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Arcadia University Forensic Science Program

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United States
Glenside, PA
Arcadia University Forensic Science Program

One of the most renowned FEPAC accredited master programs in forensic science in the country

05/28/2026

Keep an eye out this summer for updates on what our Class of 2027 is accomplishing. A number of our students are currently participating in the Global Field Studies study abroad course. Others are building their professional skills through internships, where they will be expanding upon their classroom knowledge and exploring potential career paths. Several students will be dedicating their summer to their thesis research in order to develop valuable independent research experience within their specific disciplines of forensic science. We look forward to sharing their achievements and experiences in the months ahead!

05/18/2026

Congratulations to Arcadia University’s MSFS Class of 2026! Our twelve second-years graduated last Thursday in a wonderful ceremony!

We are so proud of all the hard work you have put in to get to this point!!🎓👏

05/13/2026

Before their graduation tomorrow, let’s congratulate our second-year MSFS students on the completion of their capstone presentations!

Last week, each student had the opportunity to present their respective research projects, which they have been working tirelessly on for the past year. Peers, faculty, family, and friends were in the audience to hear about the hard work they have done and to support our students.

Congratulations! We are so proud of all you have accomplished!

05/11/2026

Special congratulations to MSFS second-year Mara Dominguez on being this year’s recipient of the Fredric Rieders Award for Excellence in Forensic Science!

This prestigious award is presented for academic and individual excellence and leadership. Mara was presented the award the morning of Final Capstone Presentstions last week. We are proud of you Mara!

05/07/2026

Recently, our second-year MSFS students attended Moot Court, where they were able to practice being expert witnesses!

Over the course of two days, our students had the opportunity to work with those experienced in expert testimony from the CFSRE as well as testify in front of a real judge!

Students had the opportunity to work on mock casework and testify about their results on the stand in the courtroom. It was a truly rewarding experience and helped to teach very important skills that are needed by a forensic scientist.

04/28/2026

Our first-year students recently conducted presumptive color test analyses for both drugs and low explosives in their Forensic Chemistry laboratory.

For drug analysis, students examined the reactions of known compounds including acetaminophen, benzocaine, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin, and lidocaine, using cobalt thiocyanate, Liebermann’s reagent, and Marquis reagent. By observing characteristic color changes, they developed a referential framework to assist in the identification of the composition of unknown samples.

For low explosive analysis, students evaluated known materials including black powder, smokeless powder, and Pyrodex using diphenylamine and methylene blue. These tests allowed them to recognize the distinct reaction patterns and apply that knowledge to unknown samples.

These techniques are considered presumptive because they rely on functional group reactivity. Compounds with similar chemical features can produce similar color changes, which highlights the importance of subsequent confirmatory testing in forensic analysis.

Great work to our students as they continue building laboratory skills, especially as we approach the end of the semester!

04/15/2026

Recently, our first-year students completed a laboratory focused on the use of polarized light in their Forensic Microscopy course in order to analyze how different materials interact with polarized light. Under crossed polars, students examined a variety of samples including glass, cotton, nylon, and boric acid in order to determine whether each material was isotropic or anisotropic. Isotropic materials remain dark under crossed polars regardless of orientation, while anisotropic materials experience changes in brightness and color when rotated.

Students also explored birefringence. By rotating the stage, anisotropic materials experience phases of extinction and brightness. These changes occur as the material splits the light into two rays that travel at different speeds and recombine to produce interference colors. Finally, students analyzed crystal materials including tetraphenylcyclopentadienone and dextrose in order to learn more about color and pleochroism.

Overall, this lab showed our students how polarized light microscopy can be used to reveal information about materials that are not observed under brightfield microscopy.

04/09/2026

Our Global Field Study CSI class was lucky to hear a presentation from the Evidence Response Team from the FBI, Philadelphia Divison!

The students were presented a look into some of the major investigations the team has been involved in, including the Boston Marathon Bombing, a recent Philadelphia plane crash, and more.

Then, the team went in-depth about a very interesting murder case they worked on locally. Students heard about the extensive search and recovery techniques to find and collect evidence crucial to the case.

Thank you to the Evidence Response Team for their visit and presentation to our students!

04/06/2026

Recently, our Global Field Study CSI class was able to tour NMS labs! 🧪 👩‍🔬

During the visit, students were able to observe how samples are processed from when they enter the lab to the end of analysis as well as how the lab maintains a clean, organized, efficient environment.

On the tour students saw the instrumentation they have been learning about in action, including LC/MS and GC/MS. Students found NMS to be very impressive and throughly enjoyed the tour!

Thank you to Nicholas and Arcadia MSFS alumna Emily for running the visit!

04/03/2026

Our first-year students were in the lab this week exploring the solubility of common drugs in their Forensic Chemistry course.

Solubility, how well a substance dissolves in a solvent, is a key physical property in forensic drug analysis. In this lab activity, our students tested drugs including acetaminophen, caffeine, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin, and lidocaine hydrochloride in a variety of solvents including dichloromethane, distilled water, salt water, methanol, chloroform, and n-hexane. By observing how each substance behaved, they were able to determine which solvents were most and least effective for each drug to better understand the polarity of the drugs..

Students also compared pure aspirin to a commercial tablet form to investigate how additives like fillers affect solubility and drug delivery. This was performed using toluene, hot water, and sodium bicarbonate with hydrochloric acid.

It was a great way to start off the week by applying the chemistry concepts they have been learning in their lectures!

Address

450 S Easton Road
Glenside, PA
19038

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://www.arcadia.edu/majors-and-programs/forensic-science-masters/

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