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 .
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 requirement | 4 | |
| English Composition requirement | 6-7 | |
| Mathematics requirement | 3-4 | |
| Interdisciplinary requirement | 3 | |
| Diverse Communities requirement | 3 | |
| Ethics requirement | 3 | |
| Distributed Disciplinary Foundations | ||
| Science requirement | 6-8 | |
| Behavioral & Social Science requirement | 6 | |
| Humanities requirement | 6 | |
| Arts requirement | 3 | |
| ADDITIONAL BACCALAUREATE REQUIREMENTS | ||
| University Requirements | ||
| Writing Emphasis requirement | 9 | |
| Speaking Emphasis requirement | 9 | |
| Degree Requirements | ||
| Capstone requirement | 1-15 | |
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS | ||
| Major Core Courses 1 | ||
| CHE 103 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE 104 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHE 231 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHE 232 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHE 321 | Analytical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE 418 | Chemical Information | 1 |
| CHE 476 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CRL 103 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CRL 104 | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| CRL 231 | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 2 |
| CRL 321 | Analytical Chemistry I Lab | 2 |
| PHY 170 | Physics I | 4 |
| PHY 180 | Physics II | 4 |
| BIO 110 | General Biology I | 4 |
| MAT 161 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MAT 162 | Calculus II | 4 |
| Other Required Courses 1 | ||
| CHE 341 | Physical Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHE 361 | Forensic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHE 371 | Forensic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHE 424 | Advanced Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 451 | Internship in Forensic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHE 465 | Forensic Microscopy | 3 |
| CHE 479 | Chemical Toxicology | 3 |
| CHE 343 | Chemistry and the Law | 3 |
| CRL 232 | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 2 |
| CRL 341 | Physical Chemistry I Lab | 2 |
| CRL 371 | Forensic Chemistry Lab | 2 |
| CRL 476 | Biochemistry I Lab | 2 |
| MAT 125 | Introduction to Statistics and Probability | 3 |
| Lab safety exam must be passed before application for graduation. See advisor for more information | ||
| BIO 210 | Genetics | 3 |
| BIO 210L | Genetics Lab | 1 |
| BIO 211 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| CRL 477 | Biochemistry II Lab | 2 |
| Capstone Requirement 1 | ||
| CHE 491 | Seminar in Chemistry 2 | 1 |
| Total Minimum Required Credits | 122 | |
- 1
A grade of C- or better is necessary in all required science and mathematics courses.
- 2
This course fulfills the Capstone requirement.
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