Forensic Chemistry Certificate

Program Description

The Chemistry Department offers a forensic chemistry certificate, which is available to all students (not just chemistry majors). The certificate program is geared towards preparing the student for work in most sections of the forensic laboratory, including trace, drugs, arson, and toxicology. Recently, there has been a significant increase in interest about the forensic science profession. While not all of the portrayals of forensic scientists on television accurately show the actual work of the forensic scientists, a lot of interest was generated among the public, providing us with a great opportunity to attract more students into chemistry.

There is high flexibility in the career choices of the certificate recipients. Because the certificate program provides such a strong background in chemistry, many career options are available to our graduates who go on to earn a B.S. degree. In addition to working in city, state or federal crime labs, our graduates will be able to work in a variety of chemical industries; to pursue advanced study in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, pathology, and law school; and to teach at the middle school and high school levels. Moreover, graduates of the program need only four to five more courses to be prepared for medical or veterinary school.