Forensic Chemistry, B.S.

The B.S. in Forensic Chemistry program at Buffalo State is committed to providing a high-quality and well-rounded experience for its students. 

90% of our students agree or strongly agree that the forensic chemistry curriculum was challenging and relevant and were satisfied with the overall quality of the program and 63% agree or strongly agree that they are prepared to seek employment in a forensic/scientific laboratory.

Program Benefits

Students Prepared For Professional Careers

Students in our program will learn about the concepts and instrumentation underlying the technologies that will be the future of forensic science while developing an understanding of the practical issues related to the analysis of evidence is performed in a professional, timely manner.

Our program offers rigorous training in the theories and practical aspects of chemistry, with a focus on analytical techniques, and contributes to the development of both the practical aspects of forensic practice, as well as the training of future forensic practitioners. 

This program also meets the requirements for certification by the American Chemical Society, and fully prepares students to enter a professional career not only in forensic science, but also in analytical chemistry, with direct relevance to prospective employment positions requiring the precision and performance associated with forensic chemistry techniques.

Employment rates differ regionally (dependent on national and statewide funding, local populations and state crime rates), employment opportunities will always exist. The expected employment opportunities for forensic scientists can, in part, be driven by the continued scientific and technological advances. New methods and instrumentation for the chemical/biological sciences have created unprecedented and revolutionary opportunities to collect and examine criminal evidence. The need for trained forensic scientists to perform complex analyses is a significant challenge In forensic laboratories with a backlog in DNA analyses.

Student Success and Enrollment

 

    Our Mission

    Since its first induction in 1971, the B.S. in Forensic Chemistry program in the Chemistry Department at Buffalo State has been committed to providing a high-quality and well-rounded experience for its students. We have striven to inform, educate, and provide a learning environment that will best prepare our students for a wide range of career options in forensic science and related areas. Thus, it is important that students have a firm foundation in chemistry, mathematics, biology. and physics, so that they will understand the intricacies of their chosen field.

    We labor to prepare each student individually for the rigors of forensic analyses, research, and legal mandates within the context of the Chemistry Department. In today’s world, textbooks are only a part of the information that can be used to enhance one’s knowledge—it is also important to help the student become open-minded, ethical, adaptable, and to develop critical thinking skills—to ensure success in the continually evolving field of forensic chemistry. We achieve this mission by:

    • Providing a high-quality and comprehensive curriculum wherein students can acquire the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for success in their chosen field.
    • Integrating coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics with research and hands-on experience
    • Helping students to develop skills in analytical thinking, quantitative methods, problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication
    • Embracing diversity
    • Enabling students, staff, and faculty to gain new knowledge through research
    • Providing students with thorough academic and career guidance
    • Contributing to the college community, Western New York, and beyond through outreach, engagement, and public education

    Internships

    Internships provide you with an introduction to the forensic careers available and provide hands-on experience working beside experienced crime scene investigators. Your success in our forensic chemistry program can benefit greatly from forensic internships, volunteer programs, and research programs during your time in school. They can pay off in the form of a better education and lead to rewarding forensic jobs. It will be to your advantage to begin investigating internships early in your forensic education. 

    Students in the forensic chemistry program must enroll internship (FOR412) that will provide additional training in professional local forensic laboratories such as:

    • Erie County Central Police Services
    • Erie County Medical Examiners Office
    • Niagara County Sheriff's Office

    A Note About Internships

    • Some Internships may require background checks similar to those listed above. Individuals seeking employment in a forensic science laboratory may be required to undergo an extensive background check including a lie detector test, fingerprinting, and drug testing.
    • 90% of our students agree or strongly agree that internship host laboratories meets or exceeds standards.
    • Internships are generally unpaid.

    Career Options for Forensic Scientists

    Work Settings

    • Morgues
    • Laboratories 
    • Court settings
    • Law enforcement agencies 
    • University-based research laboratories
    • Medical examiner offices

    Employers

    • Local, state and federal government agencies 
    • Public and private universities 
    • Medical examiner offices 
    • Forensic and medical laboratories
    • Hospitals 
    • Law firms
    • Police departments
    • Private companies

    Self-employed Consultants

    • Courts
    • Law enforcement agencies 
    • University-based research laboratories 
    • Law firms
    • Medical examiner offices

    Recent Buffalo State Graduates

    Local and State Forensic Science Labs

    26% of our graduates go into government positions and/or research.

