• Program Overview

    Program Overview

    Stevenson University Online's Master of Science in Forensic Investigation prepares students to effectively conduct interviews and collect physical evidence for the purpose of synthesizing the results into factually accurate and objective reports and court testimony. Our graduate program equips students with the skills to analyze and evaluate documentary and testimonial evidence vital to criminal investigations and trials. Developed for working professionals, the Stevenson Forensic Investigation graduate program is offered fully online.

    Connections to Jobs in Various Forensic Fields

    Students will benefit from Stevenson University’s proximity to the federal, state, and local governmental agencies who possess an increased need for professionals with forensic investigation skills. Potential positions for graduates of this program range from local Police Detective to Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. At the state and local levels, forensic investigators usually specialize in one type of crime, such as white-collar crime or financial crime. Stevenson’s Forensic Investigation master’s program prepares students for careers in all of these areas by providing them with the ability to communicate findings, analysis, and conclusions. Additional positions available to graduates include:

    • Bankruptcy Examiner
    • Insurance Claims Examiner
    • Loss-prevention Analyst
    • Background Investigator
    • Investigative Analyst

    Certificate Option

    Stevenson also offers an 18-credit, online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Forensic Investigation.

  • Admissions / Tuition

    Admissions / Tuition

    • Completed online application. 
    • Completion of bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
    • Official college transcript from your degree-granting institution; additional transcripts may be required to demonstrate satisfaction of program-specific prerequisites or at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.
    • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in past academic work.
    • Personal statement.
    Tuition Rate Partnership Standard
    Per Credit $536.00 $670.00
    Per Course (3-Credits) $1,608.00 $2,010.00
    • Stevenson University offers a partnership tuition rate through our relationships with local community colleges, hospitals, and organizations. A full list of our partners can be found here.
    • Stevenson University Online has simplified the cost of your education by eliminating all fees. 
    • Financial aid packages are offered to those who qualify.
    • Students are eligible to transfer up to 6-credit hours from a 4-year institution if applicable. 
  • Faculty

    Faculty

    Thomas D. Coogan (1988)
    Department Chair and Professor of Forensic Studies
    B.A., Hamilton College
    M.A., Antioch College
    J.D., Antioch School of Law

    Thomas Byrd (2017)
    Program Coordinator and Adjunct Professor, Cyber Forensics
    B.S., University of Nebraska
    M.S., Illinois Institute of Technology
    J.D., Loyola University Chicago School of Law 

    Emmet Davitt (2005)
    Adjunct Professor, Forensic Studies
    B.A., University of Virginia
    J.D., University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Steven Engorn (2004)
    Program Coordinator, Business and Technology Management and Assistant Professor Information Technology
    A.A., Catonsville Community College
    B.S., American University
    M.B.A., Loyola College of Maryland

    John Grimes (2013)
    Adjunct Instructor, Forensic Studies
    B.A., Notre Dame of Maryland University
    M.S., Stevenson University

    Barry M. Grzechowiak (2012)
    Adjunct Instructor, Forensic Studies
    B.A, University of Maryland, Baltimore
    M.S., Stevenson University

    Maria Howell (2006)
    Professor of Forensic Studies
    B.A., The Johns Hopkins University
    J.D., University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Carolyn H. Johnson (1998)
    Professor of Forensic Studies
    B.A., Dickinson College
    J.D., University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Barbara Jung (2015)
    Adjunct Professor, Forensic Studies
    J.D., University of Baltimore

    Pamela Kessler (2005)
    Adjunct Professor, Forensic Studies
    B.A., University of Maryland, College Park
    J.D., University of Baltimore

    Colin A. May (2010)
    Adjunct Instructor, Criminal Justice
    B.S., Siena College
    M.S., Stevenson University

    Gerald L. Maye (2007)
    Adjunct Instructor, Forensic Studies
    B.A., University of Alabama
    M.P.P.M., Birmingham Southern College

    Susan A. Schenning (2005)7
    Associate Professor of Forensic Studies
    B.A., Notre Dame of Maryland University
    J.D., University of Baltimore

    John "Jay" Tobin, Ph.D. (2003)
    Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Forensic Science
    A.A., Hartford Community College
    B.S., University of Maryland, College Park
    M.S.F.S, George Washington University
    Ph.D., University of Maryland, Baltimore

    Richard K. West (2009)
    Adjunct Professor, Forensic Studies
    B.S., Lawrence University
    J.D., Northwestern University

    Joyce A. Zerhusen (2004)
    Adjunct Professor, Forensic Studies
    B.S., Villa Julie College
    M.S., University of Baltimore

  • Courses

    Courses

    The Master of Science in Forensic Investigation is an online 36-credit hour program.

    • FSCOR 601 Foundations of Justice 
    • FSCOR 604 Evidence 
    • FSCOR 606 Forensic Journal Research and Review 
    • FSCI 500 Survey of Forensic Science
    • FSINV 600 Investigative Techniques/Interviewing 
    • FSINV 605 Investigative Techniques/Physical Evidence 
    • FSLAW 602 Criminology
    • FSAAC 620 Forensic Information Technology
    • FSLAW 662 Fraud Investigation and Analysis 
    • FSLAW 668 White Collar Crime
    • FSCOR 702 Mock Trial Capstone 

    The Mock Trial Capstone

    A distinction of Stevenson University Online’s forensic programs, the Mock Trial Capstone provides students with real-world experience and training in investigation, evidence collection, and presenting forensic evidence in a courtroom setting. The capstone can be completed online and is also offered on campus in our state-of-the-art mock trial courtroom.