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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.

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.
  • Among the five most innovative forensics laboratories in the U.S.
  • The largest crime scene house complex in the U.S., consisting of five donated homes and a forensic garage fully equipped introductory and advanced crime scene training and research.
  • Advanced forensic photography laboratory.
  • Ballistics laboratory and forensic ballistics research facility.
  • Over 10,000 square feet of modern laboratory space.
  • State-of-the-art latent fingerprint processing and searching capability.
  • Modern instrumentation for forensic chemistry and forensic biology.
  • J. Edgar Hoover Foundation Scholarships: Two two-year partial scholarships awarded to juniors demonstrating financial need and academic excellence.
  • Extensive summer internship experience that builds professional networks.
  • Two Ming Hsieh Distinguished Professors on faculty.
  • Faculty with many years of experience in forensic laboratories including supervision.
  • Only research intensive (R1) forensic science department in the U.S. to offer BS, MS and PhD degrees.
  • Largest educational crime scene complex in the country.
  • Over 12,000 square feet of dedicated lab, classroom and office space in historic Oglebay Hall.
  • One of the first accredited programs in the country.
  • 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. 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 Laboratory Analyst, Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Forensic Scientist

  2. 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: Coroner, County Coroner, Deputy Coroner, Medical Examiner

  3. Fire Inspectors and Investigators

    Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.

    Also called: Arson Investigator, Fire Investigator, Fire Marshal, State Fire Marshal

  4. Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts

    Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.

    Also called: Certified Fraud Examiner, Inspector General, Investigator, Special Agent

  5. Police Identification and Records Officers

    Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

    Also called: Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Technician, Criminalist, Forensic Specialist

  6. Detectives and Criminal Investigators

    Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

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

  7. 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: Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Criminal Research Specialist, Intelligence Analyst, Supervisor Intelligence Analyst

  8. 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, Forensic Scientist, Research Chemist

Graduates from this major have gone to work at: