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Top Forensic Chemistry Programs

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There’s no shortage of true-crime TV dramas, and thanks to programs like CSI, Quantico, and True Detective, the field of forensic science is a household phrase. Fans of these shows with a scientific and criminal justice bent of mind can consider applying to a bachelor of science (BS) program in forensic chemistry.

An exciting and exacting multidisciplinary career field, forensic chemistry attracts curious problem solvers who can collect evidence with precision and remain objective in their observations. Ideal candidates for forensic chemistry positions must prove their abilities to follow legal and scientific protocols when collecting physical evidence from a crime scene and analyzing it in a laboratory. Forensic chemists answer crucial questions using chemical analysis techniques and give essential evidence-based testimony for legal proceedings and criminal investigations.

In forensic chemistry programs, students learn the skills to identify chemical and biochemical processes to determine or rule out the guilt of a potential suspect in a crime. Because this field requires a specific level of forensic knowledge, it’s crucial to choose a high-quality educational program to learn these specialized skills. When selecting a forensic chemistry degree program, factors such as accreditation, program notoriety, and whether a program includes hands-on educational experiences are key factors to consider.

Read on to learn more about the 20 top forensic chemistry programs.

Methodology for Selecting Forensic Chemistry Programs

The programs on this list meet one or more of the following criteria:

Accreditation: all the programs on this list are accredited at the institutional level by a regional organization approved by the US Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Institutional accreditation is a non-negotiable requirement for students to consider when researching academic programs.

As well, more than half of the programs on this list are accredited at the programmatic level by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). FEPAC-accredited programs have met high standards for academic and professional quality in the field of forensic science. It’s important to note that while FEPAC-accredited programs hold a strong reputation for excellence in forensic science, the absence of FEPAC accreditation does not indicate that a forensic chemistry program lacks educational quality.

National Rankings: Many of the schools on this list are ranked in the top 100 schools or programs in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report (2023). This data is from surveys of PhD students and professors regarding the best and most notable schools. National rankings can translate to how graduates are perceived by employers or admissions committees when they take their next steps after graduation to pursue another degree or apply for entry-level positions.

Hands-On Experience: Working in a lab is essential for gaining skills and finding work in the forensic chemistry profession. As such, one of the key factors in this list was whether or not there were internships or other hands-on experiential learning opportunities offered as part of the forensic chemistry program.

Guide to the Best Forensic Chemistry Programs

Featured Forensic Chemistry Programs
Arizona State University Biochemistry (BS)Visit Site
Arizona State University Chemistry (BA)Visit Site
Arizona State University Forensic Science (BS)Visit Site
Arizona State University Forensic Science (PSM)Visit Site
Grand Canyon University MS - Forensic ScienceVisit Site
Stevenson University Online Online Master of Forensic Science (MFS)Visit Site
Stevenson University Online Online MFS - Chemistry ConcentrationVisit Site
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Buffalo State SUNY

Buffalo State SUNY, a State University of New York located in Buffalo, offers a FEPAC-accredited bachelor of science (BS) degree in forensic chemistry. The program was first introduced in 1971 and since then has worked to provide a well-rounded curriculum to its students.

Students will learn chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics from a research perspective while also participating in hands-on learning in the BS program. Before graduation, Buffalo State SUNY students must complete an internship in the forensic chemistry field, which provides valuable training and professional connections.

The curriculum of this 120- to 126-credit program includes courses such as organic chemistry; biochemistry; scientific criminal evidence analysis; chemistry and criminalistics; genetics; forensic anthropology; molecular biology; and analytical toxicology, among others.

  • Location: Buffalo, NY
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: NY state residents ($29,728 per year); out-of-state ($47,648 per year)

Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, offers a forensic chemistry option as part of its undergraduate forensic science degree. Students at EKU may choose to pursue the forensic chemistry option, which provides a foundation of knowledge in both the classroom and the lab, alongside the chemistry option (without the forensic focus) as a double major. Though not required, the double major option can provide graduates with more job opportunities.

The core courses of this 120-credit program include general chemistry; organic chemistry; biochemistry of macromolecules; DNA profiling; and microscopic forensic analysis. The concentration in forensic chemistry includes courses in analytical chemistry; mass spectrometry; biophysical chemistry; instrumental analysis; forensic trace evidence; and forensic toxicology & drugs.

  • Location: Richmond, KY
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: Kentucky residents ($9,544 per year); out-of-state ($10,698 per year)

Florida International University

Florida International University, located in Miami, Florida, has continually been ranked as one of the nation’s best and most comprehensive forensic science colleges.

Currently, FIU offers five programs in forensic chemistry: an undergraduate certificate; an MS in forensic science; a combined MS in forensic science and PhD in biology; a professional science master’s in forensic science; and a PhD in chemistry with a forensic track.

