General Information

The Master’s Program in Forensic Sciences offered within the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences is an interdisciplinary graduate program that addresses crime, evidence, forensic processes, and scientific analysis methods through a multidisciplinary approach. The main objective of the program is to investigate forensic cases using scientific methods, analyze evidence, conduct crime scene investigation processes, and train qualified researchers in the field of forensic sciences. Within the program, in addition to forensic sciences, courses related to social sciences—such as victim-offender relations, child protection, mental disorders, organizational behavior, and psychological first aid—are included to enable students to evaluate cases not only from a technical perspective but also from social and psychological dimensions.

Length of Programme & Number of Credits

2 Year - 120 ECTS

Feature & Definition

The program lasts for two years. In the first year, students take compulsory and elective theoretical and practical courses, while in the second year they conduct their thesis research. Students who successfully complete and defend their thesis at the end of the second year are awarded a Master’s degree in Forensic Sciences and graduate as Forensic Science Specialists. The program has an interdisciplinary educational approach and integrates forensic sciences with social sciences. It aims to equip students with scientific research and analytical skills.

Mode of Study

Full Time

Head of Department

Doç. Dr. Kenan KAYA

ECTS / Course Catalog Coordinator

Doç. Dr. SALİHA BOZDOĞAN YEŞİLOT

Erasmus Coordinator

Prof. Dr. AYŞE SERİN

Internship Coordinator

Orientation Staff

Doç. Dr. SALİHA BOZDOĞAN YEŞİLOT

Goals

The Master’s Program in Forensic Sciences, offered within the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, aims to provide knowledge and skills for the scientific examination of crime, evidence, and forensic processes, and to train qualified researchers specialized in crime scene investigation and evidence evaluation processes. The program also aims to educate students as experts who are able to use current techniques in forensic sciences, think analytically, adhere to ethical principles, conduct scientific research, and evaluate cases from technical, social, and psychological perspectives.

Objectives

1. To provide students with up-to-date theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of forensic sciences. 2. To train individuals specialized in crime scene investigation, evidence collection, and evidence analysis processes. 3. To educate researchers who can effectively use scientific research methods and conduct academic studies. 4. To develop analytical thinking skills that enable the evaluation of forensic cases from technical, social, and psychological perspectives. 5. To train professionals who adhere to ethical principles, can work in interdisciplinary environments, and possess a strong sense of professional responsibility in forensic processes.

Specific Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the thesis-based Master’s Program in Forensic Sciences, offered within the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, are based on candidates holding a bachelor’s degree, applying from relevant fields, and meeting the criteria for ALES, foreign language proficiency, and academic achievement as defined by the Çukurova University Graduate Education and Examination Regulations. Candidates are also required to apply during the announced application periods with the necessary documents and are admitted to the program based on their performance after written/oral scientific evaluation or interview stages.

Qualification Awarded

Students who successfully complete the program are awarded a Master’s degree (thesis-based) in the field of Forensic Sciences.

Level of Qualification

Master's

Qualification Requirements of Graduation

In the thesis-based Master’s Program in Forensic Sciences offered within the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, students are required to successfully complete all compulsory and elective courses in the curriculum and conduct a thesis study on a topic determined together with their academic advisor. Students are eligible for graduation upon successfully defending their thesis orally before a jury. The qualification requirements and graduation conditions of the program are regulated in accordance with the provisions of the Çukurova University Graduate Education and Examination Regulations.

Access to Further Studies

Graduates of the thesis-based Master’s program in the Department of Forensic Sciences at the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences may continue their education at a higher level by applying to doctoral programs, depending on their academic achievements and areas of interest. Graduates can pursue doctoral studies in fields such as forensic sciences, forensic medicine, toxicology, genetics, criminology, social sciences, addiction psychology, and forensic psychology, thereby deepening their expertise. In addition, they may pursue academic careers at universities and research centers, continuing their scientific work and contributing to research activities.

Internship

There is currently no course included in the program under the internship scope.

Applied Course

The applied courses in the Master's program of the Department of Forensic Sciences at the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences are designed to integrate students’ theoretical knowledge with real cases and field/laboratory environments. Within this scope, students gain practical skills in areas such as crime scene investigation and evidence collection, forensic genetic analyses, examination of body fluids and tissues, toxicology applications, forensic physics studies, spectroscopic analyses, forensic botany, and cybersecurity. In addition, students have the opportunity to observe practices carried out in child protection centers, mental health hospitals, high-security forensic psychiatry hospitals, forensic units, and related institutions, allowing them to evaluate the psychosocial and clinical dimensions of forensic procedures. Through these courses, students develop analytical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific evaluation skills in both laboratory and field settings, thereby strengthening their professional competencies.

Work Placement

The workplace training in the Master’s program of the Department of Forensic Sciences at the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences is a process designed to enable students to experience the theoretical and practical knowledge they have acquired in real working environments. Within this scope, students develop their professional skills by observing and participating in practices at forensic medicine institutions, criminal laboratories, hospitals, child protection centers, mental health hospitals, and relevant public institutions. Through workplace training, students have the opportunity to observe the functioning of forensic processes on-site, participate in interdisciplinary team work, follow case evaluation procedures, and gain professional working discipline.

Double Major, Additional Major & Exchange Possibilities

The Master’s program in the Department of Forensic Sciences at the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences provides students with opportunities to benefit from national and international exchange programs in order to support their academic and professional development. Within this scope, students may have the opportunity to take courses, conduct research, and gain academic experience at different higher education institutions through inter-university agreements and exchange programs. Through these exchange opportunities, students are able to observe different practices in the field of forensic sciences, become familiar with diverse academic approaches, and develop an interdisciplinary perspective. This process not only enhances students’ scientific research competencies but also contributes to their international academic collaboration and experiential learning.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of this program may work in Forensic Sciences and Forensic Medicine Institutes, the Council of Forensic Medicine and its branches, public and university hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health, private hospitals, and Gendarmerie and Police Criminal Laboratories. In addition, through their knowledge and skills in the field of social sciences, they may also find employment in institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Services, child care centers and residential care facilities, correctional institutions, probation directorates, social service centers, and organizations such as Yeşilay that operate in the field of addiction prevention and rehabilitation. In these settings, they can work in areas such as crime analysis, addiction studies, victim support services, child protection, psychosocial assessment, and social rehabilitation processes.