Combined BS/MFS in Forensic Chemistry

Forensic chemists study the science behind investigative crime work. An undergraduate degree in chemistry is a prerequisite for most forensic chemistry programs; the combined dual Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Master of Forensic Sciences with a concentration in forensic chemistry (BS/MFS) degree helps students complete the master’s on an accelerated track.

After building a foundation in chemical science, BS/MFS students take courses in a variety of topics to prepare for careers in crime scene investigation and analysis. Class material includes examining arson accelerants and textile fibers, examining the effects of drug abuse on users, practicing infrared spectrometry, tracing evidence and assessing court testimony.

Admission Requirements

Interested students should consult their advisors by the fall of their junior year before applying. All students must complete a Columbian College early in their junior year. The form must be approved by the director of graduate studies in Forensic Sciences and then submitted to the Columbian College Graduate Admissions Office. Once the form has been processed, the student will receive a formal admission letter and their student record will be updated accordingly.

Course Requirements

All requirements for both the BS in chemistry and the MFS with a concentration in forensic chemistry must be completed — with the exception that 12 graduate credits may be taken as part of the undergraduate program.

Please note:

Two Writing in the Disciplines (WID) courses are required in addition to the basic University Writing course required of all Columbian first-year students (UW 1020).
24 credit hours in General Education Curriculum (GEC) courses are required of all Columbian College students. Chemistry majors normally fulfill the requirements in mathematics (quantitative reasoning) and natural and/or physical laboratory sciences (scientific reasoning) with the prerequisite courses for the major. The remaining requirements are six credits of social sciences, six credits of humanities and three credits of the arts.
Students must complete FORS 6211, FORS 6221 and two of a selection of forensics classes: 6206, 6234, 6235, 6238 or 6239
Candidates pursuing an American Chemical Society-certified degree must take research laboratories CHEM 4123 and CHEM 4195 (three credits each) in addition to the required courses.
A course in a structured computer programming language is recommended.

Suggested Program of Study

First Year

Fall

CHEM 1111
PHYS 1021 or BISC 1115 & 1125
MATH 1231
University Writing (UW) 1020

Spring

CHEM 1112
PHYS 1022 or BISC 1116 & 1126
MATH 1232
ELECTIVE
General Education Curriculum (GEC) for Columbian College Students

Second Year

Fall

CHEM 2151
CHEM 2153
PHYS 1021 or BISC 1115 & 1125
General Education Curriculum (GEC) for Columbian College Students
ELECTIVE

Spring

CHEM 2152
CHEM 2154
CHEM 2122
PHYS 1022 or BISC 1116 & 1126
General Education Curriculum (GEC) for Columbian College students
ELECTIVE

Third Year

Fall

CHEM 3171
CHEM 2123W
ELECTIVE
General Education Curriculum (GEC) for Columbian College students
ELECTIVE
ELECTIVE

Spring

CHEM 3172
CHEM 3173
FORS 6225 Statistics for Forensic Scientists
ELECTIVE
General Education Curriculum (GEC) for Columbian College students
ELECTIVE

Fourth Year

Fall

CHEM 4122
CHEM 3165 (may also be taken in the junior year)
FORS 6210 Advanced Instrumental Analysis
FORS 6001 Research and Professional Responsibility
ELECTIVE

Spring

CHEM 4134
FORS 6240 Forensic Drug Analysis
ELECTIVE
ELECTIVE

Fifth Year

Fall

FORS 6238 Forensic Chemistry I
FORS 6005 Fundamentals of Forensic Science II
FORS 6224 Criminal Law for Forensic Scientists or Elective
FORS 6206 Trace Evidence Analysis

Spring

FORS 6239 Forensic Chemistry II
FORS 6224 Criminal Law for Forensic Scientists or Elective
FORS 6004 Fundamentals of Forensic Science I
FORS 6292 Graduate Seminar

Visit the GW Bulletin for current chemistry and forensic sciences course options.