Skip to main content

Forensic ChemistryMajor

We're a national leader in forensic science education and research. Our graduates work in law enforcement and forensic science laboratories across the country.

By the numbers5

Among the five most innovative forensic laboratories in the U.S.

Overview

What is Forensic Chemistry at WVU like?

Description

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.

Forensic Chemistry program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

Apply NowRequest InfoVirtual TourVisit WVU

Fast Facts

What makes Forensic Chemistry at WVU unique?

Research and Academic 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

Early College Program

Get a head start (and save money) in our High School ACCESS program for high school students. Choose from online, on-campus or dual credit courses that fulfill requirements for general education or Forensic Chemistry. Online courses to consider for this major include:

  • FIS 201: Introduction to Forensic Identification
  • FIS 202: Crime Scene Investigation Overview

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Our graduates work in local, state, county, city and federal law enforcement and forensic science laboratories across the country. Some go on to obtain graduate and professional degrees in forensic science and related disciplines. Our placement rate typically is at least 90%, which is a testament to our reputation in the field.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Forensic Chemistry major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Forensic Chemistry at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Forensic Chemistry major.

View the Plan of Study
 

Popular Courses

FIS 340:
Forensic Chemical Analysis

Students develop critical thinking, writing and communication skills related to fundamental concepts of analytical instrumentation and its application to the forensic discipline.

FIS 452:
Arson and Explosives Analysis Lab

Develops laboratory skills related to chemical analysis of ignitable liquids, explosives and post-combustion residues. Emphasis on instrumental methods of analysis, including various forms of chromatography and mass spectrometry and extensive hands-on experience interpreting data derived from analyzing ignitable liquid residues and explosives.

FIS 460:
Analysis of Seized Drugs

341 and PR or CONC: FIS 461 with a minimum grade of C- in each. Develops students� abilities to properly conduct seized drug analyses, including: 1) the history and origin of drugs of abuse; 2) the appropriate handling and storage of evidence/samples; 3) selecting appropriate analytical schemes for the identification of seized drugs; 4) the scheduling of controlled substances; 5) techniques to understand the synthetic pathways and distribution networks

FIS 470:
Analytical Forensic Toxicology

Application of fundamental principles of mode(s) of action of different drugs, the primary mechanisms of drug administration and distribution, drug metabolism and the excretion of xenobiotics. Current and historical cases.

Cost and Aid

How much does Forensic Chemistry at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Early College Program

Get a head start (and save money) in our High School ACCESS program for high school students. Choose from online, on-campus or dual credit courses that fulfill requirements for general education or Forensic Chemistry. Online courses to consider for this major include:

  • FIS 201: Introduction to Forensic Identification
  • FIS 202: Crime Scene Investigation Overview

Learn About Our HS ACCESS Early College Program

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Forensic Chemistry at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Forensic Chemistry major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. They also must meet one of the following admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Requirements for direct admission to one of the three Forensic programs:

  • ACT Math: 22
  • SAT Math: 540

Requirements for direct admission to one of the three Forensics programs for Test Optional Students:

  • GPA: 3.75

If you don't meet the admission requirements for WVU's Forensic Chemistry major, check out some related programs.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

Apply Now

Request Information

Want to know more about Forensic Chemistry at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

Request Info

Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

Virtual TourVisit WVU

Information for

Interested in talking to someone about WVU?

Connect with Your Admissions Counselor
Schedule a Call with a Student Ambassador
Contact WVU Admissions