Media Forensics Emphasis, Recording Arts MS

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►Graduate School Rules apply to this program

Program Overview

Application Components

Curriculum

Program Overview

The master of science in recording arts, media forensics emphasis, 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.

Students from all disciplines (media production, electrical engineering, general forensics, etc.) are encouraged to apply, as this program enhances scientific inquiry while guiding students through a two-year cohort curriculum. The hybrid delivery format affords students the option to work full-time while completing most of the program in an online classroom with additional onsite study at the NCMF and its partner institutions. Classes are comprised of online self-guided lectures, interactive learning, discussion boards and reading responses, as well as scheduled video conferencing. Onsite coursework provides students with hands-on and practical experiences which augment and enrich the curriculum. Additionally, experiential learning includes visits to regional crime labs and scientific conferences to understand the application of forensic media technology and laboratory procedures.

Classes feature diverse faculty and lead students through three areas of study: foundational knowledge, core analyses and capstone experiences which fully prepare students for research in forensic science and expert witness testimony. Digital media evidence acquisition through computer forensics applications is emphasized in an environment that fosters creativity and individual skills. The research thesis on a topic of the student’s choosing is conducted under the advisement of the Director and Associate Director of the NCMF as well as forensic professionals from around the world. The thesis is a topic of exploration throughout the program and serves to enhance a graduate’s area of specialty as they prepare for work in private forensic practice, corporate research and development, academic research and teaching, or crime labs at the local, state or federal levels.

Note: The application process, requirements and deadlines for the master of science in recording arts, media forensics emphasis (MSRA-MF), differ from those listed for the MSRA recording arts program .

MSRA Media Forensics Application Components

Application Components – Domestic Students

Domestic Student Application Deadline: February 15th
Program accepts students in Fall only.

Graduate Application for Admission

Students are required to complete the Graduate Application for Admission. Students should complete an application online.
Program of Study – On the online application, the Program is College of Arts & Media, the Plan is Recording Arts, and the Sub-Plan is Media Forensics. Make sure to include all three of these designations; otherwise application materials will not be received by the MSRA-MF Admissions Committee.
It is recommended to e-mail: leah.haloin@ucdenver.edu with notification of intent to apply. Application materials will be more closely tracked by the program.

Application Fee

Domestic applicant non-refundable application fee of $50.00.
Fee must be paid in U.S. dollars, via the online Graduate Application for Admission.

Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Scores

Applicants to the MSRA-MF degree program must submit scores from the GRE tests dated within the past five years. The “General Test” offered by Educational Testing Service will assist in evaluating applicants to the degree program. It evaluates the analytical writing, and verbal and quantitative reasoning skills of the candidates. This examination is offered internationally by Educational Testing Service on a continuous schedule. There is no minimum score required for admission, as each student’s score will be evaluated as a portion of the complete application. This examination is not intended to exclude any applicant from the degree program, but rather to assist in academic advising.
Scores must be received by the application deadline, therefore students should plan accordingly when scheduling their testing dates. Late GRE scores are not accepted, and these applications will not be reviewed.
The institution code for the University of Colorado Denver where scores should be sent is: 4875. There is no department code for the program.
Information on the GRE can be obtained here.

Transcripts

Applicants must have two (2) official academic transcripts from each college or university attended sent directly from the issuing institution to:

Leah Haloin

MSRA-MF Graduate Admissions Committee
National Center for Media Forensics
Campus Box 154
P.O. Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364

While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed.
“Official transcripts” exhibit the official seal and signature of the registrar.
Transcripts that are marked “student copy” or “unofficial” are not accepted as official and cannot be used in the admission decision.

Cover Letter

*Applicants must submit a cover letter detailing the following:
- Professional/educational background
- Reason for wanting to participate in program
- Research interests
The cover letter must be typed and double-spaced.
The cover letter can be scanned and uploaded in your online application or e-mailed: leah.haloin@ucdenver.edu.

Resume

Students are required to submit a typed resume as it relates to the field of forensic science. The resume must including educational background, work experience and relevant skills. Students are also welcome to include any published works, scholarly/creative work, exhibitions, awards, or other relevant achievements.
The resume should be chronologic, beginning with educational background, and progressing to employment history. Please refrain from “functional” resumes, or those that simply summarize qualities or competencies.
The resume can be scanned and uploaded in your online application or e-mailed to leah.haloin@ucdenver.edu.

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Three (3) letters of recommendation from responsible persons that can attest to the applicant’s academic and professional accomplishment are required. The names and contact information of persons from whom letters have been requested should be included in the online Graduate Application for Admission.
Applicants are invited to provide additional letters of recommendation beyond the three required, should the applicant desire.
Letters of recommendation must be input directly from the recommender via the online process through the Graduate Application for Admission.
Incomplete letters of recommendation will not be considered, and the application will not be reviewed.

Two (2) Technical Writing Samples

Applicant is to provide two (2) samples of material authored by applicant displaying scientific/non-fictional writing skills. These could be undergraduate research papers, published or unpublished articles, grant proposals, prepared reports or affidavits from mock-trial proceedings.
Each writing sample should be 1,000 words or more.
The technical writing samples can be scanned and uploaded in your online application or e-mailed to: leah.haloin@ucdenver.edu.

