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Rachel Drummond, MEd
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Schools with Forensic Toxicology Programs
Forensic toxicology involves analyzing biological samples to detect and quantify the presence of substances such as drugs, alcohol, chemicals, and poisons. Forensic toxicologists play a crucial role in criminal investigations, helping to determine whether substances contributed to a death or were involved in a crime. Their findings can be pivotal in legal cases, offering critical evidence for law enforcement, legal professionals, and families affected by crimes.
“It is interesting that there are numerous online discussions that attempt to downplay the capability of forensic toxicology—most of those articles were written by attorneys. A good forensic toxicologist concerns themselves only with the science and not the outcome of a trial. Impartiality is essential.”Mike Ward, MS, Assistant Professor and Lecturer, Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Successful forensic toxicologists must possess a strong foundation in the natural sciences and exceptional attention to detail. The work requires a methodical approach to laboratory protocols, a deep understanding of analytical techniques, and the ability to interpret complex data accurately. And, because their analyses may be used in court, forensic toxicologists need to communicate their findings clearly and effectively, both in writing and through expert testimony.
A career in forensic toxicology typically starts with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or forensic science. However, educational pathways are flexible, with options ranging from certificates to advanced degrees. These programs are available in various formats, including on-campus, hybrid, and online, accommodating diverse learning preferences and career goals. And they can all lead to a rewarding career as an expert forensic toxicologist on the scientific side of criminal justice.
To learn more about what programs are out there, read on.
| Featured Toxicology & Biochemistry Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Biochemistry (BS) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Biological Sciences (BS) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Forensic Science (BS) | Visit Site |
| Arizona State University | Pharmacology and Toxicology (BS) | Visit Site |
| Stevenson University Online | Online MFS - Chemistry Concentration | Visit Site |
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Meet the Expert: Jarrad Wagner, PhD
Dr. Jarrad Wagner is a professor and director of forensic sciences at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS), where he specializes in research and instruction in forensic toxicology and trace analytical chemistry, including post-blast investigations and clandestine laboratories.
Dr. Wagner also founded the OSU Forensic Toxicology and Trace Laboratory at OSU, where he focuses on analytical method development and applications with a variety of advanced chromatographic techniques and supervises research in clandestine laboratory and post-blast scenarios. He provides training to federal, state, and local personnel on illicit drug laboratories and in the recognition of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) clandestine laboratories, namely those of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or Explosive (CBRNE) nature.
Dr. Wagner served as the director of the State of Oklahoma Public Health Laboratory during the Covid-19 pandemic. He formerly served as a chemist in the Hazardous Materials Response Unit of the FBI Laboratory, where he specialized in crime scene investigations involving hazardous materials throughout the world.
Prior to the FBI, his law enforcement experience includes his time as a forensic scientist in the toxicology section of the Orange County (CA) Sheriff-Coroner’s office and his service as a reserve police officer in the City of Irvine, CA. Dr. Wagner earned a PhD in environmental toxicology from the University of California at Irvine and undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry.
ForensicsColleges.com: What is something you wish the public understood about forensic toxicology?
Dr. Wagner: Quality forensic toxicology results take a significant amount of time to produce. The equipment is very specialized, and the staff must be well-trained and educated.
ForensicsColleges.com: What advice would you give to aspiring forensic toxicology students?
Dr. Wagner: Find an internship, either as an undergraduate or graduate student. These are valuable because you can see the work that you would be doing if you continued in the field, and you also might provide a valuable contribution to the criminal justice system.
Meet the Expert: Michael Ward, MS
Mike Ward is an assistant professor and lecturer in the Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He earned his BS in chemistry from Eastern Kentucky University and both his MS in toxicology and MS in drug chemistry from the University of Florida. He is certified as a Toxicological Chemist by the National Registry of Certified Chemists in Washington, DC.
Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Kentucky, Ward served for 33 years in the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Toxicology Laboratory, first as a forensic toxicologist and ultimately as the laboratory supervisor. His consulting firm, ToxChem Consultations, LLC, was incorporated in 2013.
Ward has consulted on legal cases from around the Commonwealth and in other states at the County, State and Federal level, and he is qualified as an expert witness in forensic toxicology in each of these jurisdictions.
ForensicsColleges.com: What is something you wish the public understood about forensic toxicology?
Ward: I wish the public understood that forensic toxicology, like all sciences, is an ever-changing process. It is interesting that there are numerous online discussions that attempt to downplay the capability of forensic toxicology—most of those articles were written by attorneys. A good forensic toxicologist concerns themselves only with the science and not the outcome of a trial. Impartiality is essential.
ForensicsColleges.com: What advice would you give to aspiring forensic toxicology students?
