Forensic Chemistry Major: Information and Requirements
Bachelor's degree programs in forensic chemistry teach students how to apply scientific ideologies and techniques to assist law enforcement with criminal and civil investigations. These programs are often offered through the chemistry departments at colleges and universities as a specialized degree track. Forensic chemistry programs also have much in common with the broader field of forensic science.
Bachelor's Degrees in Forensic Chemistry
Forensic chemistry is generally a methodical and detailed process, requiring advanced analytical and communication skills. Students who select a forensic chemistry major are given a foundation in theoretical and experimental chemistry, which requires many hours spent in a laboratory. Lab work includes the studies of chemical properties, evidence collection and specimen testing. Students are also taught effective methods of translating this highly technical laboratory information into terms that can be understood in a courtroom. There are no educational prerequisites specific to a forensic chemistry major.
Program Coursework
Since much of a forensic scientist's work is done for criminal and civil cases, students are normally required to take introductory courses on courtroom testimony, criminalistics and the criminal justice system. The core science coursework can include the following:
- Organic, analytical and forensic chemistry
- Principles of chromatography and electrochemistry
- Crime scene investigation procedures
- Biostatistics and bioethics
- Genetics and cell biology
- Entomology
Career Information
The professional field of forensic science, including forensic chemistry, is a relatively small one. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were only about 12,800 wage and salary occupations held by forensic science technicians in 2009. Most of these jobs were at crime laboratories run by a private industry or the local, state or federal government. The BLS states that in 2009 the average annual salary in the forensic science field was approximately $51,000 (www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education Information
Those who successfully complete a forensic chemistry bachelor's degree program traditionally have the option to pursue graduate studies in either forensic science or chemistry. Some of the relevant areas of specialization in a forensic science master's degree program include toxicology and DNA analysis. A graduate forensic science program will include supplemental coursework related to the criminology side of forensics, while a program in chemistry will focus more purely on scientific principles, research and analysis.
Another continuing education option for forensic chemistry majors is to attend conferences and professional training seminars held by industry organizations. These groups include the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (www.aafs.org) and the American College of Forensic Examiners International (www.acfei.com).
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Forensic Chemistry Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
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2 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (10 campuses)
- Michigan (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (3 campuses)
- California (16)
- Colorado (3)
- Florida (6)
- Georgia (4)
- Illinois (8)
- Indiana (2)
- Kentucky (1)
- Maryland (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (2)
- North Carolina (2)
- New Jersey (3)
- Nevada (1)
- New York (2)
- Ohio (4)
- Oklahoma (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (5)
- Tennessee (2)
- Texas (7)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (3)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (2)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Physical Sciences
- Chemistry Sciences
- Analytical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Forestry and Wildlands Management
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Physical and Environmental Science
- Physics
- Chemistry Sciences
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School locations:
- Michigan (3 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Physical Sciences
- Chemistry Sciences
- Natural Resources Conservation
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School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Physical Sciences
- Chemistry Sciences
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Physical and Environmental Science
- Physics
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School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Physical Sciences
- Chemistry Sciences
- Forestry and Wildlands Management
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Natural Resources Management
- Physical and Environmental Science
- Physics
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Grand Valley State University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Physical Sciences
- Chemistry Sciences
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Physical and Environmental Science
- Physics
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School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Physical Sciences
- Chemistry Sciences
- Forestry and Wildlands Management
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Physical and Environmental Science
- Physics
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School locations:
- Washington (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Washington include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Physical Sciences
- Chemistry Sciences
- Forestry and Wildlands Management
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Physical and Environmental Science
- Physics
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School locations:
- Virginia (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Virginia Commonwealth University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Physical Sciences
- Chemistry Sciences
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Physical and Environmental Science
- Physics
