{"id":27715,"date":"2013-03-11T10:36:53","date_gmt":"2013-03-11T14:36:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/?page_id=27715"},"modified":"2024-10-22T14:05:17","modified_gmt":"2024-10-22T18:05:17","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/bmfs\/admissions\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Admissions<\/h4>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What are the requirements for admission?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>All applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree in a biological, natural or engineering science from an accredited university. If an applicant\u2019s baccalaureate degree is in another discipline, he\/she is considered for admission if all of the following courses have been successfully completed:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>1 semester of General Biology<\/li>\n<li>1 semester Cell\/Molecular Biology or Biochemistry or Genetics<\/li>\n<li>2 semesters of General Chemistry<\/li>\n<li>2 semesters of Organic Chemistry<\/li>\n<li>1 Biology laboratory course<\/li>\n<li>1 Chemistry laboratory course<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Is the GRE test required as part of the application?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>The general GRE test is optional. We no longer require students to take the GRE test, however, we strongly encourage it for applicants with a GPA below 3.2. The institution code for Boston University School of Medicine is 3087. \u00a0MCAT scores may be substituted for the GRE.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What are the GRE scores and GPA of a typical applicant who is accepted into the program?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Strong applicants have at least an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and GRE scores above the 50th percentile, though the averages for our admitted students is significantly higher. The Admissions Committee also takes work experience, internships, and other academic and career achievements into consideration.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What should I include in my personal statement essay?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Include information about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>your background<\/li>\n<li>the reasons\u00a0why you want to pursue a career in forensic science<\/li>\n<li>research and laboratory experience<\/li>\n<li>scientific knowledge<\/li>\n<li>relevant work experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is highly recommended that you also include a CV highlighting your education, publications and scientific research projects.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How many letters of recommendation do I need?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>A minimum of two letters of recommendation is required, however, three letters from professionals who can speak to the applicant&#8217;s scientific capabilities are suggested. At least one recommendation letter should be from university scientific faculty who know the student well. Letters from research\/laboratory supervisors are also acceptable.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What is the application deadline?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Priority for admission,\u00a0potential scholarship awards and graduate assistantships are given to applicants whose completed applications are received by March\u00a01st. Completed applications received on March\u00a02nd through July 31st are considered as they are received.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Is financial assistance available to incoming students?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<p>Work-study, Federal Direct Stafford\/Ford loans and other financial aid opportunities are available through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/admissions\/student-financial-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">financial aid office<\/a> in the Graduate Medical Sciences office. Additionally, Part-time graduate assistantships may be available to incoming students who have demonstrated outstanding academic conduct in their previous course of study. No application is required for this award.<\/p>\n<p><span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Curriculum<\/h4>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What degree is awarded upon completion of the BMFS program?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>The degree awarded is a Master of Science (MS) degree in Biomedical Forensic Sciences from the Boston University School of Medicine.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How much is tuition?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span>For the academic year 2024-25, graduate tuition is $66,670 for the first year. The remaining credits in the second year are billed on a per credit basis, making the <\/span><em>total<\/em><span> cost of the BMFS program approximately $84,000. \u00a0<\/span>See detailed information about tuition, fees, and expected expenses <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/osfs\/cost-of-attendance-bot\/graduate-medical-sciences\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Can I focus my studies in a particular area of forensic science?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>If desired, students may tailor their choice of elective courses toward a\u00a0specialty track: Forensic Biology-DNA Analysis, Forensic Chemistry-Toxicology, or Forensic Medicine-Death Investigation. Students who successfully complete one of these tracks receive an official letter stating such, however, the degree awarded is\u00a0the same as those awarded students who do not specialize.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What does the program curriculum consist of?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>38 credits consisting of 8 core courses, 2 lab courses, 2 to 4 elective courses and a thesis project. Please review the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/bmfs\/curriculum\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">curriculum<\/a> for more details. In addition, each student is\u00a0required to pass a competency examination near the end of the program.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How long does it take to complete the program? Can students attend part-time?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<p>Most of our students complete the program in 21 to 24\u00a0months. Duration of the program\u00a0is largely dependent on whether\u00a0the student takes courses during the summer semester and on the scope of the student\u2019s thesis project. \u00a0Part-time students generally take about 3 years to graduate.<\/p>\n<p><span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Career Opportunities<\/h4>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What employment opportunities are available for recent graduates in forensic sciences? What is the average income for new graduates in this field?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>For information about potential salaries and employment opportunities for new graduates in forensic sciences please reference the employment\/job listing pages published by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.aafs.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">American Academy of Forensic Sciences<\/a><\/li>\n<li>The\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ascld.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors<\/a><\/li>\n<li>The\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.theiai.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">International Association of Identification<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Does the BMFS program provide any employment opportunities for students?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/bmfs\/admissions\/financial-aid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Opportunities<\/a> to work part-time as research or laboratory assistants in the fields of forensic chemistry, DNA, biology, crime scene investigation and bloodstain pattern analysis are available throughout the academic year.<\/p>\n<p><span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Additional Questions<\/h4>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"> Can I visit the campus or meet with the faculty before I apply?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Two comprehensive Open House events are held annually for interested students (fall and winter). Please\u00a0email <a href=\"mailto:bmfs@bu.edu\">bmfs@bu.edu<\/a> to inquire about dates and RSVP. \u00a0Alternatively, an appointment can be made on a mutually convenient date by contacting one of the faculty.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"> Can I take a class in the BMFS program as a non-degree student?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Students may request approval to take courses as a non-degree student during any semester. Students who apply and are accepted into the BMFS Program for the following fall may transfer up to 8 credits earned during non-degree status.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Who can I contact for more information?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>For general questions about the BMFS program: <a href=\"mailto:bmfs@bu.edu\">bmfs@bu.edu<\/a>\u00a0617-358-0176<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Admissions Curriculum Career Opportunities Additional Questions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3330,"featured_media":0,"parent":27709,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27715"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3330"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27715"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27715\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":100407,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27715\/revisions\/100407"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}