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Farheen Gani
Top Forensic Chemistry Programs (2024-2025)
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There’s no shortage of true-crime TV dramas, and thanks to programs like CSI, Quantico, and True Detective, the field of forensic science is a household phrase. Fans of these shows with a scientific and criminal justice mindset can consider applying to a bachelor of science (BS) program in forensic chemistry.
Forensic chemistry is an exciting and exacting multidisciplinary career field that attracts curious problem solvers who can collect evidence with precision and remain objective in their observations. Ideal candidates for forensic chemistry positions must prove their abilities to follow legal and scientific protocols when collecting physical evidence from a crime scene and analyzing it in a laboratory. Forensic chemists answer crucial questions using chemical analysis techniques and give essential evidence-based testimony for legal proceedings and criminal investigations.
In forensic chemistry programs, students learn the skills to identify chemical and biochemical processes to determine or rule out the guilt of a potential suspect in a crime. Because this field requires a specific level of forensic knowledge, choosing a high-quality educational program to learn these specialized skills is crucial. When selecting a forensic chemistry degree program, factors such as accreditation, program notoriety, and whether a program includes hands-on educational experiences are key factors to consider.
Read on to learn more about the 20 top forensic chemistry programs.
Methodology for Selecting Forensic Chemistry Programs
The programs on this list meet one or more of the following criteria:
Accreditation: all the programs on this list are accredited at the institutional level by a regional organization approved by the US Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Institutional accreditation is a non-negotiable requirement for students to consider when researching academic programs.
Also, more than half of the programs on this list are accredited at the programmatic level by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). FEPAC-accredited programs have met high standards for academic and professional quality in the field of forensic science. It’s important to note that while FEPAC-accredited programs hold a strong reputation for excellence in forensic science, the absence of FEPAC accreditation does not indicate that a forensic chemistry program lacks educational quality.
National Rankings: Many of the schools on this list are ranked in the top 100 schools or programs in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report (2024). This data is from surveys of PhD students and professors regarding the best and most notable schools. National rankings can translate to how graduates are perceived by employers or admissions committees when they take their next steps after graduation to pursue another degree or apply for entry-level positions.
Hands-On Experience: Working in a lab is essential for gaining skills and finding work in the forensic chemistry profession. As such, one key factor in this list was whether or not internships or other hands-on experiential learning opportunities were offered as part of the forensic chemistry program.
Guide to the Best Forensic Chemistry Programs
| Featured Forensic Chemistry Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Biochemistry (BS) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Chemistry (BA) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Forensic Science (BS) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Forensic Science (PSM) | Visit Site |
| Stevenson University Online | Online Master of Forensic Science (MFS) | Visit Site |
| Stevenson University Online | Online MFS - Chemistry Concentration | Visit Site |
| sponsored × When you click on a sponsoring school or program advertised on our site, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details. |
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Buffalo State SUNY, a State University of New York located in Buffalo, offers a FEPAC-accredited bachelor of science (BS) degree in forensic chemistry. The program was first introduced in 1971 and has worked to provide a well-rounded curriculum to its students since then.
In the BS program, students will learn chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics from a research perspective while also participating in hands-on learning. Before graduation, Buffalo State SUNY students must complete an internship in the forensic chemistry field, which provides valuable training and professional connections.
The curriculum of this 120—to 126-credit program includes courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, scientific criminal evidence analysis, chemistry and criminalistics, genetics, forensic anthropology, molecular biology, and analytical toxicology, among others.
- Location: Buffalo, NY
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, offers a forensic chemistry option for its undergraduate forensic science degree. Students at EKU may pursue the forensic chemistry option, which provides a foundation of knowledge in both the classroom and the lab, alongside the chemistry option (without the forensic focus) as a double major. Though not required, the double major option can provide graduates with more job opportunities.
The core courses of this 120-credit program include general chemistry; organic chemistry; biochemistry of macromolecules; DNA profiling; and microscopic forensic analysis. The concentration in forensic chemistry includes courses in analytical chemistry; mass spectrometry; biophysical chemistry; instrumental analysis; forensic trace evidence; and forensic toxicology & drugs.
- Location: Richmond, KY
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Florida International University
Florida International University, located in Miami, Florida, has continually been ranked as one of the nation’s best and most comprehensive forensic science colleges.
Currently, FIU offers four programs in forensic chemistry: an undergraduate certificate; a BA in chemistry with a forensic chemistry concentration; a combined BS in chemistry/MS in forensic science pathway; and a PhD in chemistry with a forensic track.