    • Drugs
    • Toxicology
    • Firearms
    • Trace
    • DNA
    • Arson
    • Local and state law enforcement
    • Coroner

    Industry Chemists

    45% of our graduates pursue careers in industry.

    • Environmental
    • Standard material testing
    • Paint manufacture
    • Pharmaceutical
    • Personal products
    • Building materials

    Graduate/Professional Schools

    24% of our graduates continue on to graduate school and 5% of our graduates become teachers.

    • Chemistry
    • Toxicology
    • Molecular biology
    • Forensic science
    • Food science
    • Dental school
    • Pharmacy

    Alumni Employers

    • Boston University
    • Buffalo State, SUNY
    • Columbia University
    • Physician Assistant Program, D'Youville College
    • School of Pharmacy, Fairleigh Dickinson University
    • Rice University
    • Roswell Park Cancer Institute
    • Rutgers University
    • Syracuse University
    • University at Albany, SUNY
    • University at Buffalo, SUNY
    • School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, SUNY
    • School of Pharmacy, University at Buffalo, SUNY
    • SUNY-Oswego
    • Towson University, Forensic Science
    • University of Arizona
    • University of Akron
    • University of Chicago
    • University of Rochester
    • University of Tennessee
    • Forensic Laboratory, New York Police Department, New York, NY
    • Monroe County Toxicology Laboratory, Rochester, NY
    • DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
    • Erie County Central Police Services, Buffalo, NY
    • Erie County Medical Examiner's Office, Buffalo, NY
    • Kentucky State Police Laboratory, Louisville, KY
    • Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Forensic laboratory, Lockport, NY
    • New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center, Albany, NY
    • Virginia Department of Forensic Science, Roanoke, VA
    • Amneal Pharmaceuticals
    • Clean Harbors
    • Fresenius Kabi
    • Immco Diagnostics
    • Johnson Matthey
    • Kemper System
    • Moog Inc.
    • NutraBlend Foods
    • Paradigm Environmental Services
    • PDA Labs, NYC
    • PeroxyChem
    • Saint Gobain
    • TestAmerica
    • Thermo Fisher Scientific
    • Union Carbide

    Forensic Advisory Committee

    The Buffalo State Forensic Advisory Committee is a group of forensic practitioners and educators dedicated to advancing forensic science and to preparing the next generation of students for a career in forensic science. The group advises Buffalo State faculty on trends in the field of forensics, best-practices in laboratories, and matters that will help Buffalo State students be prepared for and develop a career in forensic science. The group also serves as a source of professional development for all its members by sharing ideas, providing technical advice and assistance, and coordinating activities that will further the quality of services and excellence of procedures provided in Western New York forensic laboratories.

    • Personnel from the Erie County Central Police Services Laboratory
    • Personnel from the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory
    • Personnel from the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Toxicology Lab
    • The Chair of the Chemistry Department of SUNY Buffalo State
    • The Forensic Coordinator and forensic science faculty from SUNY Buffalo State
    • Retired administrators and forensic lab personnel with an interest in education
    • Christine Giffin, Director of Niagara County Forensic Lab
    • Melissa Boler, Chief Toxicologist, Erie Co. Medical Examiner’s Office
    • Kimberly A. Bagley, Department Chair, member of the Forensic Committee, Buffalo State
    • Tom Grill, Erie County Forensic Lab
    • Ken Jonmaire, former Director of Niagara County Crime Lab and former Forensic Program Coordinator at Buffalo State
    • Jamie Kim, member of the Forensic Committee, Buffalo State
    • Cody McKellar, Erie County Forensic Lab
    • Doug Ridolfi, Forensic Program Coordinator, Buffalo State
    • Michelli Schmitz, Director of Erie County Forensic Lab