Located in Huntington, West Virginia, the Forensic Science Center is a state-of-the-art facility offering advanced graduate education and critical services in forensic science. The center houses:

The Master of Science in Forensic Science (MSFS) – one of the top-ranked programs in the nation
Fully accredited forensic DNA and toxicology laboratories
Ongoing research in emerging areas such as digital forensics, forensic biology and analytical chemistry
Training and outreach for professionals at local, state and federal levels

Our faculty are not only educators but also practitioners and researchers. Their mentorship ensures students gain both the knowledge and the hands-on experience needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

Our History

Innovation, Education and Leadership in Forensic Science

The Marshall University Forensic Science Center has a proud legacy of advancing justice through science. Since its inception, the Center has stood at the forefront of forensic education, DNA analysis and laboratory innovation — serving as a national model for collaboration between higher education and law enforcement.

The Origin of Forensic DNA in West Virginia

In 1989, the first criminal case involving DNA analysis was tried in Huntington, West Virginia – marking a pivotal moment in the state’s forensic history.
This groundbreaking case created an urgent need for a new DNA testing model to support the state’s biological evidence processing.

By 1992, Marshall University responded by launching courses in forensic DNA and toxicology, taught directly to scientists at the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory.
These training programs were led by Dr. Terry Fenger, a respected educator and researcher who began his Marshall career in 1979. Dr. Fenger would go on to become:

Director of the Forensic Science Program
Chair of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Graduate Program Launch and National Designation

To address the growing need for trained forensic DNA professionals:

In 1994, the Marshall University Forensic Science Graduate Program was founded, becoming one of only seven Master of Science programs in forensic science nationwide at the time.
The following year, the WV DNA Database and Databank Act of 1995 (Senate Bill 252) established West Virginia’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
The MUSOM DNA lab was designated as the official convicted offender DNA testing facility for the state’s CODIS samples.

Growth, Accreditation and Expansion

1997: The master’s program graduates its first class of forensic science students.
1999: MUFSC moves into its current state-of-the-art facility, featuring advanced classrooms and a fully functional forensic DNA analysis lab.

In the early 2000s, the Center expanded its leadership role:

2003:
- MUFSC becomes one of just three CODIS labs in the U.S. to achieve ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
- Launch of forensic relationship testing services
- Graduation of the program’s 100th student
- Creation of the Digital Evidence Laboratory in partnership with the West Virginia State Police
2004: Completion of the Forensic Science Center annex’s ground floor and an audit by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), part of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).
2005: The Master of Science in Forensic Science program receives full FEPAC accreditation.

A Tradition of Service and Innovation

From educating West Virginia’s first DNA analysts to helping solve complex cases across the nation, the Marshall University Forensic Science Center has built a legacy rooted in public service, academic rigor and scientific innovation.

As we look back with pride, we also look ahead – with a deep commitment to:

Serving the justice system
Preparing the next generation of forensic leaders
Advancing the field through research, technology, and training

Affiliations

First and foremost, Marshall University FSC DNA Laboratory is affiliated with Marshall University and the Marshall University Research Corporation. In addition, the DNA Laboratory, through Memoranda of Understanding, work in conjunction with the WVSP Crime Laboratory and our federal partners.

Marshall University

Marshall University is a multi-campus public university providing innovative undergraduate and graduate education that contributes to the development of society and the individual. Marshall University actively facilitates learning through the preservation, discovery, synthesis, and dissemination of knowledge.
Learn more about Marshall University.

Marshall University Research Corporation

A not-for-profit corporation chartered under the laws of the State of West Virginia, the Marshall University Research Corporation (MURC) delivers professional services to members of the university community. MURC is committed to an active, growing and successful research enterprise that will help address today’s challenges, improve the quality of life in the community and provide an engine for economic development.
Learn more about the Marshall University Research Corporation.

West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information Services

The West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services (WV FRIS) is West Virginia’s state sexual assault coalition. Established in 1982 and comprised of the state’s nine rape crisis centers, FRIS works with all allied professionals to strengthen services and develop intervention and prevention programs to address sexual violence, stalking, and dating violence.
Learn more about WV FRIS.

National Institute of Justice

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) and is dedicated to researching crime control and justice issues. The NIJ provides objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to meet the challenges of crime and justice, particularly at the State and local levels.
Learn more about the NIJ.