►  Graduate School Rules 11-12  apply to this program

Program Overview

This unique degree program prepares students from various backgrounds for work in the field of forensic audio and video 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 offers the only graduate-level education specific to audio and video forensics in the country.

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 three-semester cohort curriculum. Classes feature faculty from around the country and emerging avenues of exploration and related legal topics needed in report preparation for expert witness testimony. Digital media evidence acquisition through computer forensics applications are emphasized in an environment that fosters creativity and individual skills. The capstone of this program is a research thesis of the student’s choosing under the advisement of the director and associate director of the NCMF as well as an advisory board of forensic professionals from around the world.  The thesis is a topic of exploration throughout the program and serves to enhance a graduate’s specialty as he or she enters the work force 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 emphasis in media forensics will differ from those listed for the traditional MSRA program.  Refer to the National Center for Media Forensics Web site for up-to-date information regarding application process, requirements and deadlines.

Curriculum

The master of science in recording arts emphasis in media forensics comprises 34 semester hours: 30 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+ (2.75) 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 MSRA-MF program are subject to change.  Please refer to the National Center for Media Forensics website for up-to-date information regarding curriculum and application requirements for the emphasis in media forensics.