety. As a nationally recognized leader in forensic science education, research and service, we serve the public good while helping to prepare students to become the next generation of forensic professionals. We are also one of the only universities in the country with an accredited, operational DNA laboratory that is also designated as a Criminal Justice agency.

Whether you’re a prospective student, partner agency, or researcher, you’ll find an environment committed to innovation, accuracy and real-world impact.

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Services Offered

We are a nationally accredited DNA testing laboratory, offering essential services to criminal justice agencies across West Virginia and the United States.

Why You Should Work With Us

5,000

sexual assault cases tested from across the US, including 2,500+ for West Virginia

$10 Million

federal dollars brought into the state of WV through grants and contracts since 2016

3,000+

trainings provided to practitioners from local, state, federal, and international agencies

forensic science center
Our Mission

The mission of the MUFSC is to provide accurate, impartial scientific support; ensure the quality & reliability of its laboratory data; maintain open, honest relationships with law enforcement; and present objective interpretations & opinions.

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Master of Science in Forensic Science

Learn about our top-ranked forensic program

Recognized by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, our program is consistently ranked among the best in the nation for its curriculum quality, faculty expertise and graduate employment outcomes – ranking #1 in the nation on the Forensic Aptitude Test administered by the American Board of Criminalistics in 13 of the past 15 years that it has participated.

Students specialize in one or more areas:

DNA Analysis | Forensic Chemistry | Digital Forensics |Crime Scene Investigation | Toxicology

With small cohorts, state-of-the-art lab access, and a curriculum tailored to real-world demands, our graduates are making a difference across crime labs, federal agencies and academic research centers.

  • 97% job placement for recent graduates
  • FEPAC accredited
  • Hands-on experience from day one

Accreditation

Our Forensic DNA Laboratory, a WV Criminal Justice Agency, is accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). We are an ISO/IEC 17025 compliant testing laboratory. Our accreditation by ANAB  demonstrates compliance with federally mandated quality assurance standards for DNA analysis of casework evidence and database samples.