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NCMF Master’s of Science in Recording Arts Degree emphasis in Media Forensics

Microscope and forensics lab

Application Components – Domestic Students

Domestic Student Application Deadline: April 15th

Graduate Application for Admission – Parts I and II

  • Students are required to complete the Graduate Application for Admission Form, Parts I and II.  Students can complete an application online or request an application via mail
  • Program of Study – On the application, the code for Master of Science in Recording Arts emphasis in Media Forensics candidates is: GR-RAMS. The degree is M.S.

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 verbal, quantitative and analytical writing skills of the candidates.  This examination is offered internationally by Educational Testing Service on a continuous schedule.  Minimum required score is 400, although each student’s score will be evaluated as part of complete application process.  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.
  • 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
    USA

  • 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.

Application Fee

  • Domestic applicant non-refundable application fee of $50.00.
  • Fee must be paid by check or money order made payable to the University of Colorado Denver.  Cash will not be accepted.
  • The applicant’s name and birth date should be noted on the check or money order so the fee can be matched with the proper 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. 

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.

Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from responsible persons that can attest to the applicant’s academic and professional accomplishment are required. The names of persons from whom letters have been requested should be included in Part II of the Graduate Application for Admission.
  • Applicants are invited to provide additional letters of recommendation beyond the two required, should the applicant desire.
  • Letters of recommendation must be accompanied by the Letter of Recommendation Form.  
  • Letters of recommendation must be mailed directly from the recommender to the MSRA-MF Admission Committee.  
      • In some cases, letters of recommendation may be sent via e-mail. Please contact the National Center for Media Forensics for details.
  • 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.

Optional DVD of Media Samples

  • Applicants are invited to provide any additional multimedia samples that exemplify applicant’s skills as they relate to the forensic analysis of audio and video media.
  • This component is considered optional and will be accepted as a means of providing applicant with a venue to express qualification.
  • Please submit material on a data DVD and provide files in generally accepted formats such as: .MOV, .AVI, .WAV, .JPEG, etc.

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

All application materials must be sent directly to:

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

Contact Us

Students are encouraged to contact us for advising on any questions they may have about the MSRA-MF program.  Below are the main contacts, and the types of questions they typically address:

Jeff M. Smith
Interim Director
jeff.smith@ucdenver.edu
(303) 315-5853

  • Philosophy of program
  • Course content
  • Facilities
  • Equipment
  • Internships
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Industry Opportunities

Leah Haloin
Administrative Manager
leah.haloin@ucdenver.edu
(303) 315-5852

  • Applications and application process
  • Application deadlines
  • Admissions requirements
  • Administrative questions

General inquiries can be directed to ncmf@ucdenver.edu or (303) 315-5850.