Ward: The advice for future toxicologists is to always look at an issue from every direction. That is to say, when making an interpretation one should consider every aspect and possible conclusion to arrive at an answer that most closely fits the fact pattern. It is also crucial to continue to learn about new techniques and methods.
ForensicsColleges.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Ward: The future looks bright for forensics in general and toxicology specifically. The NAS report highlighted some concerns with various aspects of forensic science, which led to some soul-searching to ensure that the quality of analysis and interpretations was supported by factual scientific effort and not mere speculation. For an individual interested in toxicology, there is nothing more satisfying than helping to answer a question that leads to justice.
Meet the Expert: Alex J. Krotulski, PhD
Dr. Alex Krotulski is program director of the forensic toxicology MS program at Thomas Jefferson University. He is also director at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), working in the areas of forensic toxicology and forensic chemistry. He received his MS in Forensic Science from Arcadia University and his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Temple University.
Dr. Krotulski’s current research and casework focus heavily on the detection and characterization of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), including studies that examine NPS positivity, trends, metabolism, and effects through intelligence, surveillance, monitoring, and response efforts.
For his contributions to the field of forensic toxicology, Dr. Krotulski was awarded the inaugural 2021 Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) Research in Forensic Toxicology Award and the 2022 American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Toxicology Section’s Irving Sunshine Award for Outstanding Research by a Young Investigator.
ForensicsColleges.com: What is something you wish the public understood about forensic toxicology?
Dr. Krotulski: Forensic toxicology is a modern science combining aspects of complex analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. Forensic toxicology aims to answer questions about the presence of toxins, poisons, and other substances (e.g., drugs) within living and deceased organisms, most commonly humans, and forensic toxicology is often applied to concepts related to laws and regulations. Forensic toxicology is an ever-evolving field with a knowledge base that is expanding yearly through case studies, research, and peer collaborations.
ForensicsColleges.com: What advice would you give to aspiring forensic toxicology students?
Dr. Krotulski: Like all forensic sciences, forensic toxicology is a collaborative field that allows scientists to interact with professionals from many other fields (e.g., medical examiners, drug chemists, law enforcement, public health, etc). Forensic toxicologists are always learning, not only about forensic toxicology but also about other disciplines in the forensic science realm.
ForensicsColleges.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Dr. Krotulski: Forensic toxicology is constantly advancing with the development of new technology. The future of forensic toxicology is complex, comprehensive, and increasingly sophisticated.
Forensic Toxicology Program Accreditation
Accreditation is an important factor to consider when researching educational programs. It is offered at the national, regional, and programmatic levels and ensures that a program or institution has met rigorously high standards for educational quality. Students planning to finance their education with federal loans must attend accredited educational institutions.
The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) is the leading accrediting organization for forensic science programs and keeps a list of accredited forensic toxicology programs. Graduates and their prospective employers can be confident that forensic science programs with current FEPAC accreditation meet the highest standards of educational quality. The schools featured below all have regional, national, or programmatic accreditation.
Common Admissions Requirements & Courses in Forensic Toxicology
Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Toxicology
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, completed application, previous criminal justice coursework, and criminal background check.
- Common courses: Anatomy for the paramedic personnel, criminal investigation, human osteology, forensic anthropology field school, and introduction to criminal justice.
- Featured program: University of North Dakota
Master’s Degree in Forensic Toxicology
- Prerequisites: Bachelor’s of science degree in natural science or forensic science with a minimum GPA (e.g. 3.0 or higher; minimum GPA requirements vary for each program), completed application, and criminal background check.
- Common courses: Criminal justice, chemistry, forensic science, public speaking, and law for forensic scientists.
- Featured program: Oklahoma State University
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Toxicology
- Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited institution with a minimum GPA (e.g. 3.0 or higher; minimum GPA requirements vary for each program), completed application, letter of interest, and criminal background check.
- Common courses: Criminalistics, forensic investigation of firearms, ballistics, and explosives, forensic anatomic analysis, interview and interrogation techniques, and internship.
- Featured program: University of Florida
On-Campus Degree & Certificate Programs in Forensic Toxicology
The University of Kentucky offers an on-campus master’s in forensic toxicology and analytical genetics, the first of its kind in Kentucky and only the fifth in the nation. Students may concentrate on either forensic toxicology and chemistry or forensic/analytical genetics.
Students will build a foundational skill set in advanced forensic science, writing, communication, professionalism, ethics, legal perspectives, and workplace-specific laboratory skills through the common core curriculum. The forensic toxicology track consists of 36 credits and includes courses such as: forensic and analytical toxicology; drug metabolism and disposition; general instrument techniques in forensic chemistry; and environmental and regulatory toxicology.
