Forensic Chemistry, B.S.

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.

Coursework

Explore a few of our popular courses.

Featured Courses

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

   Forensic Science Technicians

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

   Coroners

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

   Fire Inspectors and Investigators

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

   Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts

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

   Police Identification and Records Officers

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

   Detectives and Criminal Investigators

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

   Intelligence Analysts

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

   Chemists

9. 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.

10. Areas of Graduate Study

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

Related Majors

Launch your career with a bachelor’s degree from WVU in one of 140+ majors. We have everything from accounting to world languages. Consider adding a second major or a minor (or two!) from these related paths.