Rutgers-Camden to Offer the State's First Master's in Forensic Science Program

By TAPINTO CAMDEN STAFF, October 25, 2018

CAMDEN, NJ—Students interested in pursuing a career in forensic science will soon be able to enroll in a new master’s program at Rutgers University‒Camden.

Beginning in the fall of 2019, Rutgers—Camden will offer a master’s in forensic science program, the first institution of higher education in New Jersey to offer a master’s degree in the discipline.

The interdisciplinary program will cover the theory, concepts, and practical use of biology, chemistry, and biochemistry within the forensic sciences. 


“There is great demand for highly skilled forensic science experts who apply a research-based background to this critical work,” said Kriste Lindenmeyer, dean of the Rutgers—Camden Faculty of Arts and Sciences.  “Our acknowledged expertise in chemistry, biology, and other disciplines make Rutgers University—Camden uniquely positioned to introduce this career-building degree to our state.”

An online information session for the program will be held at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at forensicscience.camden.rutgers.edu.

Faculty in the program will include researchers and practitioners, such as Kimberlee Moran, an associate teaching professor and director of forensics at Rutgers–Camden. Moran said the growing forensic science field needs to establish a rigorous academic backbone.

“Standards, best practice, research to underpin sound methodologies and policy decisions are areas of great need in forensic science,” said Moran.  “Emerging challenges in detection such as designer drugs and DNA mixtures requires a workforce that is not only proficient in routine forensic technology but can think critically to develop the next generation of analytical techniques.”

Moran is a leader of the effort to identify the more-than-150-year-old human remains discovered in 2016 at a construction site at the former First Baptist Church Burial Ground on Arch Street in Philadelphia.

Moran’s involvement in the Arch Street Project has given Rutgers—Camden students an opportunity to work with the team of forensic scientists and historians working to document the remains, which will eventually be reinterred at another cemetery in the region. The ability for students to engage in research and field activity is a unique characteristic of the new Rutgers—Camden graduate program.