COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Learn more about the Professional Science Master's in Forensic Chemistry.

About the Program

The primary objective of the Forensic Chemistry PSM is for students to develop a portfolio of knowledge and experiences through a strong background in analytical methodologies that will enable them to tackle problems in forensic, environmental and other areas of chemistry. Other objectives include providing:

• a theoretical understanding of major concepts in forensic chemistry,
• a range of practical skills in forensic chemistry, and
• knowledge and skills applicable to academia, industry and government.

The goal of the program is the successful placement of graduates into relevant jobs and to enable career advancement for chemists already employed.

The program includes core requirements in current topics in forensic chemistry; applied biopharmaceutics; data analysis; law, ethics and policy; and toxicology. Attendance is required at annual symposia where leaders in the field of forensic science present on current topics and developments in the field of forensics and forensic chemistry. Many courses in the program are conducted as hands-on training in a modular, forensic chemistry laboratory. An independent project is assigned that will generate knowledge with the goal of developing advanced forensic skills, enabling program graduates to effectively work in and be leaders of the discipline of forensic chemistry. All students are required to complete a forensic chemistry internship.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 5 years

Campus Location: Main, Ft. Washington, and the Center for Forensic Science Education in Willow Grove, PA

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Most of the classes are offered in the evenings or on weekends to enable full-time working professionals to be enrolled in the program. International students are required to register as full-time students.

Interdisciplinary Study: The two-year program consists of courses in forensic and analytical chemistry as well as data analysis, law and ethics. Student research projects are developed with the cooperation of Temple faculty and members of our External Advisory Board under the guidance of the PSM in Forensic Chemistry Steering Committee.

Accreditation: Temple University is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Job Prospects: Official job placement is not offered, but prospects are good. The program is designed to help recent graduates obtain relevant employment as well as accelerate career advancement and/or allow career shift of currently employed professionals. Graduates of PSM programs are in high demand, which underscores the PSM as an attractive career path for those who do not wish to become academic researchers or pursue a doctorate.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students may enroll in a total of three courses (9 credits) with permission of the instructor and the Chemistry Department.

Financing Opportunities: Financial assistance in the form of Research or Teaching Assistantships is not offered at this time.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall Priority Deadline: March 1; December 15 international
Spring Priority Deadline: October 30

Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be considered for admission on a rolling basis. Applications are processed on a continual basis. Ordinarily, the applicant is informed of an admissions decision within three weeks of receipt of all supporting application documents.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters should be obtained from college/university faculty or faculty who are familiar with the applicant's competency. If the applicant has an established career in a related field, the applicant’s immediate supervisor should provide one of the letters.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: An undergraduate degree in Chemistry or a closely related field is required. Candidates not holding a degree in Chemistry should contact the Program Director for guidance.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree in Chemistry or a closely related field is required.

Statement of Goals: Optional. If submitted, describe in 500 to 1,000 words your interest in the Forensic Chemistry PSM program, career goals, and academic and professional achievements.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Optional

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

• TOEFL iBT: 85
• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 58
• Duolingo: 110

Resume: Current resume required.

Transfer Credit: Graduate credits from an accredited institution may be transferred into the Forensic Chemistry PSM program. The credits must be equivalent to coursework offered by the Chemistry Department at Temple University. A grade of "B" or better must have been earned for the credits to transfer. The PSM in Forensic Chemistry Steering Committee makes recommendations to the Department Chair for transferring credit on an individual basis. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 32

Required Courses:

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Courses
CHEM 5102	Data Analysis and Evidence	2
CHEM 5108	Investigative Chemistry	4
CHEM 8001	Leadership, Law and Ethics in Forensic Science	3
CHEM 8007	Biotransformation of Drugs and Xenobiotics	3
CHEM 8107	Advanced Forensic Chemistry	3
CHEM 8111	Forensic Toxicology	3
CHEM 8601	Analytical Separations	3
CHEM 9800	Seminar in Forensic Chemistry (2 terms)	2
Electives 1		6
Capstone Course
CHEM 9995	Capstone Project	3
Total Credit Hours		32

¹

With advisor approval, students may elect to take CHEM 8310 Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry or any two graduate-level courses. If CHEM 8310 is taken twice, different topics must be studied each term.

Culminating Events:
Capstone Project:
The internship involves a significant project completed in an approved forensic laboratory. As part of the culminating event of the Forensic Chemistry PSM, students present their project results at the final Seminar in Forensic Chemistry (CHEM 9800).

Contacts

Department Contacts: