Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics, MFTAG

As the flagship university in the Commonwealth, the University of Kentucky provides the only Master of Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics (or degree of comparable nature) in the state, and it is only the fifth such professional master’s degree in the field of forensics in the nation.  

This two-year program has two areas of concentration: one concentration is focused on Forensic Toxicology/Chemistry and the second on Forensic/Analytical Genetics. Through the common core curriculum, students in both concentrations will have foundational information and skill set in advanced forensic science, writing, communication, professionalism, ethics, legal perspectives, and workplace-specific laboratory skills. Through a rigorous targeted finishing curriculum in either concentration, including internship experiences and cognate elective courses, the graduates will be competitive for workforce deployment in the areas of private industry drug testing, private DNA analysis, forensic governmental divisions, and hospital clinical labs.

For more information on this program, please visit https://medicine.uky.edu/departments/toxicology/forensic-toxicology-and-analytical-genetics 

 

Admission Requirements 

Applicants must meet the following requirements for admission to the University of Kentucky Graduate School and the Forensic Toxicology and Analytical Genetics program.

• An undergraduate bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science or a related field of study from an accredited university is preferred. However, students with other bachelor’s degrees or the equivalent from an accredited university will be considered if they are judged to be highly competitive and have completed foundational undergraduate courses in chemistry, biology or related fields.
• A minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is not required.
• For international applicants, the minimum acceptable TOFEL score is 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5.

More information on how to apply can be found here http://medicine.uky.edu/departments/toxicology/forensic-toxicology-and-analytical-genetics 

 

Degree Requirements  

Core Courses Required for Both Concentrations 

• TOX 800 FUNDAMENTALS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE   (4) 

• IBS 611 PRACTICAL STATISTICS   (2) 

• TOX 810 COMMUNICATING IN THE FORENSIC SCIENCE PROFESSION   (1) 

• TOX 820 PREPARING PROFESSIONALS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE AND ANALYTICAL GENETICS   (1) 

• TOX 840 FORENSIC SCIENCE STANDARDS AND PRACTICES   (3) 

• TOX 880 ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE AND ANALYTICAL DNA   (3) 

• TOX 980 INTERNSHIP IN FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY AND ANALYTICAL GENETICS   (6) 

Forensic Toxicology/Chemistry Concentration Required Courses 

• TOX 663 DRUG METABOLISM AND DISPOSITION   (2) 

• TOX 860 FORENSIC AND ANALYTICAL TOXICOLOGY   (3) 

• TOX 920 INSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUES IN FORENSIC CHEMISTRY   (4) 

• BCH 401G FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOCHEMISTRY   (3) 

Forensic/Analytical Genetics Concentration Required Courses 

• TOX 830 ADVANCED HUMAN GENETICS   (2) 

• ABT 461G INTRODUCTION TO POPULATION GENETICS   (3) 

• IBS 602 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS   (3) 

• TOX 910 FORENSIC AND ANALYTICAL DNA   (4) 

• BCH 401G FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOCHEMISTRY   (3) 

Electives 

• TOX 780 SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN TOXICOLOGY   (1-6) 

• TOX 790 RESEARCH IN TOXICOLOGY AND CANCER BIOLOGY   (1-5)

• Additional graduate courses upon Program Director’s approval

 

A suggested curriculum plan can be found here https://medicine.uky.edu/departments/toxicology/curriculum-overview