The Forensic Chemistry program is part of the Department of Chemistry in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.   

A BGSU forensic chemistry student examines forensic evidence in one of the Ohio based forensic labs.
  • Bachelors Available
  • Bachelors Available

Forensic Chemistry

The Forensic Chemistry Specialization is designed for students interested in the application of analytical chemistry to forensic evidence. It provides a strong background in chemistry with additional exposure to aspects of forensic science. Students completing this specialization will be well prepared for a graduate Forensic Science program or employment in a crime laboratory.

Quality classroom experiences

The BGSU Chemistry Department strives to provide its forensic chemistry specialization students with a friendly, stimulating and rigorous learning environment. 

Small class sizes mean increased student-teacher interactions are easy - one key to a great educational experience. 

Forensic chemistry courses are supported with excellent laboratory facilities and state-of-the-art instrumentation. Students are also provided with exciting opportunities to pursue live research projects under a faculty mentor’s direction.

Stand Out in courses like

  • Quantitative Chemical Analysis
  • Law, Evidence & Procedures 
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry

Salary and Placement Information

Chemistry graduates’ average starting salary was $42,403*, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

BGSU chemistry graduates report they are 100% employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation


BGSU is among a select group of universities nationally with a forensics crime lab on campus.

Curriculum

Bowling Green's proud tradition of excellence in chemistry begins with a dedicated faculty providing a wide range of courses, including sequences in biochemistry, analytical, organic, physical, inorganic chemistry and opportunities in materials science.

Go Far in your career

  • Forensic science laboratory technician
  • Chemical analyst 
  • Public health officer
  • Disease prevention specialist
  • Environmental science researcher
  • Product research and development manager

Internships and Careers

Undergraduate chemistry students have the opportunity to work with faculty members and graduate students on research projects, which often lead to publications in professional journals and presentations at regional or national meetings. Students are encouraged to participate in internship opportunities with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation located on the BGSU campus.

BGSU Arts and Sciences white

The Forensic Chemistry program is part of the Department of Chemistry in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences

Admissions 

Students planning to study chemistry should have taken a year of high school chemistry. They should also have a strong background in mathematics, including a year of calculus if possible.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Forensic Chemistry specialization, undergraduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry and understand concepts central to forensic chemistry;
  • Develop strong problem-solving skills including logical, mathematical, and computational techniques, as well as the use of models, to effectively plan projects and critically analyze experimental results;
  • Understand how to apply the approaches, technology and quantitative analyses essential to chain of custody and appropriate legal handling of samples and data;
  • Be able to present forensic chemistry data to scientists and legal personnel through both oral and written formats.

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

More information on accreditation

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The chemistry program does not lead to professional licensure.

More information on professional licensure

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Chemistry program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.



* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 05/26/2022 01:11PM