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Colleges for Forensic Chemists

Unlike on television, the role of a forensic chemist is not all glitz and glamor. Most time is spent not investigating crime scenes but in a lab analyzing evidence. To become a successful forensic chemist, students must apply chemistry concepts to the study of crime scene evidence, write reports on their findings and often appear in court to present them to a judge. Several schools in the United States offer forensic chemistry as a major; some have specialized programs, while others offer it as a concentration in a larger Chemistry department.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the field is expected to grow through 2014, providing experiences in government and private institutions. The field is a varied one, and graduates can seek employment within the FBI, FDA, local police departments and medical examiners' offices.

  1. Western New England College

    • The Western New England College provides students with a program centered on classroom lecture time combined with state-of-the-art lab experience. Students are required to complete classes that prepare them for the field, including the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence, as well as speech and writing techniques for presentation related to criminal investigations. Course work at WNEC includes classes in general and analytical chemistry, toxicology, physics and ethics. Additionally, classes in criminal investigation and the judicial process are required.

      Western New England College
      1215 Wilbraham Road
      Springfield, MA 01119
      413-782-3111
      www1.wnec.edu/

    Hampton University

    • Hampton University features a Forensic Chemistry option within its chemistry program, offering courses that expand career options for chemistry students. The additional curriculum provides training in examination, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence. Students are trained to report and support their findings in a court setting, and to understand the crucial role they may play in conviction or acquittal of criminals. Graduates may go on to pursue graduate studies or careers in medicine, law enforcement and research among other fields.

      Hampton University
      School of Science
      1st Floor, Whipple Barn
      Hampton, VA 23668
      800-624-3328
      hamptonu.edu/

    George Washington University

    • George Washington University's forensic science program prepares graduates for life in a lab exploring evidence from crime scenes. Graduates must complete coursework in all areas of chemistry, speech, composition and courses on drug analysis. Lab work and an internship are all required for graduation, and the location of GWU, in Washington, D.C., is ideal for government and medical internships. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in at least one lab-based internship during their time at the university, as several are available in the Washington, D.C., area. Graduates are trained in special techniques including analysis of trace evidence, glass and soil and forensic chemistry techniques on paper, paint and residues. All students must complete a senior research project and present findings at the graduate seminar or one of several forensic science meetings. Upon graduation, students may seek employment at government or private institutions, alongside medical examiners, coroners or in laboratories across the country.

      George Washington University
      2121 I St. NW
      Washington, D.C. 20052
      202-994-1000
      gwu.edu/

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