The program also includes internship experiences and cognate elective courses, and the graduates will be competitive for workforce deployment in the areas of private industry drug testing, private DNA analysis, forensic governmental divisions, and hospital clinical labs.
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
King University offers a bachelor of science (BS) degree in forensic science. Students in this program must complete an internship in a field related to forensics in addition to their didactic and laboratory coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics. Graduates from this program go to work in careers in odontology (forensic dentistry) and toxicology and as criminalistic practitioners. Students in this program participate in mock crime scenes to gain experience in gathering and evaluating evidence.
The program, which consists of 124 credits, includes courses such as forensic chemistry, criminal investigation for forensic science, general chemistry, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, organic chemistry, and analytical chemistry.
Graduates will learn about scientific methods, statistics, and about making courtroom presentations. They will also be prepared to pursue their choice of postgraduate programs in forensics where they could get the training they need for becoming medical examiners, psychological profilers, or forensic specialists.
- Location: Bristol, TN
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Offering the only FEPAC-accredited bachelor of science degree program in Michigan, Madonna University emphasizes hands-on learning to teach common protocols required in forensic science jobs. Students in this program earn a bachelor’s degree in forensic science with a minor in chemistry, biology, or both to fulfill FEPAC accreditation requirements.
The program’s independent research project component provides students with real-life critical thinking tasks typically found in graduate-level programs. Other courses include firearm and tool mark analysis; ethics and expert testimony; principles of criminology; introduction to forensic anthropology; forensic chemistry; toxicology; and a required internship in forensic science.
Graduates will be ready for roles such as forensic scientists, forensic biologists, forensic chemists/toxicologists, forensic anthropologists, crime scene technicians, evidence technicians, forensic technologists, and forensic pathologists.
- Location: Livonia, MI
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), the Eberly College of Science at the Pennsylvania State University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in forensic science. Graduates from the bachelor of forensic science and master of forensic science programs have gone on to pursue rewarding careers in crime scene investigation laboratories, university research laboratories, and other fields related to forensic toxicology.
The bachelor of science program in forensic science is an inter-college collaboration among academic units. It provides students with a solid foundation in the physical, biological, and mathematical sciences, introducing them to relevant topics in forensic chemistry, criminalistics, crime scene investigation, forensic biology, and appropriate social sciences. Comprising 122 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to forensic science; essential practices of forensic science; courtroom proceedings and testimony; a scientific approach to crime scene investigation; criminalistics; the profession of forensic science; and introduction to biostatistics, among others.
The master of professional studies (MPS) program in forensic science features an innovative and exciting curriculum that offers students hands-on training in crime laboratory methodologies and crime scene investigation techniques. This 41 to 42-credit program includes courses such as drug chemistry and toxicology; chromatography and electrochemistry; molecular biology of the gene; forensic molecular biology; sociology of deviance; sexual and domestic violence; and organized crime.
- Location: University Park, PA
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two or four years, depending on degree type
In collaboration with the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE), Thomas Jefferson University offers a master of science program in forensic toxicology preparing students for professional development and advancement in the specific field of forensic toxicology. This partnership provides graduates with expertise in all areas of toxicology, including post-mortem analysis, workplace drug testing, human performance toxicology, business & management coursework, and legal procedure and ethics.
Through the Center’s internship program, students will also receive hands-on training. This internship immerses candidates in mock casework samples and provides them with experience in toxin and drug detection and extraction, quantification, instrumental analysis, data interpretation, and report writing. The program culminates in moot court experiences.
This 40-credit program includes courses such as analytical forensic toxicology; legal procedure and ethics; advanced analytical forensic toxicology; general pharmacology; statistical methods of data analysis; interpretative forensic toxicology; regulatory issues in forensic toxicology; and fundamentals of clinical trials management.
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 2.5 years
Arcadia University offers a master of science degree in forensic science, preparing students to collect, identify, analyze, and classify physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Using ever-evolving technologies, students learn about performing tests on substances or weapons, such as fibers, tissues, and hair, to determine their significance to criminal investigations. Additionally, graduates train as specialists in areas like fingerprinting, ballistics, biochemistry, or handwriting.
This program provides professional, high-quality forensic science education and training through internships, research, and collaborations with one of our nation’s premier forensic science labs. Notably, Arcadia’s program focuses primarily on the fields of forensic biology, forensic toxicology, trace evidence analysis, and forensic chemistry.
Comprising 59 credits, this FEPAC-accredited program includes courses such as instrumental analysis in forensic toxicology & chemistry; crime scene analysis; research methods in forensic science; forensic microscopy; forensic trace evidence analysis; forensic toxicology; and criminal law and ethics.
