Forensic Chemistry (B.S.)/Chemistry (M.S.)
Hone your expertise in the application of chemistry to forensic investigations through this rare accelerated master's degree program.
The accelerated Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry and Master of Science in Chemistry is a unique degree pairing that will prepare you to launch a career in forensic science, forensic medicine, forensic drug analysis, forensic toxicology and DNA analysis, or criminalistics through rigorous chemistry-centered forensic science studies. Illinois Tech is the only university in the Chicago area to offer an undergraduate degree in forensic chemistry.
Our students build a strong foundation in both traditional chemistry and chemical, biochemical, and instrumental techniques for analysis, detection, and characterization of forensic and controlled substances. You'll be trained in chemical science and chemical, biochemical, and instrumental analysis for forensic application. Applied learning opportunities offer you hands-on experience working with chemistry faculty on biosensor research for detection of bioterrorism chemicals and toxins, computational modeling of nanopore systems, latent fingerprint detection with nanomaterials, and atomic force microscopy for forensic examination. The M.S. in Chemistry broadens your knowledge of the field with emphasis on traditional areas of research in physical, polymer, organic, inorganic, analytical, and biological chemistry.
Program Overview
Build a strong foundation in forensic science, forensic medicine, forensic drug analysis, criminalistics, and more in this accelerated program that can be completed in as few as five years.
Career Opportunities
Forensic chemists can work in forensic investigation and service labs, as well as crime and drug investigations. Other career opportunities include employment at enforcement labs in federal, state, or county government agencies. With the addition of your master's degree in chemistry, you'll also be well-positioned to advance to a doctoral degree program and can consider a career in academia.
- Analytical chemist
- Biomedical scientist
- Forensic chemist
- Scientific laboratory technician
- Teaching laboratory technician
- Toxicologist
This program allows students to register for up to three courses (nine credit hours) that will count toward the credit requirements of both the bachelor's and master's degree programs. The program is designed to be a five-year or five-year+ (less than six) program for currently enrolled Illinois Tech students majoring in chemistry or related fields. Upon graduation, graduates will be prepared to succeed in industry or in a chemistry doctoral program.
To learn more about this program, please contact the program’s director and advisor, Somdev Banerjee (sbanerjee2@iit.edu).
Additional information can be found on the university’s Accelerated Master’s Program page.