Media Forensics Emphasis, Recording Arts MS

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Program Overview

The master of science in recording arts emphasis in media forensics degree program 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 that it stands alone 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 will be 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 augments and enriches 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 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 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 emphasis in media forensics (MSRA-MF) differ from those listed for the MSRA program. Refer to the National Center for Media Forensics website for up-to-date information regarding application process, requirements and deadlines.

Curriculum

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