Overview
The Forensic Chemistry emphasis provides rigorous training in training in analytical chemistry as applied to forensic casework. Students gain experience in controlled substance analysis, toxicology fundamentals, trace evidence chemistry, instrumental analysis, and data interpretation & reporting. The curriculum emphasizes method development, chemical characterization, quantitative analysis, and defensible scientific reporting, preparing graduates for a wide range of laboratory‑based forensic and analytical careers.
What Students Learn
- Controlled substance analysis and forensic drug chemistry
- Toxicology fundamentals and analytical workflows
- Trace evidence chemistry and material characterization
- Instrumental analysis using GC‑MS, LC‑MS/MS, FT‑IR, UV‑Vis, and related instrumentation
- Method development, validation, and quality control
- Scientific documentation and courtroom‑ready reporting
- Hands-on training with core analytical instrumentation
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue roles such as:
- Forensic Chemist / Drug Chemist
- Trace Evidence Analyst
- Forensic Toxicology Analyst
- Analytical Chemist (pharmaceutical, environmental, industrial labs)
- Regulatory testing scientist
- Quality assurance or method development specialist
If you love chemistry and want to apply it to real‑world investigations, the Forensic Chemistry emphasis puts you at the center of instructional and laboratory-based forensic science. You will work hands-on with the same analytical instrumentation used in forensic laboratories, learn how to identify and characterizer evidence, and develop the skills to produce clear, defensible scientific results. This emphasis prepares you for careers in crime labs, toxicology labs, and analytical testing facilities—anywhere scientific precision and problem‑solving drive meaningful work.
Course Requirements
Forensic Chemistry
Forensic Chemistry area of emphasis for the M.S. in Forensic Science, the student must complete the following courses in addition to the core curriculum:
Course List | Code | Title | Credit Hours |
| FSC 608 | Forensic Toxicology | 3 |
| FSC 626 | Advanced Drug Analysis | 2 |
| FSC 628 | Chem Analysis Trace Evidence | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 7 |
Total including core requirements 43 hrs.