FIU is home to the Global Forensic and Justice Center, which coordinates scholarly activities related to forensic science and criminal justice, including research, training, and innovation projects. Forensic science students are connected with teaching and research faculty in digital forensics, forensic nursing, and other fields through this interdisciplinary campus resource. Students in this program regularly present at forensic science conferences and are awarded funding to further their research projects.
- Location: Miami, FL
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: One to seven years
George Washington University in Washington, DC is consistently in the top 100 national universities and is one of the more prestigious private colleges for forensic chemistry. Because of its location, students in the forensic chemistry program have proximity to hands-on experiences with some of the largest governmental forensic departments.
GWU offers two forensic chemistry degree options; a combined bachelor of science and master of forensic science (MFS) in forensic chemistry; and a stand-alone MFS in forensic chemistry.
The master of forensic science in forensic chemistry program comprises 37 credits, including coursework in the fundamentals of forensic science; ethics, professional responsibility, and quality assurance; trace evidence analysis; advanced instrumental analysis; criminal law for forensic scientists; statistics for forensic scientists; and forensic drug analysis.
- Location: Washington, DC
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two or four years
Lake Superior State University
Lake Superior State University has been ranked as one of the top regional universities, making it a good option for students who prefer smaller class sizes. The university offers a bachelor of science program in forensic chemistry. Students in this program can complete valuable internships and real-life experiences with local and state governmental agencies. The LSSU program has been approved by the American Chemical Society.
The BS in forensic chemistry program comprises 124 credits and includes courses such as general chemistry, quantitative analysis, organic chemistry, investigation, substantive criminal law, procedural criminal law, introduction to forensics, and criminalistics.
Graduates of this program can take up roles such as forensic science technicians, crime scene investigators, latent print examiners, DNA analysts, drug analysis technicians, forensic pathologists, medical examiners, forensic laboratory managers, and toxicologists.
- Location: Sault Sainte Marie, MI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Loyola University New Orleans boasts a high academic record and some of the best professors in forensic chemistry. Ranked among the best undergraduate programs by U.S. News & World Report, Loyola is a Jesuit institution whose Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry awards BS degrees certified by the American Chemical Society.
Graduates from this program have gone on to work for the New Orleans Police Department and Quest Diagnostics. The bachelor of science in forensic chemistry program provides hands-on training through internships and excellent job support post-graduation.
As part of the program, students will delve into topics such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, forensic methods, chemistry of the crime scene, an introduction to forensic methods, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and techniques in biochemistry.
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, offers an affordable and excellent education for students interested in getting a master’s degree in forensic science with a focus on forensic chemistry. Established in 1947, MSU has one of the oldest forensic science programs in the US and attracts some of the most revered professors in the field.
The program began by offering a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and has since expanded to provide a full slate of degree programs, including graduate certificates, and undergraduate and doctoral degrees. In 2024, the U.S. News & World Report ranked MSU 60th overall among national universities.
The 38-credit curriculum includes courses such as mass spectrometry, advanced analytical chemistry, crime scene investigation, a survey in forensic science, law and forensic science, forensic analysis of drugs and alcohol, forensic chemistry and microscopic evidence, pharmacology of drug addiction, and scanning electron microscopy.
Notably, students in this program must submit and defend a thesis reflecting original research focusing on a significant problem or issue in forensic science. The oral defense and submission of the thesis must be completed within six years from the time of first enrollment as a Master’s student.
- Location: East Lansing, MI
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Ohio University, located in Athens, Ohio, offers students the opportunity to pursue a FEPAC-accredited BS in forensic chemistry. Graduates of this program go on to add to their education with master’s degrees, PhDs, or even MDs. In addition to chemistry courses, students will gain an education in biological sciences, calculus, physics, statistics, and more. This program prepares graduates for professional or academic careers in various forensic chemistry fields.
The curriculum will include courses such as fundamentals of chemistry; analytical chemistry; organic chemistry; physical chemistry; fundamentals of inorganic chemistry; introduction to toxicology; criminalistics and criminal investigation for forensic chemists; statistics for the behavioral sciences; criminal justice; basic biochemistry; and forensic chemistry.
- Location: Athens, OH
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Penn State Eberly College of Science
Penn State, located in State College, Pennsylvania, is among the most revered schools for distance learning and its excellent forensic science programs. It boasts outstanding professors and cutting-edge facilities.
