MFS in Forensic Chemistry

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

George Washington University

Program Overview

The Master of Forensic Sciences (MFS) in Forensic Chemistry at George Washington University is a STEM-designated, 37-credit graduate program designed for students with a chemistry background who want advanced preparation in forensic drug analysis, trace evidence, medicinal chemistry, and instrumental analysis. Students develop the ability to interpret material composition and chemical evidence at the molecular level while building practical expertise in modern forensic laboratory methods, research, statistics, criminal law, and professional communication.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their forensic-science foundation through FORS 6001 Research and Professional Responsibility, FORS 6004 Principles of Forensic Investigation, and FORS 6005 Principles of Forensic Analysis, while beginning specialized study through subjects such as FORS 6206 Trace Evidence Analysis and FORS 6210 Advanced Instrumental Analysis. The curriculum introduces evidence interpretation, forensic investigation, modern analytical techniques, and the professional and ethical responsibilities involved in forensic science.

Year 2: Students deepen their specialization through FORS 6238 Forensic Chemistry I, FORS 6239 Forensic Chemistry II, and FORS 6240 Forensic Drug Analysis, supported by FORS 6225 Statistics for Forensic Scientists and FORS 6224 Criminal Law for Forensic Scientists. Students also complete FORS 6292 Graduate Seminar, six credits of electives, an independent research project, and the master's comprehensive examination.

Focus areas: Forensic chemistry, forensic drug analysis, trace evidence analysis, medicinal chemistry, advanced instrumental analysis, material composition, molecular-level chemical identification, forensic statistics, criminal law, and scientific communication.

Learning outcomes: Graduates develop deep knowledge of medicinal, forensic, and forensic drug analysis; mastery of trace evidence involving hair and fibers, glass and soil, paper, paint, ignitable liquids, and explosive residues; working knowledge of ethics, criminal law, and statistics; familiarity with mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy, microscopy, chromatographic and electrophoretic separations; and the communication skills needed to clearly present forensic findings.

Professional Alignment: The MFS in Forensic Chemistry is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC), an accreditation established by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences; GW states that FEPAC accreditation reflects industry best practices and current forensic-science training.

Reputation: GW's Department of Forensic Sciences describes its programs as among the country's oldest forensic programs and emphasizes its location in Washington, D.C., with proximity to crime laboratories, federal investigative agencies, internships, and employment opportunities. GW also publishes program-specific student outcomes; for the MFS comprehensive examination, the first-attempt pass rate was 88% in 2025, while the final passing rate for all MFS comprehensive examinations was 100%.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MFS in Forensic Chemistry at George Washington University is strongly laboratory-focused, with practical training in instrumental analysis, forensic chemistry, trace evidence, and forensic drug analysis. Students learn to interpret chemical and material evidence using modern forensic methods, including mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy, microscopy, chromatography, and electrophoretic separations. The program also emphasizes research, with students able to collaborate with faculty on projects and use dedicated forensic laboratories for coursework and independent research.

The practical learning experience is supported by specialized laboratories, advanced analytical instruments, research opportunities, and an optional practicum pathway:

