Forensic Chemistry

What can I do with this discipline/major?

For helpful resources on your career opportunities, explore the “What Can I Do with This Major” guides for chemistry, criminal justice, and forensic science. 

Some common career titles for this major include:

  • Biochemists and Biophysicists
  • Chemists and Materials Scientists
  • Forensic Science Technician
  • Medical Scientists
  • Police and Detectives
  • Private Detectives and Investigator
  • Crime Lab Analyst 
    • Crime Scene Investigator
    • DNA Analyst
    • Forensic Scientist
    • Forensic Serologist
    • Pathologist
    • Research Technician
    • Toxicologist

For additional career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook. 

Additional resources

Careers in Forensic Chemistry

Internships and Research Opportunities

Getting applied experience in your field is critical. The following resources will allow you to learn more about your department’s opportunities and process, as well introduce you to other major-specific internship posting resources. For information and support finding and receiving an internship in your major, contact your department's internship coordinator.

Careers and Jobs

The resources below are a starting point for your job search. In addition to making use of the Internet to do research, we encourage you to talk to people in the fields you are interested in (don’t forget to use TU’s Tiger Mentor Network) to learn more about specific opportunities and organizations.

Sample Resumes and Interview Questions

For major specific resume samples, we encourage you to look at the Sample Chemistry Resume (PDF) and Sample Forensic Chemistry Resume (PDF), in addition to our Sample Resume Database.

Below are sample interview questions for your field. In preparing for the interview, you’ll also want to review common interview questions (PDF) asked of all majors, thoroughly research the organization, dress professionally, and visit the interview skills section of the Career Center’s website. You can practice your interview skills online via Big Interview or schedule a mock interview with a Career Center staff member.

Interview Questions

  • To you, what is forensic chemistry all about?
  • What is the most challenging thing about being a forensic chemist?
  • What experiences helped develop your interest in pursuing a career in the environmental field?
  • What relevant forensic chemistry experience do you have?
  • Describe a situation in which you had to collect and analyze information.
  • When given an important assignment, how do you approach it?
  • Aside from classroom texts and experience, what journals or professional articles are you currently reading for professional development?
  • Give us an example of when you used good judgment and logic to solve a problem.
  • Please discuss your familiarity with lab techniques/instrumentation from lab courses or internships (i.e., aseptic technique, cell culture, running of various types of assays, PCR, gel electrophoresis, Western Blotting, DNA/RNA extraction or purification, HPLC, GC/MS, UV-Vis).

Professional Associations

Professional associations offer many benefits to students, often including reduced-price membership, mentorship programs, “careers in…” information, job and internship listings, field-related conferences and publications, and much more. Be sure to check out sections on the associations’ websites related to students, education, careers, etc.

Related TU Student Organizations

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