Applications which do not include all of the requirements listed above, or that include partial components, are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Application Components – International Students

(Note: International applicants are encouraged to visit the Office of International Admissions website.)

International Student Application Deadline: February 15th
Program accepts students in Fall only.

International Student Graduate Application for Admission

International Students are required to complete an online application form. Please visit international.ucdenver.edu/admissions and click on the ‘Apply Now’ tab on the top right hand corner. Program of Study – On the online application, the Program is College of Arts & Media, the Plan is Recording Arts, and the Sub-Plan is Media Forensics. Make sure you have included all three of these designations; otherwise your application will not be received by the MSRA-MF Admissions Committee.
It is recommended to e-mail: leah.haloin@ucdenver.edu with notification of intent to apply. Application materials will be more closely tracked by the program.

Application Fee

International applicant non-refundable application fee of $75.00.
Fee must be paid in U.S. dollars, via the online Graduate Application for Admission.

Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Scores

Applicants to the MSRA-MF degree program must submit scores from the GRE tests dated within the past five years. The “General Test” offered by Educational Testing Service will assist in evaluating applicants to the degree program. It evaluates the analytical writing, and verbal and quantitative reasoning skills of the candidates. This examination is offered internationally by Educational Testing Service on a continuous schedule. There is no minimum score required for admission, as each student’s score will be evaluated as a portion of the complete application. This examination is not intended to exclude any applicant from the degree program, but rather to assist in academic advising.
Scores must be received by the application deadline, therefore students should plan accordingly when scheduling their testing dates. Late GRE scores are not accepted, and these applications will not be reviewed.
The institution code for the University of Colorado Denver where scores should be sent is: 4875. There is no department code for the program.
Information on the GRE can be obtained here.

English Language Requirement

International Applicants to the MSRA-MF degree program whose first language is not English are required to provide evidence of English language competency. The language requirement can be satisfied as follows:
- Submitting TOEFL scores (minimum score of 71 IBT or 525 PBT.)
- Submitting IELTS scores (minimum 6.0.)
- Graduation from CU Denver approved English language programs with a recommendation letter from the Center director.
- Students with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States.
- Following the Graduate School Policy, the English language requirement is waived for international students who have graduated from a foreign institution where the language of instruction for their Bachelor’s degree was English. These students are required to provide a letter from their home institution verifying this information.
- International students who have earned a Bachelor’s degree in the United States or completed one year of study in a Master’s program at an accredited institution in the United States may demonstrate English language competency via their transcripts from the U.S. Institution.
Evidence of English language competency should be scanned and uploaded in your online application.
Please contact the Office of International Admissions for more information.

Transcripts

Applicants must have two (2) official academic transcripts from each college or university attended.
Foreign language transcripts must be translated word by word into English by a certified translator. The translator should not attempt to convert grades into the American system.
Transcripts should be scanned and uploaded in your online application.

Cover Letter

Applicants must submit a cover letter detailing the following:
- Professional/educational background
- Reason for wanting to participate in program
- Research interests
The cover letter must be typed and double-spaced.
The cover letter should be scanned and uploaded in your online application.

Resume

Students are required to submit a typed resume as it relates to the field of forensic science. The resume must including educational background, work experience and relevant skills. Students are also welcome to include any published works, scholarly/creative work, exhibitions, awards, or other relevant achievements.
The resume should be chronologic, beginning with educational background, and progressing to employment history. Please refrain from “functional” resumes, or those that simply summarize qualities or competencies.
The resume should be scanned and uploaded in your online application.

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Three (3) letters of recommendation from responsible persons that can attest to the applicant’s academic and professional accomplishment are required. The names and contact information of persons from whom letters have been requested should be included in the online Graduate Application for Admission.
Applicants are invited to provide additional letters of recommendation beyond the three required, should the applicant desire.
Letters of recommendation must be input directly from the recommender via the online process through the Graduate Application for Admission.
Incomplete letters of recommendation will not be considered, and the application will not be reviewed.

Two (2) Technical Writing Samples

Applicant is to provide two (2) samples of material authored by applicant displaying scientific/non-fictional writing skills. These could be undergraduate research papers, published or unpublished articles, grant proposals, prepared reports or affidavits from mock-trial proceedings.
Each writing sample must be 1,000 words or more, and provided in English.
The technical writing samples should be scanned and uploaded in your online application.

Applications which do not include all of the requirements listed above, or that include partial components, are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

International Students must submit all application components in English, where applicable.

Transcripts, cover letters, recommendation letters, and evidence of English language proficiency should be scanned and uploaded in your online application. If these documents are being mailed to the University, please send to:

University of Colorado Denver
International Admissions
Campus Box A005/141
P.O. Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217-3364
USA

Curriculum

The master of science in recording arts, media forensics emphasis, 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. Students who do not complete the program in sequence must reapply.

Curriculum and application requirements for the master of science in recording arts, media forensics emphasis, are subject to change. Refer to the National Center for Media Forensics website for up-to-date information regarding curriculum and application requirements.