Program Overview

Why Study Forensic Chemistry at Towson University?

The major in forensic chemistry at Towson University prepares you to fulfill the growing demand for graduates with the knowledge and skills to provide critical information to the criminal justice community. The program also opens doors to careers working in quality assurance and genomics laboratories, industrial hygiene, environmental science, or to pursue law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or graduate study.

Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the Towson University Forensic Chemistry Program is to prepare students for positions as working scientists in business, industry and government careers and/or to prepare them for an advanced degree program. The program combines social science, chemistry, biology, mathematics and specialized forensic science coursework to provide students with scientific training in major areas of forensic science. The program is based on an application-focused curriculum that provides students development of laboratory skills.

The Forensic Chemistry Program is based on major learning goals, including mastery of course content, laboratory knowledge and skill development, data interpretation, written and oral communication skills and information technology with the following learning objectives.

Students will develop a strong foundation in science using scientific and laboratory problem solving skills

Students will develop an understanding of the principles of crime scene investigation, evidence collection, preservation and chain of custody

Students will receive hands-on training in laboratory methodologies used in forensic analysis

Students will understand the importance of the interaction between science, law enforcement and the legal profession

Students will develop written and oral communication skills for presentation of analytical findings and courtroom testimony

Students will understand the importance of ethics in forensic science