Program Overview

Accelerated B.S. and M.S. Program

The accelerated B.S. and M.S. program allows academically talented students to earn both the B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in chemical science and the M.S. in Forensic Science with a concentration in forensic chemistry/drugs and toxicology in a minimum of five and a half years. This is achieved by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program.

Program Overview

Students in the program may count up to 12 hours of graduate courses toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Thus, the two degrees may be earned with a minimum of 150 credits rather than the 162 credits necessary if the two degrees are pursued separately. Students holding these degrees will have both foundational work in chemistry and advanced training in forensic science through a combination of laboratory and classroom work and will have gained important professional development skills.

Program Goals

The goal of the accelerated program is to significantly enhance the student's qualifications to pursue a career in the forensic science field. Alternatively, students who distinguish themselves may be able to pursue advanced study in doctoral or professional studies on an accelerated timetable.

Entrance to the Accelerated Program

Interested undergraduate students should consult with their adviser as early as possible to receive specific information about the accelerated program, determine academic eligibility, and submit an Accelerated Program Declaration Form to be approved by the graduate program director. Limited spaces may be available in the accelerated program. Academically qualified students may not receive approval if capacity has been reached.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications for entrance to this accelerated program include:

• Completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours
• Completion of specific chemistry courses, including CHEM 301 and CHEM 302 with laboratories (CHEZ 301 and CHEZ 302), CHEM 309 and laboratory (CHEZ 309)
• An overall GPA of 3.3
• A GPA of 3.0 in chemistry course work
• Two reference letters (at least one from a chemistry or forensic science faculty member) must accompany the Accelerated Program Declaration Form

Program Structure

Once enrolled in the accelerated program, students complete the course work for the B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in chemical science, with the exception of adding CHEM 409 and CHEZ 409, which are needed as prerequisites for several graduate forensic science courses and can fulfill open elective credits. Students must meet the standards of performance applicable to graduate students, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

Guidance and Support

Guidance to students in an accelerated program is provided by both the undergraduate chemistry adviser and the forensic science graduate program director.

Admission to the Graduate Program

Entrance to the accelerated program enables the student to take the approved shared courses that will apply to the undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, entry into an accelerated program via an approved Accelerated Program Declaration Form does not constitute application or admission into the graduate program. Admission to the graduate program requires a separate step that occurs through a formal application.

Degree Requirements

• The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree will be awarded upon completion of a minimum of 120 credits and the satisfactory completion of all undergraduate degree requirements.
• A maximum of 12 graduate credits may be taken prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree. These graduate credits substitute for required major electives and open electives for the undergraduate degree.
• The graduate forensic science courses that may be taken as an undergraduate, once a student is admitted to the program, include:
  • FRSC 581: Forensic Analysis of Fire Debris and Explosive Evidence
  • FRSC 582: Forensic Analysis of Paint and Fiber Evidence
  • FRSC 644: Analytical Considerations in Forensic Toxicology
  • FRSC 671: Instrumentation in Forensic Chemistry
  • FRSC 672: Advanced Drug Analysis
  • FRSZ 671: Instrumentation in Forensic Chemistry Laboratory
  • STAT 543: Statistical Methods I

Recommended Course Sequence

The recommended plan of study for students interested in the accelerated program beginning in the fall of the junior year prior to admission to the accelerated program in the senior year includes:

Junior Year

• Fall semester:
  • CHEM 313: Physical Chemistry I
  • CHEZ 313: Physical Chemistry Laboratory I
  • Foreign language 101
  • General education course
  • Open elective
• Spring semester:
  • CHEM 315: Physical Chemistry II
  • CHEM 409 & CHEZ 409: Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
  • Foreign language 102
  • Open electives

Senior Year

• Fall semester:
  • CHEM 499: Chemistry Capstone Experience
  • FRSC 671 & FRSZ 671: Instrumentation in Forensic Chemistry and Instrumentation in Forensic Chemistry Laboratory
  • STAT 543: Statistical Methods I
  • Open electives
• Spring semester:
  • FRSC 644: Analytical Considerations in Forensic Toxicology
  • FRSC 672: Advanced Drug Analysis
  • Experiential fine arts
  • Open electives

Fifth Year

• Fall semester:
  • FRSC 570: Forensic Science Seminar
  • FRSC 660: Toolmark Examinations
  • FRSC 670: Forensic Evidence and Criminal Procedure
  • FRSC 673 & FRSZ 673: Forensic Microscopy and Forensic Microscopy Laboratory
• Spring semester:
  • FRSC 565: Scientific Crime Scene Investigation
  • FRSC 570: Forensic Science Seminar
  • FRSC 645: Applications in Forensic Toxicology
  • FRSC 677: Professional Practices and Expert Testimony
  • FRSC 793: Directed Research in Forensic Science

Sixth Year

• Fall semester:
  • FRSC 570: Forensic Science Seminar
  • FRSC 675: Forensic Serology and DNA Analysis
  • FRSC 793: Directed Research in Forensic Science
  • Concentration elective

This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in chemistry and forensic science, preparing them for careers in these fields or for further advanced study.