Your Chemical Forensics Faculty
Hasan El-Rifai, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry | Chair – School of Arts and Sciences
Profile: El-Rifai, HasanFor more information visit: emergency.wvu.edu
Chemical Forensics
A career in cutting-edge scientific investigation is waiting for you in the WVU Tech Chemical Forensics major. Our classes are focused on teaching you the real-world skills you need to find a rewarding future. Our Chemical Forensics majors learn on some of the most modern equipment in the state with expert faculty walking students through the entire investigation process.
I'm ready to investigate my future!Chemistry, math, biology and physics meet in the field of Chemical Forensics. Forensic chemists identify unknown substances in labs across the globe. Those who pursue a degree in Chemical Forensics will work for organizations like the FBI, ATFE, DEA, local and state law enforcement, and a variety of other agencies. Their work helps keep the public safe and supports law enforcement in their pursuit of justice.
WVU Tech’s Chemical Forensics major is designed based on the best program practices in the field. Students will learn about the fundamentals of chemistry and how to apply them in a forensic lab. Classes explore the identification of materials like toxins and drugs. Our expert faculty are experienced forensic professionals and are passionate about preparing our students to tackle a career or pursue graduate education.
WVU Tech’s Chemical Forensics major is focused on preparing students to excel in the workforce. At WVU Tech, our faculty guide our students through the entire process from preparing a sample to running tests on our state-of-the-art lab equipment. Our students learn the essential skills that make them the preferred candidates for industry leaders.
We believe hands-on experience in the field is key to the success of our students. In the summer semester of a Chemical Forensic major’s third year, each student will pursue a Forensic Identification Internship which will place them in a real working lab to learn from practicing forensic chemists.
There is a lot of opportunity for those majoring in Chemical Forensics not only in terms of careers, but for pay as well.
Forensic Science Technicians: $64,940 per year *
Chemists: $84,680 per year *
Materials Scientists: $106,160 per year *
* 2023 Median Pay according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Labs across the world hire students with an understanding of forensic chemistry. Majoring in Chemical Forensics prepares students to work in both criminal justice settings and in laboratories in need of scientists capable of analyzing and identifying substances. Chemical Forensics students often find careers in state and local governments or within agencies working in both criminal investigation and national security.
Chemical forensics majors also have considerable opportunities for advanced degrees and further education.
In the next ten years, jobs like Forensic Science Technicians, are expected to grow 13% over then next 10 years, much faster than the average 3% growth of other careers. Other opportunities like Chemists and Materials Scientists are expected to grow 6% over the next 10 years.
Our professors believe success starts with hands-on learning with the skills you need to succeed in the field. Our major emphasizes the classes and lab experiences you need to set your application apart. Our low faculty-to-student ratios mean more opportunities for direct mentorship and guidance as students find their passion in the field. The WVU Tech Chemical Forensics major also receive practical training applying their lab skills to crime scene investigations, taking our students' education beyond the lab and into the field.
Professor of Chemistry | Chair – School of Arts and Sciences
Profile: El-Rifai, Hasan