FIU is home to the Global Forensic and Justice Center, which coordinates scholarly activities related to forensic science and criminal justice, including research, training, and innovation projects. Forensic science students are connected with teaching and research faculty in digital forensics, forensic nursing, and other fields through this interdisciplinary campus resource. Students in this program regularly present at forensic science conferences and are awarded funding to further their research projects.

  • Location: Miami, FL
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: One to seven years
  • Estimated Tuition: Florida residents ($37,786 per year); out-of-state residents ($47,614 per year)

George Washington University

George Washington University in Washington, DC is consistently in the top 100 national universities and is one of the more prestigious private colleges for forensic chemistry. Because of its location, students in the forensic chemistry program have proximity to hands-on experiences with some of the largest governmental forensic departments.

GWU offers three forensic chemistry degree options; a combined bachelor of science and master of forensic science (MFS) in forensic chemistry; a stand-alone MFS in forensic chemistry; an MFS in forensic microbiology; and a graduate certificate in forensic investigation.

The master of forensic science in forensic chemistry program comprises 37 credits, including coursework in the fundamentals of forensic science; ethics, professional responsibility, and quality assurance; trace evidence analysis; advanced instrumental analysis; criminal law for forensic scientists; statistics for forensic scientists; and forensic drug analysis.

  • Location: Washington, DC
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two or four years
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,950 per credit

Lake Superior State University

Lake Superior State University has been ranked as one of the top 70 regional universities, making it a good option for students who prefer smaller class sizes. This college accepts almost 90 percent of applicants and has a student population of only 2,500 students. Students in this program can complete valuable internships and real-life experiences with local and state governmental agencies. The LSSU program has been approved by the American Chemical Society.

The BS in forensic chemistry program comprises 124 credits and includes courses such as general chemistry; quantitative analysis; organic chemistry; introductory toxicology; investigation; criminology; cultural diversity; introduction to forensics; and criminalistics, among others.

  • Location: Sault Saint Marie, MI
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Duration: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: $757 per credit hour

Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans boasts a high academic record and some of the best professors in forensic chemistry. Ranked in the top 100 for best undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report, Loyola is a Jesuit institution whose Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry awards BS degrees certified by the American Chemical Society.

Graduates from this program have gone on to work for the New Orleans Police Department and Quest Diagnostics. The bachelor of science in forensic chemistry program provides hands-on training through internships and excellent job support post-graduation.

As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as general chemistry; organic chemistry; forensic methods; chemistry of the crime scene; introduction to forensic methods; analytical chemistry; biochemistry; and techniques in biochemistry.

  • Location: New Orleans, LA
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: $47,240 per year

Michigan State University

Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, offers an affordable and excellent education for students interested in getting a master’s degree in forensic chemistry track. Established in 1947, MSU has one of the oldest forensic science programs in the US and attracts some of the most revered professors in the field.

The program began by offering a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and has since expanded to provide a full slate of degree programs, including graduate certificates, and undergraduate and doctoral degrees. In 2023, the U.S. News & World Report ranked MSU 77th overall in national universities.

The 32-credit curriculum of the program includes courses such as mass spectrometry; advanced analytical chemistry; crime scene investigation; survey in forensic science; law and forensic science; forensic analysis of drugs and alcohol; forensic chemistry and microscopic evidence; pharmacology of drug addiction; and scanning electron microscopy.

  • Location: East Lansing, MI
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two years
  • Estimated Tuition: $867 per credit

Ohio University

Ohio University, located in Athens, Ohio, offers students the opportunity to pursue a FEPAC-accredited BS in forensic chemistry. Graduates of this program go on to add to their education with master’s degrees, PhDs, or even MDs. In addition to chemistry courses, students will gain an education in biological sciences, calculus, physics, statistics, and more. This program prepares graduates for professional or academic careers in various forensic chemistry fields.

The curriculum will include courses such as fundamentals of chemistry; analytical chemistry; organic chemistry; physical chemistry; fundamentals of inorganic chemistry; introduction to toxicology; microscopy and imaging; criminalistics and criminal investigation for forensic chemists; statistics for the behavioral sciences; criminal justice; basic biochemistry; and forensic chemistry.

  • Location: Athens, OH
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state residents ($639 per credit); out-of-state residents ($1,148 per credit)

Penn State Eberly College of Science

Penn State, located in State College, Pennsylvania, is among the most revered schools when it comes to distance learning as well as its excellent forensic science programs. Penn State boasts outstanding professors and cutting-edge facilities.

Currently, it offers a BS in forensic science with a biology or chemistry emphasis. With a chemistry department that U.S. News & World Report rated in the top 100 in 2023, graduates from the forensic chemistry undergraduate and graduate programs are well-positioned for fieldwork or research-based careers.

