B.S. Forensic Chemistry Degree
The B.S. in forensic chemistry is intended for students who are interested in careers as scientists in criminal investigation and law enforcement. Forensic chemistry applies analytical chemistry to aid the justice system in identification and quantification of substances collected at a crime scene. Students take relevant courses in chemistry and biology, study criminal investigation procedures, and undertake a summer internship in a crime laboratory. A Major in Forensic Chemistry for the B.S. Degree consists of the 46-49 hours of chemistry courses shown in the curriculum table below. Students must earn 36 hours in residence, including Chemistry 314, 459, 463, 469, and 512. Mathematics 261, 262 and Physics 211, 212, 221, 222 or Physics 213, 214, 223, 224 are also required.
The following courses may not be used for major or minor credit: Chem 101, 102, 103, 104, 113, 114, 121, 201, 202, 271, 381, 382, or 383.
| FRESHMAN YEAR | |
| Courses: | Hours: |
| CHEM 105, 106, 115, 116 | 8 |
| WRIT 100 or WRIT 101 and either WRIT 102 or LIBA 102 | 6 |
| Biology 160, 161, 162, 163 | 8 |
| Mathematics 261, 262 | 6 |
| Foreign Language 121 or 111 | 3 |
31 |
|
| SOPHOMORE YEAR | |
| Courses: | Hours: |
| CHEM 221, 222, 225, 226 | 8 |
| Biology 336 | 4 |
| Foreign Language 201, 202 (or 211) | 6 |
| English 221,222,223,224,225 | 6 |
| Physics 211, 212, 221, 222 or Physics 213, 214, 223, 224 |
8 |
32 |
|
| JUNIOR YEAR | |
| Courses: | Hours: |
| CHEM 314, 331 or 334, 469 | 11 |
| Mathematics 375 | 3 |
| Criminal Justice 415 | 3 |
| Social sciences and Humanities (in one area) | 6 |
| Social sciences and Humanities | 6 |
29 |
|
| SUMMER SESSION | |
| Courses: | Hours: |
| CHEM 459 — Internship* | 3 |
| SENIOR YEAR | |
| Courses: | Hours: |
| CHEM 415 or Computer Science 251 | 3 |
| CHEM 470, 471, 473, 512 | 13 |
| CHEM 463 | 3 |
| Pharmacology 381 | 3 |
| Criminal Justice 230, 310, or 410 | 3 |
| Fine or Performing Arts | 3 |
| Elective | 1 |
29 |
|
Forensic Chemistry Program "Quick Facts"
From Spring 2006-Spring 2011, the FEPAC accredited BS Forensic Chemistry degree was awarded to 50 graduates. Seventy-seven percent of responding graduates reported employment in a forensics laboratory, graduate school, or scientifically related field.
