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Forensic Chemistry, BS

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.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

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

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission continuously since 2004.
  • Among the in the U.S.
  • The largest crime scene house complex in the U.S., consisting of five donated homes and a forensic garage fully equipped introductory and advanced crime scene training and research.
  • Advanced forensic photography laboratory.
  • Ballistics laboratory and forensic ballistics research facility.
  • Over 10,000 square feet of modern laboratory space.
  • State-of-the-art latent fingerprint processing and searching capability.
  • Modern instrumentation for forensic chemistry and forensic biology.
  • J. Edgar Hoover Foundation Scholarships: Two two-year partial scholarships awarded to juniors demonstrating financial need and academic excellence.
  • Extensive summer internship experience that builds professional networks.
  • Two Ming Hsieh Distinguished Professors on faculty.
  • Faculty with many years of experience in forensic laboratories including supervision.
  • Only research intensive (R1) forensic science department in the U.S. to offer BS, MS and PhD degrees.
  • Largest educational crime scene complex in the country.
  • Over 12,000 square feet of dedicated lab, classroom and office space in historic Oglebay Hall.
  • One of the first accredited programs in the country.
  • Earn academic credit through .
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

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Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

  • 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

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

View all of the you can join.

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

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

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Fire Inspectors and Investigators

Conduct investigations to determine causes of fires and explosions.

Median Salary: $74,160

Possible job titles include: Arson Investigator, Fire Investigator, Fire Marshal, State Fire Marshal.

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Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

Median Salary: $91,100

Possible job titles include: Criminal Investigator, Detective, Investigator, Special Agent.

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Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

Median Salary: $91,100

Possible job titles include: Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Technician, Criminalist, Forensic Specialist.

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Coroners

Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $75,670

Possible job titles include: Coroner, County Coroner, Deputy Coroner, Medical Examiner.

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Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts

Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $78,310

Possible job titles include: Certified Fraud Examiner, Inspector General, Investigator, Special Agent.

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Chemists

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $84,680

Possible job titles include: Analytical Chemist, Chemist, Forensic Scientist, Research Chemist.

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Forensic Science Technicians

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $64,940

Possible job titles include: Crime Laboratory Analyst, Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Forensic Scientist.

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Intelligence Analysts

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

Median Salary: $91,100

Possible job titles include: Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Criminal Research Specialist, Intelligence Analyst, Supervisor Intelligence Analyst.

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Where Graduates are Working

Graduates have a 90% placement rate and have gone on to work in local, state, county, city and federal law enforcement and forensic science laboratories across the country.

Areas of Graduate Study

Graduates go on to obtain graduate and professional degrees in forensic science and related disciplines.

Admission Requirements

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

Tuition 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.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

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Net Price Calculator

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

Ways to Save

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

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Forensic Chemistry major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

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 to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Want to know more about Forensic Chemistry at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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