Top Online Programs for Forensic Chemistry

Hampton University

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry offers a concentration in Forensic Chemistry. This program is available online and features certification from the American Chemical Society (ACS). 126 total credit hours are needed to complete the program over four years.

Example topics include analytical chemistry, physical methods in forensic chemistry, and criminology. Courses that focus on the major and concentration are taken in the last two years. There is some exposure to general and organic chemistry over the first two years.

General education features topics such as humanities, physics, and world history. Many natural science courses, along with composition and oral communication, are taken at the beginning of the program. This is to prepare for advanced coursework when entering chemistry topics and working with others in a laboratory setting.

Over 160,000 members represent the ACS and hold proper certification. In order to gain this credential, 900 clock hours of classwork and laboratory sessions are required. Specific chemistry topics explored in the curriculum should feature inorganic chemistry and biochemistry.

University of Florida

The College of Pharmacy offers an online Master’s degree and graduate certificate in forensic science with topics in chemistry. 32 credit hours are needed for the full graduate program while each certificate requires 15 credit hours. Chemistry topics are available in all certifications, and there is large emphasis in forensic toxicology and forensic drug chemistry.

Core topics in the Master’s degree includes data analysis, reviewing biological evidence, and forensic toxicology. Serology specifically looks at blood samples to identify antibodies. All 15 credit hours worth of core courses must be completed before taking a literature survey and special topics course within forensic science.

14 credit hours of the curriculum are dedicated to elective options. Examples include Toxicology of Chemical Weapons, Metabolic Biochemistry, and Medicinal Chemistry of Drugs of Abuse. An 3.0 GPA is needed to complete the program and all courses must have a C grade or higher.

Up to 15 credit hours can be transferred into the Master’s degree. Institutions must be approved by the University of Florida. This credit must have been earned in the last seven years and courses must have a B grade or higher in order to be accepted.

There are four graduate certifications in forensic studies: Death Investigation, DNA and Serology, Drug Chemistry, and Toxicology. Entire certifications may be applied to a Master’s degree if desired and they have a B grade or higher. GRE scores are not needed in admission for either Master’s degree or certification.

Undergraduate Programs in Forensic Chemistry

Holding a Bachelor’s degree is often needed for forensic chemistry positions. This validates a graduate’s ability to accurately investigate and analyze data in a laboratory setting. These credentials especially hold true if the individual has completed an internship during their studies.

Approximately 120 credit hours are often needed to complete a Bachelor’s degree. This spans across four years of study with full-time enrollment. Gaining admission into the program typically requires a high school diploma and strong standardized testing scores.

At the undergraduate level, students take a number of chemistry and physics courses. This often features biochemistry, organic chemistry, computational chemistry, and physical chemistry. Foundational biology topics are also explored, especially in genetics and DNA.

Mathematics and statistics are also featured in the general education portion of the degree. Multiple levels of calculus, statistical methods, and more are needed in the analytical process. Communication and writing is also mandatory for accurate reporting and working with other investigators.

University of Mississippi

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry. This program blends together criminal investigation with many chemistry and physics courses. An internship takes place during a summer semester between the junior and senior years.

120 to 122 total credit hours are needed for the degree. A third of the curriculum should consist of courses at the 300 level or higher. Lab sessions are added to most base chemistry courses, including general and organic study.

General electives feature a writing and communication requirement, calculus, genetics, and electives in humanities. Advanced topics in the last two years include analytical and physical chemistry, biochemistry and forensic DNA. Students choose their forensic methods, criminal justice, and senior research project courses from a limited selection.

Students have the ability to gain ACS certification with this program. In addition to completing the Bachelor’s degree, courses in Physical Chemistry II, Inorganic Chemistry, and laboratory sessions in either of these two topics. The Senior Research and Discovery course is taken instead of Forensic Chemistry Senior Research.

Sam Houston State University

The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry offers laboratory instruction and how to present evidence in a court of law. A minor in Criminal Justice is required to complete the requirements for this curriculum. In an alternative fashion, students may double major in Forensic Chemistry and Criminal Justice with a minor in Biology.

126 total credit hours are required for this chemistry program. Courses prepare individuals for work in the private sector or government. There is an opportunity to study abroad in Germany for students interested in adapting their studies to a different environment.

Course examples in the major include Physical Chemistry, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, and Quantitative Analysis. 18 credit hours satisfy the Criminal Justice minor with courses such as Criminology and Fundamentals of Criminal Law. Seven total credit hours are reserved for open electives.

Students have the opportunity to enroll into the program during the fall or spring semester. A 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher is needed for those transferring over 18 credit hours or more. That increases to a 2.5 cumulative GPA for those moving over 17 credit hours or less. SHSU has some agreements with Texas-based schools for automatic transfer.

Western Oregon University

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. This degree prepares individuals for entry positions in the concentration selected or further education. Graduates have competency in evaluation and communicating their findings in a professional setting.

Between 88 to 121 total credit hours are needed to complete the program. The traditional concentration requires less credit hours and emphasizes advanced topics in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Main topics in the curriculum feature an overall view of chemistry, experimental chemistry, and biochemistry.

Forensic Chemistry is one of the four available concentrations to choose from. 64 to 67 credit hours are earned through the concentration itself, with core topics in genetics, photography, and documentation. Additional courses are added in physics, ethics, and lab session in toxicology or biochemistry.

At least a C grade average is needed in their major coursework to satisfy degree requirements. In addition to technical skills, graduates understand and value ethics in reporting information. They understand that their actions have tremendous value in their clients and within the community.

