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Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

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

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: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart?

  • Accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission continuously since 2004.
  • The largest crime scene house complex in the U.S., consisting of 5 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 2-year partial scholarships awarded to juniors demonstrating financial need and academic excellence.
  • Extensive summer internship experience that builds professional networks.
  • 2 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.
  • 1 of the 1st accredited programs in the country.
  • SpeakWrite Certified Major automatically fulfills the WVU General Education Foundations writing and communication skills requirement.
  • Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend, and enhance your academic experience.

Learn by Doing

Get involved outside the classroom.

  • 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 student organizations you can join.

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

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

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.

Median Salary: $78,420

Possible Job Titles: Autopsy Facilities Manager, Coroner, MDI (Medicolegal Death Investigator), 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: $80,190

Possible Job Titles: Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Forensic Accountant, Investigator, Special Investigations Unit Investigator (SIU Investigator)

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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: $84,150

Possible Job Titles: Analytical Chemist, Chemist, Research Chemist, Scientist

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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: $67,440

Possible Job Titles: Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), Criminalist CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Forensic Scientist

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Fire Inspectors and Investigators

Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.

Median Salary: $78,060

Possible Job Titles: Arson Investigator, Fire Inspector, Fire Investigator, Fire Prevention Inspector

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Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

Median Salary: $93,580

Possible Job Titles: 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: $93,580

Possible Job Titles: Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Technician, Criminalist Forensic Specialist

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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: $93,580

Possible Job Titles: Crime Analyst (Criminal Analyst), Crime Intelligence Analyst (Criminal Intelligence Analyst), Intel Analyst (Intelligence Analyst), Intel Research Specialist (Intelligence Research Specialist)

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Where graduates work

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 the Forensic Chemistry major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Requirements for direct admission to 1 of the 3 Forensic programs

You must meet the following requirements:

  • High School GPA: 2.5
  • ACT Math: 22
  • SAT Math: 540

Requirements for direct admission to 1 of the 3 Forensic programs for test-optional students

You must meet the following requirements:

  • High School GPA: 3.75

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.

Ways to Save

Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.

Financial Aid

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

How to Complete the FAFSA

Start at Another WVU Campus

You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.

Explore WVU System

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

Request Info

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

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