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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Forensic and Investigative Science
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Forensic Chemistry, B.S.

Prepares for positions in forensic labs — forensic drug chemists, arson and explosives analysts/investigators, forensic toxicologists, and trace evidence examiners.
Plan of Study
Students in forensic photography lab at WVU

We're a national leader in forensic science education and research. Our graduates work in law enforcement and forensic science laboratories across the country.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

For the past 20 years, the WVU Department of Forensic and Investigative Science has been a national leader in forensic science education and research. Collectively, our dedicated faculty has decades of experience in forensic laboratories from across the U.S. and the world. Our graduates are working every day to make a difference.

This accredited program prepares students for in-demand careers in forensic chemistry and related fields. The focus is hands-on analytical methodology and instrumentation in the forensic context. The rigorous scientific core of the program provides excellent preparation for graduate work in forensic science, forensic chemistry or toxicology and related disciplines.

Visit the Department of Forensic and Investigative Science for more about the program.

Opportunities

Explore the WVU Difference through this program's academic, research, and student life opportunities.

  • Accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission continuously since 2004 (one of the first in the country).
  • Independent forensic chemistry laboratory with FTIR, GC-MP, ICP-MS, LC-MS and LIBS instrumentation.
  • Among the five most innovative forensics laboratories in the U.S.
  • The largest crime scene complex in the U.S., consisting of four homes and a forensic garage fully equipped with introductory and advanced crime scene training.
  • Ballistics laboratory and forensic ballistics research facility.
  • Over 18,000 sq. ft. of dedicated laboratory, classroom, and research space.
  • Partnerships with 800+ vetted forensic internship sites around the U.S.
  • All teaching faculty have a mix of practical experience and academic credentials, with 300+ years of combined experience.
  • Only research intensive (R1) forensic science department in the U.S. to offer BS, MS, and PhD degrees.
  • Two Ming Hsieh Distinguished Professors on faculty.
  • J. Edgar Hoover Foundation Scholarships: Two two-year partial scholarships awarded to juniors demonstrating financial need and academic excellence.
  • SpeakWrite Certified Major automatically fulfills the WVU General Education Foundations (GEF) writing and communication skills requirement.
  • Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.

Living Learning Communities

Find a community where you can live with others who share your interests. You will have opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and professionals in areas aligned with your LLC's emphasis. Learn more about WVU Living Learning Communities.

Student Organizations

To explore more organizations, visit WVUEngage where you can browse and manage organizations, find events, and showcase your involvement.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Research and Opportunities

  • Research collaborations across the University with chemistry, biology, engineering and statistics
  • Internship placements with local, state and federal forensic science and law enforcement agencies
  • Support for students to attend and present at local and national meetings.
  • Extensive undergraduate research opportunities with renowned faculty members
  • Numerous distinguished guest speakers
  • Direct access to the equipment and instrumentation used in forensic science laboratories and law enforcement agencies

Explore Career Paths

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

  1. Fire Inspectors and Investigators

    Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.

    Also called: Arson Investigator, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Fire Prevention Inspector

  2. Forensic Science Technicians

    Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

    Also called: Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), Criminalist, CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Forensic Scientist

  3. Coroners

    Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.

    Also called: Autopsy Facilities Manager, Coroner, MDI (Medicolegal Death Investigator), Medical Examiner

  4. Detectives and Criminal Investigators

    Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

    Also called: Criminal Investigator, Detective, Investigator, Special Agent

  5. Intelligence Analysts

    Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

    Also called: Crime Analyst (Criminal Analyst), Crime Intelligence Analyst (Criminal Intelligence Analyst), Intel Analyst (Intelligence Analyst), Intel Research Specialist (Intelligence Research Specialist)

  6. Chemists

    Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

    Also called: Analytical Chemist, Chemist, Research Chemist, Scientist

  7. Where Graduates are Working

    Graduates have a 90% placement rate and have gone on to work in local, state, county, city and federal law enforcement and forensic science laboratories across the country.

  8. Areas of Graduate Study

    Graduates go on to obtain graduate and professional degrees in forensic science and related disciplines.