In Penn State’s master’s in forensic science program, students can either choose the chemistry emphasis or the biology emphasis to complete their degree. Students in the chemistry emphasis will be provided with an in-depth understanding of physical, inorganic, and analytical chemistry. They will learn about the forensic analysis of trace evidence, controlled substances, ignitable liquids, firearms and gunshot residue, and fire debris. This emphasis will include courses in forensic chemistry; crime scene investigation; drug chemistry and toxicology; chromatography and electrochemistry; and trace evidence.

  • Location: State College, PA
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two or four years
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state undergraduate ($804 per credit); out-of-state undergraduate ($1,588 per credit); in-state graduate ($1,086 per credit); out-of-state graduate ($1,803 per credit)

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas consistently earns top rankings in the U.S. News & World Report for top public schools and top performers on social mobility. The university has low costs and great opportunities for students. Students can choose to pursue a BS in forensic chemistry with a minor in criminal justice. The minor option offers the students a much more comprehensive understanding of the legal aspects of forensic science, which prepares them for a broader spectrum of post-graduation jobs.

This 126-credit program includes courses in general biology; introductory genetics; applied statistics for forensic science; biochemistry; inorganic chemistry; criminal justice & social diversity; forensic science; fundamentals of criminal law; criminology; and forensic chemistry.

  • Location: Huntsville, TX
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state residents ($244 per credit); out-of-state residents ($652 per credit)

St. Edward’s University

St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, is ranked as a top 10 regional university and eighth in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report’s list of best regional universities in the west. Students pursuing a bachelor of science in forensic chemistry from St. Edward’s have some of the nation’s best research and internship opportunities.

Some of the topics students will delve into include general chemistry; introduction to forensic science; inorganic chemistry; experimental design & practice; organic chemistry; physical chemistry; biochemistry; crime scene investigation; instrumental analysis; forensic chemistry; and criminal evidence & proof.

  • Location: Austin, TX
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: $50,484 per academic year

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, Texas A&M, offers two bachelor of science degrees: a scientific emphasis accredited by FEPAC and a pre-law emphasis. Forensic chemistry is covered in an upper-division forensic soil science course that teaches students trace evidence techniques for analyzing crime scene evidence.

Some of the topics students will explore include forensic investigations; introduction to forensic & investigative sciences; forensic implications of inheritance; biotechnology & forensics; forensic soil science; practice & principles of science & law; latent print processing; crime scene investigation; applied forensic entomology; and science of forensic entomology.

  • Location: College Station, TX
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: $747.56 per credit

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida, located in Orlando, offers a bachelor of science in forensic science. This program offers two distinct tracks: biochemistry with a strong DNA focus and a chemistry track emphasizing chromatographic, spectroscopic, and micro-analytical techniques.

The second-oldest forensic science bachelor’s degree program began in 1974 and prepares graduates for careers as drug chemists, forensic pathologists, trace evidence analysts, and crime scene investigators. In 2022, the U.S. News & World Report ranked this institution as #15 on the list of most innovative schools and #67 on the list of top public schools.

The program features courses in forensic microscopy; forensic biochemistry; and forensic crime scene investigation. Graduates can take up roles such as drug chemists, forensic pathologists, firearms examiners, trace evidence analysts, fingerprint analysts, and crime scene investigators.

  • Location: Orlando, FL
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state residents ($212.28 per credit); out-of-state residents ($748.89 per credit)

University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Forensic Science Institute is a research and training organization dedicated to academic excellence. It offers four FEPAC-accredited bachelor of science degree programs in forensic science: chemistry, molecular biology, digital forensics, and forensic investigations. This program provides competitive internship opportunities and is unique in that it requires a comprehensive exam and a capstone project for undergraduate students as part of their degree completion requirements.

The curriculum includes coursework in forensic toxicology; forensic chemistry; forensic serology; forensic molecular biology; digital evidence; network forensics; advanced crime scene processing and investigations; and crime scene photography.

  • Location: Edmond, OK
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state residents ($340.07 per credit); out-of-state residents ($702.97 per credit)

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, has a well-regarded forensic science program, including a FEPAC-accredited BS in forensic science. The BS degree program focuses on both chemistry and biology as well as biochemistry, offering a breadth of opportunity that not all programs do. Students at UNT can pursue internships and professional experience with police departments and labs across the state of Texas to prepare for future forensic science positions.

The biology track is made up of 119 credits, while the chemistry and biochemistry tracks are made up of 122 and 128 credits respectively. The program’s core courses include forensic science analysis; biomedical criminalistics; principles of forensic science; forensic microscopy; forensic chemistry; instrumental analysis; and forensic molecular biology.

