The Department of Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry Program

The University at Albany Forensic Initiative is a collaborative endeavor that was borne out of a ~$1.5 million grant from the National Institute of Justice. The intent of the Forensic Initiative is to provide education, experience and training for the next generation of forensic scientists on the industry practices and principles, as well as enabling research and validation of modern, cutting-edge techniques. This program is unique is its design to provide a foundation of technical, scientific and professional proficiency in the Northeast and the Nation. The NIJ funding has allowed the development of forensic emphases in three fundamental disciplines, chemistry, biology, and computer science. The University of Albany faculty have partnered with experts at the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center on both academic and research collaborations covering the various disciplines. A portion of the NIJ funding has gone to the development of a mirror-laboratory on campus, which is designed and equipped to mirror the state-of-the-art facilities found at the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center adjacent to the University at Albany.

Click here to link to a list of equipment housed in the Department of Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry Laboratory.

Forensics Lab Sign

The Forensic Chemistry Program is a collaborative effort of the University at Albany, the State University of New York and the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center. The University forensic emphasis includes a B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry with a forensic emphasis as well as a M.S. in Forensic Molecular Biology. The programs were created to address an ongoing need to produce highly trained technical personnel for careers in professional forensic laboratories. Continuing educational programs aimed at the professional forensic scientist who wished to keep abreast of modern development in the field are also planned.

The Initiative exists to foster the research needed to improve the speed, accuracy and power of future forensic analyses. The University's partner, the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center, is located on the W. Averill Harriman State Campus, immediately adjacent to the Institute. The Northeast Regional Forensic Institute (NERFI) is also located on the University at Albany, the State University of New York campus. NERFI is a unique organization that was developed to address the need for qualified professionals in forensic laboratories while continuing to foster research towards improving the throughput, accuracy, and efficiency of forensic analyses. NERFI's DNA Academy forensic training program provides a committed environment for training and continuing education and enables rapid proficiency in forensic DNA analysis.

Careers

Job opportunities exist in the field of forensic science, where the demand is high for trained professionals who adhere to the highest standards in the analysis of evidence. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), "An additional 9,000 new forensic scientists are needed nationwide" to address the needs of our forensic crime laboratories. Newly trained forensic scientists will have learned about the concepts and instrumentation underlying the technologies that will be the future of forensics science, while ensuring that the analysis of evidence is performed in a professional, timely manner.

This forensic academic track in undergraduate chemistry is part of a unique collaboration between the University at Albany and the New York State Police. The chemistry track emphasizes the fundamental science underlying forensic chemistry. As such, it offers rigorous training in the theories and practical aspects of chemistry, with a focus on analytical techniques. The program prepares students to enter a professional career not only in forensic science, but also in analytical chemistry, and has direct emphasis on applications requiring the precision and performance of forensic chemistry techniques.

Important Note: Individuals seeking employment in a forensic science laboratory may be required to undergo a background check. This background check could be extensive and may include a lie detector test, fingerprinting, and drug testing.

Degree Requirements

Undergraduates who seek to undertake the chemistry major with an emphasis in forensic chemistry must have satisfied the prerequisites AChm 225 (Quantitative Analysis), and AChm 430 (Instrumental Analysis), and must have senior class standing as prerequisites to take AChm 450 and AChm 451 (Forensic Chemistry I and II). The Comprehensive Forensic Chemistry Emphasis requires a combined major and minor sequence of 82 credit hours. For a complete description of the curriculum, see the Degree Requirements for the Major in Chemistry.

Internships

A recent study in the Journal of Forensic Science stated that internships be developed so that "college level students participate in science activities as a forerunner to a career." Students in the University at Albany Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program with an emphasis on forensics will have the chance to enroll in internships that will give them hands-on training in a professional forensic laboratory. Students must apply six months in advance of the internship, and may become interns in their senior year. Internships are generally unpaid. Please see links to the NYSP and NYSP internships for more information.

For a link to an article on one of our recent interns, please click here.

Financial Aid

Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (518) 442-5757 for information related to financial aid.

Application to the Forensic Program

If you are interested in applying to this program, please contact the University at Albany Undergraduate Admission Office. Information about the Department of Chemistry can be found on the University at Albany Chemistry website or by writing to:

University at Albany
Department of Chemistry
1400 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12222
(518) 442-4400

Chemistry Building