Bachelor's Degree
Undergraduate
Where precision meets purpose—science that stands for justice.
Wondering what forensic chemistry is? Forensic chemistry uses scientific principles to assist our criminal justice system through ballistics, crime scene investigation, DNA analysis, forensic toxicology, fingerprint analysis, forensic drug analysis, and digital forensic analysis. Forensic chemists typically analyze non-biological evidence and controlled substances found at crime scenes or taken from crime suspects.
You’ll use a variety of sophisticated lab techniques, including gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, microscopy, spot testing and mass spectroscopy and apply knowledge from diverse areas, such as chemistry, biology, and genetics, to help solve crimes.
The forensic chemistry degree option prepares you for a career in chemistry, toxicology, forensic science, and law enforcement as a chemist, scientist, or crime scene investigator.
Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.
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Explore the courses you'll need to complete your Forensic Chemistry degree.
$75k
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a forensic science technician is $75,260.
$95k
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a chemist is $95,940.
$111k
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a chemist and material scientist is $111,410.
As a  forensic chemistry major, you’ll prepare for careers in forensic science or chemistry. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours. A minor is required. 
“Critical Courses” are italicized and bolded. Data shows that students who have completed this course in the first two years and have earned the noted grade are most likely to complete this program of study.
Milestone: Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA
Milestone: Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA
(Summer courses are encouraged to avoid 18 hour semesters)
Milestone: Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA
Milestone: Maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA
A “Milestone” signifies a significant stage for a student in the completion of a degree.
Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.
I am a chemistry major with an emphasis in forensics. A few of my classes are taught by adjunct faculty who work at the local crime lab. This is awesome because it really helps to learn from individuals who are experienced in the field.
Brynn Myers
Student
With a criminal justice degree, you’re prepared for a career in law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, graduate school or law school.
Bachelor's Degree
Undergraduate
Main Campus - Cape
Regional Campus - Kennett
Regional Campus - Sikeston
Bachelor's Degree
Undergraduate
Main Campus - Cape
Regional Campus - Kennett
Regional Campus - Sikeston
Bachelor's Degree
Undergraduate
Main Campus - Cape
Contact Us
Office
Mailing Address
Department of Chemistry and Physics
One University Plaza, MS 6400
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
