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Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Chemistry

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major: Forensic Chemistry
Hours: 120

Bachelor of Science - Forensic Chemistry

Delivery Options:

Forensic Chemistry Overview

The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Chemistry is for you if you want to laboratory analysis to help solve criminal cases. As a forensic chemist, you will use knowledge from chemistry, biology, materials science, genetics and criminal justice to evaluate material evidence related to crime scenes. Police investigations and legal trials often rely upon the work of forensic chemists, and they must often provide expert testimony and explain their findings to a jury.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Forensic Chemistry at Â鶹ÊÓƵ prepares you to work in government labs for federal, state, local police department, county medical examiner’s office, forensic services lab or a branch of the FBI. There are also private labs that provide forensic services and analysis.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Chemistry and Biochemistry Department has active research programs in several areas including environmental chemistry biochemistry, surface chemistry, computational chemistry, materials science, polymer chemistry, transition metal coordination chemistry, molecular spectroscopy and organic reaction mechanisms.

Career Paths in Forensic Chemistry

You'll receive up to a year of on-the-job training for DNA analysis and as many as three years for firearms analysis. You will likely need to pass a proficiency examination before being able to handle your own cases. Successful forensic scientists stay continually up-to-date on advances in the field. You'll typically work in government labs, but other options exist in academic and scientific research or leadership. (, "Forensic Chemistry")

Primary Careers

Forensic technician, forensic scientist

Career Areas

  • Criminalist
  • Special agent
  • Lab technician
  • Lab manager
  • Lab supervisor
  • Lab director

Median Salary

$51,700

Types of Employers

  • Governmental agency labs
  • Research facilities
  • School and university labs
  • Forensics supply manufacturers
  • Police departments
  • Private corporations

Meet the Faculty

2013-lumpkin250x250.jpgDr. Richard S. Lumpkin
Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry
2013-nguyen250x250.jpgDr. T. Thuy Minh Nguyen
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry
Dr. P. ChandrasekaranDr. P. Chandrasekaran
Assistant Professor of Inorganic Chemistry
Dr. Paul BernazzaniDr. Paul Bernazzani
Interim Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences, Professor