Program Overview

Professional Science Master's in Forensic Chemistry

The Professional Science Master's (PSM) in Forensic Chemistry at Temple's College of Science and Technology is a 32-credit graduate degree designed for students looking to tackle today's challenges in forensic, environmental, and other areas of chemistry. This program prepares graduates for positions in the private and public sectors that affect civil litigation, criminal investigation and prosecution, homeland security, legal reform, and technological advancements.

Program Format & Curriculum

Classes for the Forensic Chemistry PSM are held in the evening on Temple's Main Campus to accommodate working professionals. The advanced, career-focused curriculum requires 32 credit hours of coursework and can be completed in two years. The program includes a blend of research and seminar courses, such as:

• Advanced Forensic Chemistry
• Biotransformation of Drugs and Xenobiotics
• Forensic Toxicology
• Investigative Chemistry
• Leadership, Law and Ethics in Forensic Science

Students must also successfully complete a final capstone project with a local biotechnology, healthcare, or pharmaceutical company or conduct research at Temple under the guidance of a principal investigator as a graduation requirement.

Accelerated Degree Programs

Temple undergraduates can pursue dual degrees with an accelerated +1 dual bachelor's + master's degree option. The Professional Science Master's in Forensic Chemistry can be completed through the +1 accelerated pathway if the required qualifications are met by junior year. Available +1 programs include:

• +1 BS in Biochemistry + Forensic Chemistry PSM
• +1 BA in Chemistry + Forensic Chemistry PSM
• +1 BS in Chemistry + Forensic Chemistry PSM

Related Graduate Degrees

Related graduate degrees offered by the university include:

• Chemistry MS
• Chemistry PhD
• Computational Data Science MS
• Computer and Information Science PhD
• Computer Science MS
• High-Performance Computing for Scientific Applications PSM
• Information Science and Technology MS
• Mathematics MS
• Mathematics PhD

Related Graduate Certificates

Available graduate certificates include:

• Computer Science
• Forensic Chemistry
• Scientific Writing

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level, course load, and residency. For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition costs are:

• Pennsylvania resident: $1,395.00 per credit
• Out-of-state: $1,824.00 per credit

Accreditation

The College of Science and Technology, which houses the Forensic Chemistry PSM program, is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.