In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and aid for studying the area of forensic science.
About the Forensic Science Focus
Discover the exciting world of forensic science when you pair the disciplines of criminal justice and chemistry at Wayne State. Forensic science is the application of science to the law, using scientific methodology to collect and analyze evidence in an investigation. It requires an extensive background in the natural sciences, coupled with practical laboratory experience, all which students can gain at Wayne State College’s Criminal Justice Crime Scene Investigation Facility. Through the study of forensic science, you’ll combine different aspects of science – natural, lab, and social – to prepare for a career related to crime scenes and investigation. You'll graduate with both criminal justice and chemistry degrees from Wayne State, and you’ll be ready to dive into the world of scientific analysis.


Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: B.A. or B.S. in Criminal Justice and B.A. or B.S. in Chemistry
Hours required:
For double major (criminal justice + chemistry): 92
General education: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120
Popular minors: Spanish, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Mathematics, Physics, Pre-Law, Public Administration, Emergency Management, Biology, Earth Science
School: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice
Departments: Criminal Justice, Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Nationally Ranked Program

No. 2 in the U.S.
Best College for Chemistry Degree, 2018
Schools.com

Best College for Chemistry Degree, 2018
No. 2 in the U.S.
Schools.com
Schools.com has ranked Wayne State College as having the second best chemistry program in the U.S. for 2017-18, only behind the prestigious SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY.
This ranking was created by Schools.com using many different data points provided by the National Center for Education Statistics. Criteria used in ranking the top chemistry programs included tuition and fees, graduation rate, accessibility, student-to-faculty ratio, size of the program, and more.

Top 10% of all U.S. Colleges
Most Focused Chemistry Degree Program, 2019
College Factual

Most Focused Chemistry Degree Program, 2019
Top 10% of all U.S. Colleges
College Factual
In a recent ranking of the best chemistry degree programs by College Factual, Wayne State College earned #79 of all colleges in the U.S., placing us in the top 10% nationwide for 2019. Three metrics measure how College Factual determines which colleges are the "Most Focused."
- Percentage of students studying a particular major - the higher the better. This is a signal from students at the college that they recognize the strength of the program, and also stands to reason that more resources are dedicated to departments with more students.
- Market share - We take it as a positive signal if a college is attracting a lot of students to a particular major. This usually means that a college has more income from tuition to further invest in the program.
- Post graduate resources - If a college has significant graduate and doctoral level programs, that indicates they are even more focused on a particular major. This can mean more resources available to all students.
College Factual, located in Troy, New York, is a leading source of college data analytics and insights, with a strong focus on student outcomes. Its mission is to help all types of students discover their best-fit college and major so they can enjoy their college experience and graduate with less debt. College Factual provides coverage for over 2,500 colleges and universities, 350 college majors, for students in over 160 countries.
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the forensic science program.
Skills Learned
- Criminal law and constitutional rights
- Role and function of police and law enforcement
- Correctional processes and probationary concepts
- Criminology and understanding criminal behavior
- Security and loss prevention
- Homeland security and the nature of terrorism
- Research methods in social science
- Chemical processes and materials
- Chemical experiment and design
- University physics and experimentation
- Research, observation, and analysis of data
Possible Careers
- Forensic chemist
- Lab technician
- Crime scene investigator
Employers
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Research labs
- Crime scene labs
- State, local, and federal crime labs
- Commercial labs
Learn from the Best
Our faculty are accomplished, with 87% of our full-time faculty having the highest degree in their field. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in a personalized setting with a friendly atmosphere.

Rachel Kunz, J.D.
Assistant Professor
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education in forensic science by participating in clubs, organizations, and more.

Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career in criminal justice. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.

Opportunities
- Field trips – Take advantage of these unique learning opportunities beyond the classroom. You’ll get to visit correctional facilities and interact with those in law enforcement.
- Peer tutoring and mentoring programs – Help fellow students master their courses and improve their skills, be part of a support system for new students, and make new friends - all while gaining valuable experience that will better prepare you for the future.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.

Internships
An internship is not required for the forensic science focus area; however, experience is always a plus. You’ll have a chance to work with local agencies to help gain some field experience and earn credit toward your degree. Career Services is also available to help you find the best internship and job opportunities.