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The undergraduate Forensic & Toxicology program at West Chester University combines fundamental chemical knowledge, forensic science concepts, and analytical chemical skills to prepare students for entry-level laboratory positions, graduate studies, and more.

Our B.S. in Forensic & Toxicological Chemistry program provides hands-on experiences through access to cutting-edge facilities, analytical instrumentation, research experiences, and internships.

Forensic chemistry and toxicology majors learn in small classes taught by experienced faculty members who are committed to your success. WCU grads are well prepared for thriving careers in forensic science laboratories, toxicology labs, and a variety of analytical testing laboratories including research and clinical laboratories.

Students interested in specific field-based disciplines such as crime scene investigation, law enforcement, or DNA analysis can bring in additional studies through criminal justice, molecular biology, or molecular genetics.

 

Benefits of Earning Your B.S. in Forensic & Toxicological Chemistry at WCU

Small Classes Taught by Dedicated Faculty

The faculty in our B.S. in Forensic & Toxicological Chemistry program are best in class and each is committed to your success. Thanks to a low student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll get to know your professors and find that personalized attention is a hallmark of a WCU education. Those who take the opportunity to work on research with faculty can expand their networks by attending scientific conferences.

Hands-on Learning Opportunities

Our degree program in forensic and toxicological chemistry gives you immediate access to hands-on learning and research opportunities.

You’ll learn the chemistry of physical evidence, the tools needed to analyze them, and the art of communicating scientific results well. A one-semester internship in a forensic-chemistry or toxicology lab will give you a foundation in professional laboratory practices.

Industry-Driven Learning

WCU’s Forensic & Toxicology program provides individualized training on all analytical instrumentation and concepts common to forensic laboratories including gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, light microscopy, electron microscopy, and a variety of sample handling techniques.

Top Accreditation

WCU’s Bachelor of Science in Forensic & Toxicological Chemistry is accredited by Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission [FEPAC], the gold standard for high quality forensic science programs.

 

What Can You Do With a B.S. in Forensic & Toxicological Chemistry Degree?

Your forensic & toxicology courses prepare you for a high-demand career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for forensic toxicologists are expected to increase 13 percent through 2032, much faster than the national average. In May 2022, the median annual wage for forensic toxicologists was $64,940.

WCU’s B.S. in Forensic & Toxicological Chemistry graduates are prepared to directly enter the forensic chemistry or toxicology fields or continue for advanced graduate study. Our graduates can be found in:

  • Private and public forensic science/crime laboratories
  • Private toxicology laboratories
  • Medical Examiner toxicology laboratories
  • Research laboratories
  • Analytical testing, inspection, and certification
  • Crime scene investigation units

As a graduate of the program, you will have the skills to work in criminalistics and toxicology and to pursue graduate study and specialization in these fields.

Qualifications for a Career in Forensic Science

Forensic scientists are expected to have a high level of personal integrity in addition to the educational requirements. Thorough background checks are required in many forensic science positions. Potential and current students desiring to become forensic science professionals should be mindful that all personal associations, social media presence, medical and drug history, and financial history might be verified. Students are urged to be honest and transparent in all applications, resumes, and communications. Read more at Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice .

Where are our graduates?

 

What Will You Study as a Forensic & Toxicological Chemistry Major?

WCU’s B.S. in Forensic & Toxicological Chemistry students can apply the theories and methods of analytical chemistry to gather evidence, analyze information, and summarize findings to present in laboratory, field, and even judicial settings.

You’ll work in professional labs and will tackle real-world challenges. Specializations in DNA analysis and crime scene investigation are available through additional coursework, where you’ll be prepared for field-based practices. Additional coursework may be required.

View our full curriculum in our catalog.

B.S. in Forensic and Toxicological Chemistry

Code Title Credits
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Academic Foundations
First Year Experience requirement4
English Composition requirement6-7
Mathematics requirement3-4
Interdisciplinary requirement3
Diverse Communities requirement3
Ethics requirement3
Distributed Disciplinary Foundations
Science requirement6-8
Behavioral & Social Science requirement6
Humanities requirement6
Arts requirement3
ADDITIONAL BACCALAUREATE REQUIREMENTS
University Requirements
Writing Emphasis requirement9
Speaking Emphasis requirement9
Degree Requirements
Capstone requirement1-15
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Major Core Courses 1
CHE 103General Chemistry I3
CHE 104General Chemistry II3
CHE 231Organic Chemistry I4
CHE 232Organic Chemistry II3
CHE 321Analytical Chemistry I3
CHE 418Chemical Information1
CHE 476Biochemistry I3
CRL 103General Chemistry I Lab1
CRL 104General Chemistry II Lab1
CRL 231Organic Chemistry I Lab2
CRL 321Analytical Chemistry I Lab2
PHY 170Physics I4
PHY 180Physics II4
BIO 110General Biology I4
MAT 161Calculus I4
MAT 162Calculus II4
Other Required Courses 1
CHE 341Physical Chemistry I4
CHE 361Forensic Chemistry I3
CHE 371Forensic Chemistry II3
CHE 424Advanced Analytical Chemistry3
CHE 451Internship in Forensic Chemistry4
CHE 465Forensic Microscopy3
CHE 479Chemical Toxicology3
CHE 343Chemistry and the Law3
CRL 232Organic Chemistry II Lab2
CRL 341Physical Chemistry I Lab2
CRL 371Forensic Chemistry Lab2
CRL 476Biochemistry I Lab2
MAT 125Introduction to Statistics and Probability3
Lab safety exam must be passed before application for graduation. See advisor for more information
BIO 210Genetics3
BIO 210LGenetics Lab1
BIO 211Cell Biology4
CRL 477Biochemistry II Lab2
Capstone Requirement 1
CHE 491Seminar in Chemistry 21
Total Minimum Required Credits122
1

A grade of C- or better is necessary in all required science and mathematics courses.

2

This course fulfills the Capstone requirement.

Get Started on YourBachelor’s in Forensic & Toxicological Chemistry

Pursue your degree in forensic & toxicology at West Chester University today and become prepared for a successful career in an ever-changing industry.

Apply Now

 

 

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