  • Location: Denton, TX
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: Texas resident ($742 per credit); out-of-state ($1,162 per credit)

Towson University

Towson University, located in Towson, Maryland, has a forensic chemistry program known for being rigorous and student-centered. The university has an undergraduate program with a major in forensic chemistry and a master’s in forensic science program.

The undergraduate program offers three tracks to help students specialize in general forensic science, trace evidence/drug analysis track (which provides a strong chemistry background), and DNA. Internship opportunities are available in law enforcement, government or private forensic chemistry, or toxicology laboratories.

Core courses in the program include general chemistry; analytical chemistry; professional ethics for scientists; biochemistry; forensic chemistry; professional practices in forensic science; advanced forensic investigation; introduction to criminal justice; and advanced criminal law.

The general forensic science track includes courses in genetics; molecular biology; instrumental analysis; and chemistry of dangerous drugs. The trace evidence/drug analysis track involves courses such as principles of physical chemistry; chemical toxicology; and forensic analytical chemistry. Finally, the DNA track includes coursework in body fluid analysis; advanced sequencing methods; and biochemistry.

  • Location: Towson, MD
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two or four years
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state undergraduate ($11,306 per academic year); out-of-state undergraduate ($28,326 per academic year); in-state graduate ($669 per credit); out-of-state graduate ($1,210 per credit)

University at Albany SUNY

University at Albany SUNY, located in Albany, New York, is one of the most prestigious places to get a degree in forensic chemistry. U.S. News & World Report ranks this school very highly, based on the educational opportunities provided at the school and pedagogy and facilities for learning. This school offers a bachelor of science (BS) degree in chemistry with a major in forensic chemistry.

Like many other forensic chemistry programs, the curriculum hinges on general chemistry; organic chemistry; quantitative analysis; forensic chemistry; biochemistry; polymer chemistry; instrumental analysis; and advanced forensic chemistry.

However, what sets the University of Albany program apart is an on-campus mirror laboratory equipped to mirror the state-of-the-art facilities used by the NY State Police. Through these partnerships, students earn authentic hands-on experience with forensic chemistry.

  • Location: Albany, NY
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state ($13,685 per year); out-of-state ($25,935 per year)

University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi, located near Oxford in University, Mississippi, is one of the oldest universities in America. Ole Miss has a tradition of excellence, confirmed by the U.S. News & World Report, which ranks this R1 institution highly on several top educational quality metrics. Currently, the University of Mississippi offers a BS in forensic chemistry.

A vital feature of the program is the summer internship with a local criminal laboratory. Because of this hands-on experience, over 81 percent of graduates from this forensic chemistry bachelor’s degree program find employment right away, many of them working in local and federal crime labs.

The program’s curriculum includes courses such as organic chemistry; genetics; analytical and physical chemistry; instrumental analysis; forensic methods; criminal justice; biochemistry and forensic DNA; toxicology; and advanced instrumentation.

  • Location: University, MS
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state residents ($385.50 per credit); out-of-state residents ($1,117.50 per credit)

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

The West Chester University of Pennsylvania, located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, offers a bachelor of science in forensic and toxicological chemistry. This FEPAC-accredited program emphasizes fundamental chemistry concepts, communication skills, and ethical principles and practices related to forensic chemistry careers.

Students in this program follow an approved four-year curriculum that culminates in an internship. Graduates from this program pursue careers in pharmaceutical and environmental industries and doctoral degree programs at prestigious universities across the nation.

The curriculum consists of courses such as general chemistry; general biology; organic chemistry; analytical chemistry; genetics; forensic chemistry; forensic microscopy; and toxicology.

  • Location: West Chester, PA
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Four years
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state residents ($10,686.78 per year); out-of-state residents ($22,510.78 per year)

West Virginia University

West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, was the first institution in the US to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in forensic science. WVU is committed to student success by supporting undergraduates’ first and second-year students as they transition into college and shift support towards career searching and graduate school applications in the final two years.

The Department of Forensic and Investigative Science (FIS) at West Virginia University offers a bachelor of science degree in three major areas: forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and forensic examination. The curriculum for these programs includes courses such as orientation to forensic investigative science; introduction to forensic identification; crime scene investigation; biological evidence; fingerprint science; and forensic photography, among others. Internships are an integral part of the curriculum.

The MS in forensic and investigative science and the PhD in forensic science programs include courses in biological and chemical evidence; forensic informatics; foundations of criminalistics; forensic chemistry; forensic laboratory management; and forensic impression & trace evidence.

  • Location: Morgantown, WV
  • Accreditation: FEPAC; Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two or four years
  • Estimated Tuition: In-state undergraduate ($9,648 per year); out-of-state undergraduate ($27,360 per year)
Writer

Farheen Gani

Farheen Gani writes about forensics schools across the United States, and has covered topics such as forensic chemistry and forensic science and biochemistry since 2018. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).