Penn Arts and Sciences High School Programs
Forensic science training at Penn
A two-week residential forensic science academy at the University of Pennsylvania for 10th and 11th graders, covering DNA analysis, toxicology, and mock crime scene investigations.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
$6,700
Participation format
Individual
Duration
2 weeks
Time needed
Residential, 2 weeks
Eligibility
Open to current 10th and 11th grade students with a minimum 3.5 GPA and at least one year of lab-based science completed. International students are welcome; tourist or B-2 visa required.
- Grade level
- Grade 10 to 11
- Prerequisites
- Completion of at least one year of lab-based science
- Regional eligibility criteria
- Minimum 3.5 GPA required
- At least one year of lab-based science coursework required
- International students: tourist or B-2 visa required; no scholarship funding available for international students
- Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores (waived for students with 2+ years at an English-medium school)
See if your child qualifies.
Benefits
- Hands-on laboratory and mock crime scene exercises
- Instruction by Dr. Tina Ross, Penn faculty and former Drexel forensic science co-director
- Residential campus experience at the University of Pennsylvania
- Interdisciplinary curriculum spanning chemistry, biology, physics, and criminology
- Real-world case study analysis and written report development
- Access to Penn's campus facilities, gym, and organised activities
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration closed
- 15 May 2026
- Dates
- 11 Jul 2026 to 25 Jul 2026
How to apply
- 1Submit the online application with required essays via the Penn SAS High School Programmes portal
- 2Pay the non-refundable USD 100 application fee
- 3Submit a letter of recommendation
- 4Non-native English speakers submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores
- 5Await admissions decision (up to 6 weeks after application submission)
- 6Pay the USD 1,500 non-refundable enrollment deposit to secure place upon admission
- 7Complete full tuition payment of USD 6,700
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Total programme tuition USD 6,700 for two weeks, inclusive of residential housing, gym access, linens, meals, supervised activities, and campus facilities. A non-refundable USD 100 application fee and a USD 1,500 non-refundable enrollment deposit apply. Scholarships available only for School District of Philadelphia public and charter school students; no scholarships for international students.
About this opportunity
The Penn Arts and Sciences Forensic Science Academy is a two-week, non-credit residential summer programme offered by the University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences. The programme is designed for current 10th and 11th grade students who have completed at least one year of lab-based science coursework and wish to explore the scientific foundations of modern forensic investigation.
Participants engage in hands-on laboratory work, mock crime scene investigations, and real-world case study analysis spanning disciplines including toxicology, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, trace evidence examination, ballistics, criminology, chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. Students develop the ability to collect and evaluate evidence, apply interdisciplinary scientific techniques, and present findings in formats credible to both academic and legal audiences.
The 2026 programme is directed by Dr. Tina Ross, Associate Director of Penn's Master of Chemical Sciences Programme and former co-director of the Forensic Science MS programme at Drexel Medicine. Through guided lab sessions, journaling, written reports, and oral testimony exercises, students build the analytical and communication skills used by practising forensic scientists.
All enrolled students live on campus in Philadelphia with access to Penn's academic facilities, gym, supervised activities, and organised trips. International students are welcome and may attend on a tourist or B-2 visa, as the programme does not sponsor F-1 visas.
What your child will do
- Hands-on toxicology laboratory sessions
- DNA analysis and fingerprinting exercises
- Trace evidence examination
- Mock crime scene investigations
- Ballistics analysis
- Case study review and discussion
- Written forensic reports
- Oral testimony exercises
- Supervised campus activities and trips
- Hands-on laboratory work
- Real-world case study analysis
- Guided lab sessions
- Journaling
- Written reports
Mentors and faculty
Directed by Dr. Tina Ross, Associate Director of Penn's Master of Chemical Sciences Programme, along with other academic professionals.
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The curriculum involves hands-on laboratory work, mock crime scene investigations, and real-world case study analysis. It covers various forensic disciplines such as toxicology, DNA analysis, fingerprinting, trace evidence, ballistics, and criminology, integrating principles from chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. Students participate in guided lab sessions, journaling, written reports, and oral testimony exercises to develop analytical and communication skills essential for forensic scientists.
Frequently asked questions
How do students manage the intensive academic schedule of the program?
The program is designed with a balanced schedule, integrating rigorous academic sessions with supervised extracurricular activities and dedicated study time to ensure students can effectively manage their workload and engage fully.
What kind of support is available for students adjusting to residential life on campus?
Students receive comprehensive support from residential staff, including program advisors and teaching assistants, who facilitate a smooth transition to campus living, offer academic guidance, and organize social activities.
How does participation in this program enhance a student's college application profile?
Completing this program demonstrates a strong commitment to advanced academic study, provides hands-on experience in a specialized field, and offers an Ivy League residential experience, all of which significantly strengthen a college application.
What are the long-term benefits for students who complete the Forensic Science Academy?
Graduates gain foundational knowledge and practical skills in forensic science, develop critical thinking and communication abilities, and build a network with peers and faculty, preparing them for future STEM studies and careers.
Are there opportunities for students to interact with current Penn faculty and researchers outside of structured sessions?
The program includes interactions with Penn faculty and experts through lectures, workshops, and informal sessions, providing students with valuable insights into academic and professional pathways in forensic science.
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