Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry

The Bachelors of Science in Forensic Chemistry program at Loyola University seeks to provide students with an excellent education in chemistry with specialization in forensic science.

In 1999, our department began offering a degree track in forensic chemistry. Our program provides students with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, focusing on forensic analytical techniques used in the field and in the laboratory. Graduates leave the program with both specialized chemical knowledge and substantial laboratory experience.

The degree is designed to prepare students to step into a job in a forensic laboratory or to pursue an advanced degree in forensic chemistry. Recent graduates have worked in professional laboratories including the New Orleans Police Department Crime Lab and Quest Diagnostics, and have been accepted into graduate programs at universities including George Washington University and the University of New Haven.

Of the 31 CHFS graduates who have provided post-graduation information, 42% continue on to graduate school, usually in either forensic science of chemistry.  An additional 16% entered medical school after graduating from Loyola. The remaining graduates progress directly into employment in a laboratory setting; 50% of these students are working in forensic laboratories.

The curriculum includes the specialized science coursework required for forensic laboratory analysis, with coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, and statistics. Students may select from three different concentration options: Instrumental Analysis, Biochemistry and Genetics, or Human Mind and Behavior.

Incoming students should plan for a rigorous curriculum by reviewing the required degree plan. Students (especially transfer students) are urged to consult with the Program Director to discuss their area of interest and the appropriate curriculum.

We provide a rigorous academic preparation; additional qualifications may be necessary for a career in the criminal justice system. Students considering a degree in the forensic sciences should also consult the National Institute of Justice publication, Education and Training in Forensic Science.

2011-2012 Forensic Chemistry Degree Program Course List (DPCL)

2012-2013 Forensic Chemistry DPCL

2013-2014 Forensic Chemistry DPCL

2011-2012 Forensic Chemistry Minor Tracking Sheet

2012-2013 Forensic Chemistry Minor Tracking Sheet

2013-2014 Forensic Chemistry Minor Tracking Sheet

Major Requirements

Listed below is a recommended degree plan for students entering the program prior to the the Fall 2012 semester. Students entering the program beginning Fall 2012 should meet with the Program Director for the revised curriculum. We strongly encourage students to meet with their academic advisor to develop a personalized plan.  This ensures that they are prepared for their careers when they leave Loyola.

Freshman Fall Spring
Semester Totals 14 16
Total 30
Major CHEM A105 — A106 General Chemistry I&II Lecture 3 3
Major CHEM A107 — A108 General Chemistry I&II Lab 1 1
Adjunct MATH A257 — A258 Calculus I&II 4 4
Foreign Language A100 — A101 First Year 3 3
Adjunct BIOL A108 — A109 Biology of Organisms Lec/Lab 0 5
Adjunct BIOL A106 Cells and Heredity 3 0

 

Sophomore Fall Spring
Semester Totals 16 16
Total 32
Major CHEM A300 — A301 Organic Chemistry I&II Lecture 3 3
Major CHEM A302 — A303 Organic Chemistry I&II Lab 2 2
Adjunct FRSC C201 Criminalistics: Crime Lab 3 0
Adjunct MATH A241 Statistics 3 0
Adjunct PHYS A110 — A112 5 0
Adjunct PHYS A111 — A113 0 5
Elective 0 6

 

Junior Fall Spring
Semester Totals 15 15
Total 30
Major CHEM A320 Integ Lab I 3 0
Major CHEM A315 Intro to Forensic Methods 0 3
Common Curriculum 12 12

 

Senior Fall Spring
Semester Totals 15 13
Total 28
Major Chemistry Elective (300 — 400 Level)** 3 2
Major CHEM A400 Biochemistry Lecture 3 0
Major CHEM A402 Techniques in Biochemistry 0 1
Major CHEM A493 Oral Presentation 0 1
Major CHEM A497 Internship 3 0
Common Curriculum 6 9

** Restricted to a maximum of three hours of CHEM A498 and/or CHEM A496.

 

Total Course Hours: 120

View Chemistry Course Descriptions