Graduate Programs in Forensic Chemistry

Advanced skills are gained at the graduate level of forensic chemistry. This expands on different chemistry studies, analytics, and biology. It also dives into criminology and criminal justice. Experienced professionals should have a strong understanding of the justice system and how to process and handle evidence.

Forensic chemistry topics are found in forensic science degrees or chemistry degrees. Prospective students can look for electives or concentrations that emphasize forensic chemistry. There are also some graduate certifications that focus exclusively on forensic chemistry education.

Master’s degrees average 30 credit hours to complete and takes one to two years depending on prior education. It is recommended that undergraduate studies should focus on chemistry or criminal justice. Some graduate programs have prerequisites that should be met before starting the main program.

Incoming students for Master’s degrees should hold an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. This should be stated on official or unofficial transcripts that are sent in with the application. Other admission requirements typically feature letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a personal statement.

Michigan State University

The School of Criminal Justice offers the Master of Science in Forensic Science. One of the two concentrations is in Forensic Chemistry, requiring 18 credit hours in the curriculum. Students select from two different plans, which culminates with an oral thesis defense or final examination.

Courses in the Forensic Chemistry concentration explore toxicology, microscopy, and advanced analytics within chemistry. Mass Spectrometry is a course that focuses on the analytical technique of measuring and separating mass from electrical charge. A pharmacology course focuses on the study of medical drugs and addiction problems that may occur.

Three courses all students take are Crime Scene Investigation, Law and Forensic Science, and Survey in Forensic Science. Eight additional credit hours are electives approved by an academic advisor. At least a 3.0 GPA must be maintained throughout the program.

A thesis or an independent study course represents six credit hours. Students must complete seminar courses in each semester of study. In total, 38 credit hours are required with this Master’s degree.

University of Albany

The Master of Science in Chemistry is applicable to a number of different careers, including forensics. Both an internship and thesis is required during program studies. Field examination is also required and students have two opportunities to pass these studies.

General science topics include physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biophysics theory. Between 6 to 11 credit hours are required in research topics related to chemistry. Topics in the research requirement may feature computational chemistry or crystallography, which is the science on crystallization and crystal structure.

Required admission items include transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and personal statement. Applicants should complete one to two pages that expand on science accomplishments and career goals. Also, why is the individual considering the program at the University of Albany.

Fall and spring enrollment is considered for this program. Graduates have the ability to go out and consider advanced positions in forensic chemistry or pursue further education at the doctorate level. Potential job opportunities include forensic scientist, toxicologist, and pharmacy technician.

George Washington University

The Master of Forensic Science in Forensic Chemistry offers thorough education in medical forensics. Students hold strong ethics when identifying and analyzing evidence from crime scenes. This program has been verified by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission.

37 total credit hours are needed in the program, with six credit hours reserved for elective options. These are reviewed and approved by an academic advisor. Main courses feature two levels of general forensic science topics, two levels of forensic chemistry, and drug analysis.

Students must complete a comprehensive exam of topics throughout the curriculum and a research project. These projects are presented in the second graduate seminar. Microscopy, mass spectrometry, and many other methods are applied at the end of the program.

Applicants must submit transcripts that show a completed Bachelor’s degree. This should be in a related field in chemistry from an accredited institution. It benefits applicants to hold some professional experience or complete an internship in the field or laboratory.

Top Courses in Forensic Chemistry

Forensic Toxicology

Analyzes toxicity levels from drugs and alcohol in the human body. This provides further information in building a case for or against parties in criminal activity. Different techniques to measure and evaluate these levels are explored along with writing reports.

Biochemistry

Blends chemical activity and its effects on living organisms. This is usually a general overview of the subject that is taken at the undergraduate level. Different subcategories that may be explored in this subject include enzymology and metabolism.

Serology

Identify and analyze serum fluid that is removed from blood and solid material to determine body characteristics. This course may feature the process to make this happen and how to communicate results to others.

Analytical Chemistry

In-depth look at the statistical nature of chemistry, including finding chemical equilibrium. Often looks at traditional qualitative or quantitative methods. Different ways to measure chemical levels include electrochemical analysis and mass spectrometry.

Organic Chemistry

Provides an overview of properties in organic compounds within a living organism. This is often an foundational chemistry course taken at the undergraduate level. Various levels of the course are offered, and the alternative inorganic chemistry course is typically available.

Computational Chemistry

Advanced chemistry topics that looks at properties of atoms, molecules, and chemical reaction. May feature molecular mechanics and theories such as the Born-Oppenheimer approximation and Hartree-Fock orbit. Often requires previous education in mathematics and computer science.

Communication and Legality

These courses define criminal law and how this is communicated in a legal setting. Students may gain skills in interviewing or help present statements in the courtroom. For chemists specifically, they help verify theory and motives with scientific evidence.

Ethics and Leadership

Explores responsibilities that investigators and chemists have when researching evidence. This is particularly important in management and leadership positions that lead these investigations. May look into handling certain situations to gain perspective in public and private sectors.

What Can You Do With a Forensic Chemistry Degree?

Common career pathways with a forensic chemistry degree are being a laboratory chemist, forensic technician, or DNA analyst. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic science technicians make an average of $59,150 annually across the United States as of May 2019. This jumps up to $97,350 annually within the top 10 percent of workers.

Forensic chemists fall into the category of forensic science technician. These are job opportunities often in a laboratory setting and they perform chemical and microscopic evidence analysis. Higher-paid positions are generally found at the state and local government level.

Professionals may specialize in a certain part of forensic chemistry, such as DNA analysis. Their main objective is to use examination tools to match DNA with evidence found at a crime scene. Expert-level positions generally require many years of experience and/or completion of a graduate program.

All Schools with Forensic Science Programs