The degree provides students with a fundamental understanding of the concepts and principles involved in the application of scientific techniques to forensic investigations and to the criminal justice system. Recent advances in basic scientific research have had a rapid and dramatic impact on these fields and it is only through an understanding of these critical scientific concepts that those in the legal system may be effective in criminal investigations and judicial proceedings. A graduate M.S. degree in Forensic Science offers a strong complement for people interested in a focus on criminal justice as related to major areas of study such as anthropology, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, psychology, engineering, journalism, education, medicine, and law.