- Location: Glenside, PA
- Accreditation: FEPAC; Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Lasell University offers a FEPAC-accredited bachelor’s degree program in forensic science. This program prepares students for careers in crime laboratories, crime scene investigations, commercial laboratories, and trace evidence examination. Students learn the application of science to law and take a wide variety of courses in criminal justice and the traditional sciences.
Applied coursework is focused on conducting quality assurance, criminal investigations, evidence analysis, and evidence collection and preservation. Notably, this program offers unique internship experiences at several sites and a research-based capstone course.
The program, which consists of 121 credits, includes courses such as introduction to criminal justice, forensic science, criminology, criminal investigations, forensic DNA analysis, criminal procedure, and trace evidence and microscopy.
- Location: Newton, MA
- Accreditation: FEPAC; New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
Online Degree & Certificate Programs in Forensic Toxicology
Oklahoma State University offers a hybrid MS in forensic science with a concentration in forensic chemistry/toxicology. In the first year, all courses may be taken either online or on-campus. In the second year, laboratory and research courses must be taken on-campus, but online options are available.
The program provides students with a solid background in forensic sciences and specialized courses in forensic chemistry and toxicology. It consists of 30 credits (or 32 for the non-thesis option) and offers courses such as advanced forensic toxicology, drug toxicity, and forensic investigation of clandestine labs.
The program is designed for individuals pursuing careers as forensic chemists, toxicologists, or instructors. According to OSU, all graduates from this track are successfully employed in forensic or clinical laboratories or have entered advanced degree programs upon degree completion.
- Location: Tulsa, OK
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Stevenson University Online offers a fully online master of forensic science for current forensics professionals who want to learn more about the technologies and laws surrounding collecting and presenting evidence in a legal context. Through partnerships with local and federal forensic law enforcement, students learn from leading forensic science investigative professionals.
Students can choose a biology or chemistry concentration and tailor their required, hands-on experiences by completing an online course in crime laboratory operations or an in-person practicum to gain professional experience.
The 36-credit program includes courses such as a survey of forensic science, physical evidence at crime scenes, expert witness preparation and practice, serology and immunology, trace evidence, drug analysis, forensic toxicology, and DNA analysis.
Graduates can take up roles such as forensic toxicologists, crime laboratory supervisors, crime scene investigators, forensic chemists, forensic engineers, and forensic latent print examiners.
- Location: Owings Mills, MD
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
The College of Pharmacy at the University of Florida offers a fully online 32-credit master’s degree program and a 15-credit online graduate certificate in forensic science. Each program has four specialization options, and students interested in the certificate may enroll as non-degree-seeking students to learn more about the program before fully committing to graduate-level coursework. Graduates of this program can look forward to advanced career opportunities in medical examiners’ offices, hospitals, clinical chemistry laboratories, and local or federal law enforcement.
Notably, the master’s degree in forensic toxicology includes courses such as general toxicology, forensic toxicology, drug biotransformations and molecular mechanisms of toxicity, toxic substances, a literature survey of forensic toxicology, special topics in forensic toxicology, an introduction to forensic medicine, applied statistics for data analysis, and principles of forensic science.
- Location: Gainesville, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: One to two years
Forensic Toxicology Salary & Career Outlook
Now is a great time to become a forensic toxicologist. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) projects careers for the related career of forensic science technicians to grow 13 percent between 2022 and 2032, much faster than other occupations (3 percent). The average annual salary of forensic science technicians is $64,940, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $41,410 per year and the highest 10 percent earning more than $107,490 (BLS May 2023).
Most forensic toxicologists work full-time, and some may work on-call outside of regular business hours if immediate toxicology analysis is needed.
Professional Certification in Forensic Toxicology
While certification is not typically required for forensic toxicologists in most states, having certification may increase applicants’ chances of landing interviews and negotiating higher salaries. Below is a list of organizations that offer certification and professional networks for forensic toxicologists:
- American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABCC)
- American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
- American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT)
- American Board of Toxicology (ABT)
- International Association for Identification (IAI)
Some laboratories may require professionals to provide proof of laboratory certification. Finally, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers a board of certification (BOC) credential that forensic toxicologists can use to verify their knowledge of laboratory safety procedures.
Rachel Drummond has given her writing expertise to ForensicsColleges.com since 2019, where she provides a unique perspective on the intersection of education, mindfulness, and the forensic sciences. Her work encourages those in the field to consider the role of mental and physical well-being in their professional success.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.
Writer
Matt Zbrog
Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about the increasing digitization of investigations, the growing importance of forensic science, and emerging areas of investigative practice like open source intelligence (OSINT) and blockchain forensics. His writing and research are focused on learning from those who know the subject best, including leaders and subject matter specialists from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and the American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS). As part of the Big Employers in Forensics series, Matt has conducted detailed interviews with forensic experts at the ATF, DEA, FBI, and NCIS.