Media Forensics, MS
Graduate Education Policies and Procedures apply to this program.
Introduction
The Master of Science in Media Forensics (MSMF) prepares students from various backgrounds for work in the field of forensic audio, video and image analysis, utilizing the state-of-the-art methods and technology necessary to fight crime in the digital age. Housed in the National Center for Media Forensics (NCMF), this program is unique in providing a hybrid format (online and onsite) graduate education in forensic multimedia analysis.
MSMF classes are presented in a hybrid format combining mostly online learning with a small portion of concentrated in-person classes in a two-year cohort curriculum. With a maximum of 6 credit hours per semester and 5 weeks total spent in residency over two years, this format allows for students to work full-time while pursuing the degree. Classes are comprised of online self-guided lectures, interactive learning, discussion boards, reading responses, and scheduled video conferencing. Onsite coursework provides students hands-on and practical experiences which augment and enrich the curriculum. Additionally, experiential learning activities include visits to regional crime labs and scientific conferences to understand the application of forensic media technology and laboratory procedures. This course of study allows students to complete the MSMF degree in a minimum of two and a half years.
MS Media Forensics Application
Admission to the MSMF program is competitive. The MSMF program accepts students in the fall only. Admission decisions are made by committee and are based on the entirety of the applicant's submitted materials and the strength of the pool of applicants in each admission cycle. Admission to the program is contingent upon:
- Formal documentation of an earned bachelor's degree in a related field. (International students must document an equivalent.) Field of prior study is open
- For international students, submission of evidence of English Language Proficiency. Please contact the Office of International Admissions for more information.
- Strength of application components as they relate to:
- Scientific competency
- Writing skills
- Desire to work in the field of digital and multimedia forensic analysis
- Strength of academic/professional background
- Strength of references through letters of recommendation
Application Components
Required application components include:
- Graduate Application for Admission
- Application Fee
- Official Transcripts
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
- Two (2) Writing Samples
- International Applicants Only: Evidence of English Language Proficiency (contact the Office of International Admissions for more information)
Applications that do not include all the requirements or that include partial components are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.
International applicants are encouraged to visit the Office of International Admissions website for detailed information.
Application requirements are subject to change. Refer to the National Center for Media Forensics MSMF program website for detailed information and updates regarding the application process and requirements.
Program Requirements
The MSMF program comprises 33 semester hours of credit: 29 hours are required courses and 4 hours are thesis. All courses must be completed with a grade of B- (2.7) or better and students must maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Grades of C+ (2.3) or lower, or a cumulative GPA below 3.0, will result in the student’s dismissal from the program. Students are admitted to the program in the fall as a cohort, and must follow the curriculum in sequence.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Program Sequence | ||
| MSMF 5100 | Forensic Science and Litigation | 3 |
| MSMF 5150 | Research Practices in Media Forensics | 3 |
| MSMF 5001 | Experiential Lab I | 1 |
| MSMF 5200 | Foundations in Media Forensics | 3 |
| MSMF 5250 | MATLAB Foundations | 2 |
| MSMF 5300 | Computer Forensics | 2 |
| MSMF 5350 | Mobile Phone Forensics | 2 |
| MSMF 5002 | Experiential Lab II | 1 |
| MSMF 5400 | Forensic Audio Analysis | 3 |
| MSMF 5450 | MATLAB for Forensic Audio Analysis | 1 |
| MSMF 5003 | Experiential Lab III | 1 |
| MSMF 5500 | Forensic Video and Image Analysis | 3 |
| MSMF 5550 | MATLAB for Forensic Video and Image Analysis | 1 |
| MSMF 5600 | Report Writing and Court Testimony | 3 |
| MSMF 6900 | Research Thesis in Media Forensics | 4 |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
Program Sequence
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| MSMF 5100 | Forensic Science and Litigation | 3 |
| MSMF 5150 | Research Practices in Media Forensics | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSMF 5000 | Experiential Lab | 1 |
| MSMF 5200 | Foundations in Media Forensics | 3 |
| MSMF 5250 | MATLAB Foundations | 2 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| MSMF 5300 | Computer Forensics | 2 |
| MSMF 5350 | Mobile Phone Forensics | 2 |
| Hours | 4 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| MSMF 5000 | Experiential Lab | 1 |
| MSMF 5400 | Forensic Audio Analysis | 3 |
| MSMF 5450 | MATLAB for Forensic Audio Analysis | 1 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Spring | ||
| MSMF 5000 | Experiential Lab | 1 |
| MSMF 5500 | Forensic Video and Image Analysis | 3 |
| MSMF 5550 | MATLAB for Forensic Video and Image Analysis | 1 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Summer | ||
| MSMF 5600 | Report Writing and Court Testimony | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| MSMF 6900 | Research Thesis in Media Forensics | 4 |
| Hours | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 33 | |