Currently, it offers a BS in forensic science with an emphasis on biology or chemistry. Graduates from the forensic chemistry undergraduate and graduate programs are well-positioned for fieldwork or research-based careers.
In Penn State’s master’s in forensic science program, students can choose to emphasize chemistry or biology to complete their degree. Students in the chemistry emphasis will gain an in-depth understanding of physical, inorganic, and analytical chemistry. They will also learn about the forensic analysis of trace evidence, controlled substances, ignitable liquids, firearms and gunshot residue, and fire debris.
This emphasis will include courses in forensic chemistry; crime scene investigation; drug chemistry and toxicology; chromatography and electrochemistry; and trace evidence.
- Location: State College, PA
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two or four years
Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas consistently earns top rankings in the U.S. News & World Report for top public schools and top performers on social mobility. The university has low costs and great opportunities for students. Students can choose to pursue a BS in forensic chemistry with a minor in criminal justice. The minor option offers the students a much more comprehensive understanding of forensic science’s legal aspects, preparing them for a broader spectrum of post-graduation jobs.
This 126-credit program includes courses in general biology, introductory genetics, applied statistics for forensic science, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, criminal justice and social diversity, forensic science, fundamentals of criminal law, criminology, and forensic chemistry.
- Location: Huntsville, TX
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, is ranked 6th in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report’s list of best regional universities in the West. Students pursuing a bachelor of science program in forensic chemistry from St. Edward’s University have some of the nation’s best research and internship opportunities.
Some of the topics students will delve into include general chemistry; introduction to forensic science; inorganic chemistry; organic chemistry; physical chemistry; biochemistry; crime scene investigation; instrumental analysis; forensic chemistry; and criminal evidence & proof.
- Location: Austin, TX
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Texas A&M University, located in College Station, Texas A&M, offers two bachelor of science degrees: a scientific emphasis accredited by FEPAC and a pre-law emphasis. Forensic chemistry is covered in an upper-division forensic soil science course that teaches students trace evidence techniques for analyzing crime scene evidence.
Some of the topics students will explore include crime scene investigations, introduction to forensic and investigative sciences, forensic implications of inheritance, biotechnology and forensics, forensic soil science, practice and principles of science and law, applied forensic entomology, crime scene investigation, and the science of forensic entomology. The program comprises 120 credits.
- Location: College Station, TX
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
The University of Central Florida, located in Orlando, offers a bachelor of science in forensic science. This program offers two distinct tracks: biochemistry with a strong DNA focus and a chemistry track emphasizing chromatographic, spectroscopic, and micro-analytical techniques.
The second-oldest forensic science bachelor’s degree program began in 1974 and prepares graduates for careers as drug chemists, forensic pathologists, trace evidence analysts, and crime scene investigators. In 2024, the U.S. News & World Report ranked this institution as #14 on the list of most innovative schools and #64 on the list of top public schools.
The program features courses in forensic microscopy; forensic biochemistry; forensic crime scene investigation; introduction to forensic science; trace evidence; forensic analysis of controlled substances; forensic science in the courtroom; advanced analytical laboratory technique; and advanced analytical chemistry laboratory.
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
University of Central Oklahoma
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Forensic Science Institute is a research and training organization dedicated to academic excellence. It offers four FEPAC-accredited bachelor of science degree programs in forensic science: chemistry, molecular biology, digital forensics, and forensic investigations.
The forensic chemistry program provides competitive internship opportunities and is unique in that it requires a comprehensive exam and a capstone project for undergraduate students as part of their degree completion requirements.
The curriculum includes coursework in forensic toxicology & lab; forensic chemistry & lab; forensic microscopy & lab; forensic pharmacology; criminal procedures for forensic science; forensic science analysis & lab; crime scene processing; and introduction to forensic science.
Notably, the university also offers a master of science in forensic science program with a chemistry track.
- Location: Edmond, OK
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, has a well-regarded forensic science program, including a FEPAC-accredited BS in forensic science. The BS degree program focuses on chemistry, biology, and biochemistry, offering a breadth of opportunity that not all programs offer. Students at UNT can pursue internships and professional experience with police departments and labs across the state of Texas to prepare for future forensic science positions.
The biology and chemistry tracks each have 120 credits, while the biochemistry track has 125 credits. The program’s core courses include forensic science analysis, biomedical criminalistics, principles of forensic science, forensic microscopy, forensic chemistry, instrumental analysis, and forensic molecular biology.
