Forensic Chemistry
Have you ever thought about becoming a real-life CSI? The Forensic Chemistry major can get you there. Forensic science is the application of physical and biological science to the law. Forensic scientists are involved in the collection, preservation, analysis, and presentation of evidence related to criminal investigations and civil cases. If you want to help law enforcement agencies track down wanted criminals or have a hand in gaining FDA approval for the latest wonder drug, Forensic Chemistry at Western New England is the major for you.
Why Choose Forensic Chemistry?
The application of physical and biological sciences to the investigation of crime is becoming ever more important to law enforcement and the legal system. Forensic chemists are involved in the collection, preservation, analysis, documentation, and presentation of the chain of evidence related to criminal investigations and many civil litigation cases. Accurate documentation is critical to this profession, so you will learn both the theory and practical application of forensic research. Forensic scientists work behind the scenes and are typically employed in state and federal crime labs as well as private facilities.
What Will You Study?
You will gain a solid background in biology and chemistry as you learn about analytical methods and instrumentation analysis. You will study fascinating subjects, including Toxicology, Scientific Evidence, and Crime Scene Processing. Laboratory research is an important aspect of the Forensic Chemistry major. Forensic Chemistry students study in the classrooms and laboratories, including the Forensics Lab, in the $40 million Center for the Sciences and Pharmacy. In addition to proficiency using complex instrumentation, students are also taught critical documentation and report-writing skills. Students also are required to provide expert testimony in the courtroom at our School of Law.
Career Opportunities
Forensic scientists work in state and federal crime labs, law enforcement agencies, academic and private research facilities, medical examiners' and coroners' offices, pharmaceutical and toxicology laboratories, and hospital laboratories. Alumni have continued to graduate study at Boston University School of Medicine, Cedar Crest, George Washington University, SUNY-Albany, and UConn. Graduates are employed at Bode Laboratories, Connecticut Department of Public Health, Con-Test Laboratories; Cordant Health Solutions; Massachusetts State Police Forensic Services Group; Massachusetts State Police CODIS Unit; Office of the Chief Medical Examiner; Washington, DC; and Spectrum Analytical Laboratories.
Clubs & Organizations
Forensic Chemistry students may have interests in: Alpha Lambda Delta (First-year honor society), Chemistry Club, Criminal Justice Association, Delta Delta Epsilon (Forensic Science Honor Society), and Forensic Science Club. Many of our students also participate in varsity and intramural sports, special interest groups, and student government.
Faculty
You will be mentored by outstanding faculty that have studied at such institutions as Princeton, Columbia, Boston College, the University of Texas at Austin, and the Western New England University School of Law. Their diverse research interests include such fields as nuclear energy, human evolution, forensic entomology, fusion theory, and expert testimony, yet outstanding classroom teaching is always each professor's top priority.
Unique Learning Opportunities
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Internships and Field Work
Our students have participated in exciting internships at pharmaceutical companies, environmental testing facilities, chromatography research/development firms, hospitals, and other medical facilities, as well as at various other governmental and industrial sites. In your third and fourth years, you can gain experience by serving as a student assistant, mentoring first- and second-year students in laboratories, preparing chemicals, answering questions, and demonstrating techniques. Internships have been performed at a wide range of sites including the Connecticut Department of Public Safety Crime Lab, Con-Test Laboratories, the Massachusetts State Police Forensic Services Group, the Springfield Police Department, Norfolk County (MA) District Attorney's Office, Suffolk Crime Lab, the Brigham & Women's Hospital Morgue, and many others.
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Study Abroad: Become a Global Citizen
Today’s workforce needs professionals who see the big picture. The College of Arts and Sciences will help you to become a student of world cultures and histories as they relate to your studies while making valuable contributions in your explorations. Whether you participate in a faculty-led summer seminar course or spend a semester at an international university, the experience will broaden your horizons and help you compete in the global landscape.
Study Abroad