Advanced instrumental analysis: FORS 6210 Advanced Instrumental Analysis provides theory and practical experience with mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy, microscopy, chromatographic separations, and electrophoretic separations; it is required for MFS students specializing in Forensic Chemistry.
Forensic Chemistry laboratory work: FORS 6238 Forensic Chemistry I includes laboratory exercises involving refractive-index measurements, polarized-light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and classical chemical and physical analysis of glass and soil evidence.
Trace-evidence analysis: FORS 6239 Forensic Chemistry II provides laboratory experience analyzing arson accelerants, textile fibers, plastics, and paints, including infrared spectrometry and pyrolysis–gas–liquid chromatography.
Forensic drug analysis: FORS 6240 Forensic Drug Analysis includes practical laboratory exercises using color-spot tests, crystal tests, infrared spectrometry, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to examine drug dosage forms.
Mass spectrometry laboratory: The Department of Forensic Sciences' mass spectrometry laboratory houses six research instruments, including GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-TOF MS, LC-Orbitrap, tandem LC-MS, and CE-MS systems.
FTIR and microscopy: The teaching and research laboratory includes an FTIR spectrometer with ATR and micro-FTIR capabilities, along with polarized-light and comparison microscopes for trace-evidence analysis.
Research projects: Students can collaborate with faculty on research projects developing forensic methodologies, and students may reserve laboratory time for assignments and independent research projects.
Forensic Sciences Practicum: FORS 6298 Forensic Sciences Practicum provides an internship experience in a forensic science laboratory or criminal justice agency under faculty supervision; enrollment requires preregistration and departmental permission.
Independent research: FORS 6295 Research allows students to conduct research on department-approved problems under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member.
Research collaboration: The Department notes that students frequently collaborate on research projects with faculty, combining insights from different studies to develop new methodologies and receiving mentorship for presenting their research.
Forensic research facilities: The department's Mount Vernon Campus facilities include dedicated Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Molecular Biology, and Latent Print laboratories, providing a specialized environment for forensic-science education and research.
Eckles Library: Eckles Library on the Mount Vernon Campus provides forensic literature and print and online research materials specifically supporting the information needs of GW's forensic-science community.
Washington, D.C. professional environment: GW highlights its location in the nation's security hub as providing access to internship and employment opportunities involving crime laboratories and federal investigative agencies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MFS in Forensic Chemistry prepares graduates for specialized careers involving forensic drug analysis, trace evidence, instrumental analysis, and interpretation of chemical evidence. Graduates can pursue roles such as Forensic Chemist, Drug Analyst, Trace Evidence Analyst, and Forensic Laboratory Scientist, with GW alumni employed across government agencies, crime laboratories, medical facilities, research organizations, and private-sector employers.

Career development and progression: GW provides several direct pathways from the classroom into forensic laboratories, government agencies, research organizations, and further academic study:

Career services: GW’s Center for Career Services provides individualized career coaching, resume and cover-letter assistance, networking and interview support, career and internship fairs, industry expos, employer information sessions, company site visits, and access to jobs and internships through Handshake.
Forensic internships: Students are encouraged to complete internships, with opportunities in the Washington, D.C., region including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), U.S. Secret Service, District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences, U.S. Postal Service, and District of Columbia Office of the Medical Examiner.
Industry fellowship: The Bode Fellowship Program provides selected GW forensic science students with a paid work opportunity while completing their degree at Bode Technology Group, a major private forensic laboratory.
Employment outcomes: GW reports that among MFS Forensic Chemistry/Forensic Molecular Biology graduates, the number with job offers increased from 2 in AY 2022–23 to 10 in AY 2023–24 and 18 in AY 2024–25; one graduate in AY 2024–25 was admitted to an advanced degree program. The university does not publish a separate salary figure specifically for MFS Forensic Chemistry graduates on its program outcomes page, so a program-specific salary should be recorded as not stated rather than inferred.
Alumni employers: Recent GW forensic science alumni have joined organizations including the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, DC Department of Forensic Sciences, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Maryland State Police, Michigan State Police, Quest Diagnostics, Bode Technology Group, and Science Applications International Corporation.
Research-to-employment pathway: Students undertake an independent research project and can present their findings at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) annual meeting, where they can interact with forensic scientists, practitioners, GW alumni, and potential employers from local, state, and federal laboratories. In 2025, 14 GW MFS students were accepted to present their research at AAFS, the largest group of presenters in the program’s history.
University–industry and government connections: GW’s location in Washington, D.C., places students close to a concentration of federal investigative agencies, forensic laboratories, and security organizations, while the department maintains practical connections through internships, the Bode Fellowship, alumni networks, and professional engagement with AAFS.
Long-term accreditation value: The MFS in Forensic Chemistry is FEPAC-accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission. GW states that FEPAC accreditation reflects industry best practices and up-to-date forensic science training, providing an important professional quality marker for graduates entering forensic science careers.
Graduation outcomes: The program reports strong comprehensive-examination outcomes, with 88% of MFS students passing the comprehensive exam on the first attempt in 2025, while final passing across the reported MFS comprehensive examinations was 100%. Graduates progress into forensic laboratories, government agencies, private organizations, research centers, and advanced academic programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MFS in Forensic Chemistry, students can continue into advanced doctoral or research-focused study in forensic science, chemistry, toxicology, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related scientific disciplines, depending on their academic and research interests. The program's independent research component, faculty mentorship, laboratory training, and opportunities to present research at AAFS can provide a strong foundation for students pursuing research-intensive academic or professional pathways. GW also records graduates progressing into advanced degree programs, although it does not specify a single doctoral pathway for all MFS Forensic Chemistry graduates.