- Location: Denton, TX
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Towson University, located in Towson, Maryland, has a forensic chemistry program known for being rigorous and student-centered. The university offers an undergraduate major in forensic chemistry and a master’s in forensic science program.
The undergraduate program offers three tracks to help students specialize in general forensic science, trace evidence/drug analysis track (which provides a strong chemistry background), and DNA. Internship opportunities are available in law enforcement, government or private forensic chemistry, or toxicology laboratories.
Core courses in the program include general chemistry; analytical chemistry; professional ethics for scientists; biochemistry; forensic chemistry; professional practices in forensic science; advanced forensic investigation; introduction to criminal justice; and advanced criminal law.
The general forensic science track includes courses in genetics; molecular biology; instrumental analysis; and chemistry of dangerous drugs. The trace evidence/drug analysis track involves courses such as principles of physical chemistry; chemical toxicology; and forensic analytical chemistry. Finally, the DNA track includes coursework in body fluid analysis; advanced sequencing methods; and biochemistry.
- Location: Towson, MD
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two or four years
University at Albany SUNY, located in Albany, New York, is one of the most prestigious places to get a degree in forensic chemistry. U.S. News & World Report ranks this school very highly, based on the educational opportunities provided at the school and pedagogy and facilities for learning. This school offers a bachelor of science (BS) degree in chemistry with a major in forensic chemistry.
Like many other forensic chemistry programs, the curriculum hinges on general chemistry; organic chemistry; quantitative analysis; forensic chemistry; biochemistry; polymer chemistry; instrumental analysis; and advanced forensic chemistry.
However, what sets the University of Albany program apart is an on-campus mirror laboratory equipped to mirror the state-of-the-art facilities used by the NY State Police. Through these partnerships, students earn authentic hands-on experience with forensic chemistry.
- Location: Albany, NY
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
The University of Mississippi, located near Oxford in University, Mississippi, is one of the oldest universities in America. Ole Miss has a tradition of excellence, confirmed by the U.S. News & World Report, which ranks this R1 institution highly on several top educational quality metrics. Currently, the University of Mississippi offers a BS in forensic chemistry.
A vital feature of the program is the summer internship with a local criminal laboratory. Because of this hands-on experience, several graduates from this forensic chemistry bachelor’s degree program find employment right away, many of them working in local and federal crime labs.
The program’s 120-credit curriculum includes courses such as organic chemistry; genetics; analytical and physical chemistry; instrumental analysis; forensic science & crime scene analysis; criminal procedure; biochemistry and forensic DNA; toxicology; and a forensic science internship.
- Location: University, MS
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
The West Chester University of Pennsylvania, located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, offers a bachelor of science in forensic and toxicological chemistry. This FEPAC-accredited program emphasizes fundamental chemistry concepts, communication skills, and ethical principles and practices related to forensic chemistry careers.
Students in this program follow an approved four-year curriculum that culminates in an internship. Graduates from this program pursue careers in pharmaceutical and environmental industries and doctoral degree programs at prestigious universities across the nation.
The curriculum consists of courses such as forensic chemistry; forensic microscopy; chemical toxicology; biochemistry; advanced organic spectroscopy; polymer chemistry; pharmaceutical chemistry; physical chemistry for the life sciences; advanced organic chemistry; and an introduction to organic and biological chemistry.
- Location: West Chester, PA
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, was the first institution in the US to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in forensic science. WVU is committed to student success by supporting undergraduates’ first and second-year students as they transition into college and shift support towards career searching and graduate school applications in the final two years.
The Department of Forensic and Investigative Science (FIS) at West Virginia University offers a bachelor of science degree in three major areas: forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and forensic examination.
The 120-credit forensic chemistry program includes courses such as introduction to forensic identification; crime scene investigation; forensic chemical analysis; introduction to microscopy; forensic identification internship; law and evidence; analysis of seized drugs; trace evidence examination; arson and explosives analysis; and analytical forensic toxicology.
The MS in forensic and investigative science and the PhD in forensic science programs include courses in forensic informatics; foundations of criminalistics; forensic laboratory management; trace evidence examination; advanced forensic biology; and analytical forensic toxicology.
- Location: Morgantown, WV
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two or four years
Farheen Gani writes about forensics schools across the United States, and has covered topics such as forensic chemistry and forensic science and biochemistry since 2018. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).