Overview

The Forensic Nursing programme at Oakland University offers a comprehensive pathway for registered nurses to specialise in the intersection of healthcare and the legal system. Students at Oakland University gain the expertise required to support victims of maltreatment, violence, and trauma through a curriculum developed alongside industry pioneers.

This course is distinguished as the only one of its kind in Michigan, providing a rigorous academic foundation combined with extensive practical experience. The curriculum is designed to accommodate working professionals, utilising a high-tech digital platform that maintains a close-knit community between faculty and peers. Students benefit from a "high-touch" instructional model that ensures personalised mentorship throughout their studies.

Why Forensic Nursing at Oakland University?

Oakland University is recognised as a pace-setter in this field, having developed its curriculum in collaboration with Virginia Lynch, the founder of the forensic nursing profession. The institution provides an exceptional 420 to 500 hours of clinical training, significantly exceeding the national average for similar graduate programmes. This ensures that graduates are fully prepared for the complexities of forensic practice.

Facilities at the School of Nursing include advanced laboratory technology and specialised medical equipment. Students become proficient in using colposcopes, alternative light sources, and digital forensic photography. Furthermore, the university hand-picks clinical partners, removing the burden from students to secure their own placements in diverse settings such as medical examiner offices and law enforcement agencies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22428 per year
National fee: USD 22428 per year
Local fee: USD 19972 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Death Investigation
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management
Interpersonal Violence and Maltreatment
Forensic Nursing
Nursing Scholarship
Nursing Leadership
Health Policy
Health Assessment
Pharmacology
Pathophysiology

Careers with Forensic Nursing

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the criminal justice and healthcare sectors. Many find employment in hospitals, psychiatric institutions, and correctional facilities, while others work directly with law enforcement agencies or coroner offices. The programme also provides the necessary academic foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral-level nursing research.

Common career paths include working within victim advocacy organisations, public health departments, and emergency preparedness units. Forensic nurses often serve as essential members of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with legal professionals and first responders to improve outcomes for victims of crime. Some graduates also transition into roles within law firms or judicial agencies as expert consultants.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theory and Transitional Research for Advanced Nursing Practice

Systems Leadership and Health Policy for Advanced Nursing Practice

Forensic Nursing Science

Forensic Nurse Death Investigation

Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management

Interpersonal Violence and Maltreatment

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 28 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

39 SCH

Delivered

Blended

Campus Location

Rochester Hills, United States

Disciplines

Forensic Science Nursing Health Sciences View 1118 other Masters in Health Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with an overall undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above from an institution accredited by the National League for Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Proof of a current unrestricted Registered Nurse license in the United States or its territories.

A minimum of one year of clinical experience as an R.N. (at the start of the program) is required during which time the applicant must have functioned as an independent decision maker and demonstrated advanced psychomotor skills.

Two (2) Recommendations must be completed by healthcare professionals in forensic nursing, leadership, administration/management, or education and are able to attest to the applicant’s nursing skills and/or abilities. One reference must be from a colleague who is familiar with the applicant’s work.

Professional statement of 500 to 1,000 words

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22428 USD / year

≈ 22428 USD / year
Out-of-State

22428 USD / year

≈ 22428 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

19972 USD / year

≈ 19972 USD / year

Living costs

Rochester Hills

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Forensic Nursing.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Rochester Hills

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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