by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Forensic Chemistry covers Forensic Chemistry. A Program That Focuses On The Application Of Chemical Techniques And Instrumentation To The Analysis And Evaluation Of Physical Evidence To Aid In Criminal Investigations. Includes Instruction In Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, And Physical Chemistry; Biochemistry; Forensic Toxicology; Instrumental Analysis; Crime Scene Processing; Criminal Investigation; Forensic Laboratory Technology; And Applicable Law. Read on to learn the key facts every forensic chemistry student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering forensic chemistry programs.
Across the country, forensic chemistry is a popular field of study, with 367 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Forensic Chemistry Schools ranking analyzes these 26 schools to determine the best overall colleges for forensic chemistry students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of forensic chemistry programs later in this article.
Coursework for Forensic Chemistry emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations forensic chemistry graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a forensic chemistry program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a forensic chemistry major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several forensic chemistry degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 2 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 342 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 23 |
People currently working in careers related to forensic chemistry tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 37.1% |
| Master’s degree | 18.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 13.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 12.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 5.5% |
| Some college courses | 3.8% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.8% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in forensic chemistry careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in forensic chemistry opens doors to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to forensic chemistry.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to forensic chemistry.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | 398,348 | 7.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Chemists | 91,666 | 3.1% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
| Forensic Science Technicians | 33,121 | 9.3% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of forensic chemistry graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $46,286 |
| 4 years | $61,499 |
| 5 years | $72,069 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for forensic chemistry graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers forensic chemistry grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Forensic Science Technicians | $85,117 |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | $69,509 |
| Chemists | $59,779 |
With 26 different forensic chemistry programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased forensic chemistry school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in forensic chemistry, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry, General | 18,323 |
| Chemistry, Other | 540 |
| Polymer Chemistry | 83 |
| Chemical Physics | 41 |
| Analytical Chemistry | 38 |
| Environmental Chemistry | 20 |
| Organic Chemistry | 8 |
| Physical Chemistry | 8 |
| Theoretical Chemistry | 6 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
