Drive Forensic Innovation

At SEMO, Turn Curiosity into Crime-Solving Power

What Does a Forensic Chemist Do?

Forensic chemists play a vital role in the justice system.

Forensic chemists specialize in analyzing evidence and controlled substances. Forensic science combines various scientific methods like ballistics, DNA analysis, toxicology, fingerprinting, and digital forensics. You’ll master advanced lab techniques such as gas and liquid chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, microscopy, spot testing, and mass spectrometry. By applying your knowledge of chemistry, biology, and genetics, you'll contribute to solving complex cases.

How Will We Get You There?

We'll put you right in the action.

You'll train with forensic professionals in our state-of-the-art "mock" crime lab, mastering the tools and techniques used in the field. With coursework shaped by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and connections to a network of alumni, you'll gain valuable mentorship and real-world internship opportunities that set you up for an exciting career in forensic science. Stay tuned for a closer look inside our lab!

two students analyze forensic evidence through a telescope

Where Will Your Forensic Chemistry Degree Take You?

Use your scientific expertise to solve crimes.

You’ll be prepared to analyze evidence in crime labs, collect critical data from crime scenes, testify as an expert witness in court, and even train law enforcement professionals in forensic techniques. Some graduates choose to advance their knowledge through graduate studies. SEMO alumni are now leading and working at top organizations like the FBI, DEA, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, making this degree your gateway to a rewarding career in forensic science.

We're pushing Forensic Science forward.

/ FBI Partnership

We teamed up with the FBI Research Partnership Program to develop advanced chemical instrumental methods for individualizing pepper spray stains on fabric.

/ Fingerprint Breakthroughs

We pioneered a method to estimate both the age of a person and the time since their latent fingerprint was left on a surface.

/ MODOC Collaboration

We partnered with the Missouri Department of Corrections to create cost-effective, efficient testing protocols for detecting synthetic drugs in offender mail.

/ Advancing Drug Identification

We identified gaps in current forensic cannabis testing and provided recommendations to improve the accuracy and confidence of these protocols.

Get a glimpse into your Forensic Chemistry career at SEMO.