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Forensic Chemistry Major

Earn a degree in forensic chemistry

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If you enjoy studying science and have a strong passion for justice, SBU’s new forensic chemistry major may be the perfect fit for you! Studying forensic chemistry will give you a solid foundation in chemistry, while also teaching you how to apply chemistry principles to crime scene evidence testing.

Your forensic chemistry degree will equip you with problem-solving skills and hands-on laboratory training, while helping you develop an understanding of crime scene investigation techniques, evidence collection and preservation, and the correlation between science and law enforcement.

A course in instrumental analysis will teach you how to identify different substances and give you opportunities to practice forensic chemistry. Forensic chemistry majors at SBU also take a lab-based course in analysis of evidence. A combination of chemistry and criminal justice classes will prepare you for a successful career in forensic chemistry.

The forensic chemistry degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences. 

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree Plan

Student looks in microscope in lab classroom

The SBU Advantage

  • Work alongside expert faculty to conduct research while still an undergraduate student through SBU's Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program.
  • Receive on-on-one academic advisement from a chemistry faculty member who will provide personalized guidance to help you achieve your goals.
  • Participate in small lecture and lab class sizes, which allows for more hands-on learning opportunities and closer interactions with faculty and staff.

Faith Integration

SBU is home to the Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith, which is intentionally focused on equipping students to study the history and philosophy of science, Biblical hermeneutics, and the integration of science and faith. Faculty encourage discussion of ethical issues that arise in the world of science and challenge students to use their Christian faith as the basis for approaching all issues. SBU believes strongly that science and Christian faith can be integrated and support each other.

As a forensic chemistry major, you will take a course from the Strait Center — Chemistry Through the Eyes of Faith. You will have the option to add a second major in Integration of Science and Christian Faith by taking the other Strait Center courses including: Methods of Biblical Interpretation, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, and History and Philosophy of Science and Technology.

Full-Time Faculty

Isaac Corn

Dr. Isaac Corn, Assistant Professor
Jena Whetstine

Dr. Jena Whetstine, Associate Professor
 

Scholarships

Forensic chemistry majors have the opportunity to apply for several privately funded scholarships including:

  • Bill Little Chemistry Scholarship
  • Friends of the College of Science and Mathematics Scholarship
  • James Lightfoot Scholarship

Forensic Chemistry Program Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

BIO 1004 Principles of Biology 4
CHE 1115 General Chemistry I 5
BIB 1013 Old Testament 3
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
UNI 1111 University Seminar 1
Total hours 16

Spring Semester

CHE 1125 General Chemistry II 5
MAT 1195 Calculus I 5
ENG 2213 English Composition II 3
UNI 1121 Critical Thinking 1
CRJ 2313 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
Total hours 17
 

Sophomore

Fall Semester

CHE 3304 Organic Chemistry I 4
MAT 3343 Mathematical Statistics 3
PHY 1115 Physics I 5
CIS 1003 Foundations of Computer Science 3
Total hours 15

Spring Semester

CHE 3314 Organic Chemistry II 4
PHY 1125 Physics II 5
KIN 1162 Foundations of Fitness and Wellness 2
COM 1103 Fundamental of Speech 3
  Humanities Elective 3
Total hours 17
 

Junior

Fall Semester

CHE 4333 Analysis of Evidence 3
CHE 4413 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry 3
SCF 3412 Chemistry Through the Eyes of Faith 2
CRJ Criminal Justice Elective 3
PSY 1013 Psychology 3
  Cultural Studies Elective 2-3
Total hours 16-17

Spring Semester

CRJ/BIO CRJ or BIO Elective 3-4
CHE 3371 Seminar in Chemistry I 1
CHE 3345 Analytical Chemistry 5
SPF 2012 Foundations of Spiritual Formations 2
POL 1113 American Government and Politics 3
ECO 2003 LIFE Economics 3
Total hours 17-18
 

Senior

Fall Semester

CHE 3354 Instrumental Analysis 4
CHE 3364 Biochemistry 4
CRJ/BIO CRJ or BIO Elective 3-4
BIB 1023 New Testament History 3
Total hours 14-15

Spring Semester

CHE 4471 Seminar in Chemistry II 1
CHE 4412 Advanced Chemistry lab 2
SPF 2012 Introduction to Spiritual Formation 2
HIS 22X3 US History 1 or 2 3
  Elective hours 8
Total hours 16

NOTE: This plan assumes an ACT math score high enough to meet the College Algebra requirement and high school completion of ENG 1113, English Composition, and CIS 1103, Computer and Information Management.

Download in PDF format:
Forensic Chemistry Plan (PDF)