Careers

Forensic Chemistry PSM program graduates are prepared for an array of careers in the public and private sectors, including

  • civil litigation,
  • criminal investigation and prosecution,
  • education,
  • homeland security, and
  • legal reform.

Some of the companies and research institutions where graduates have secured positions as chemists, forensic chemists, toxicologists, scientists and technicians include

  • American Red Cross,
  • Amgen,
  • Center for Forensic Science Research and Education,
  • DRUGSCAN,
  • EMSL Analytical Inc., and
  • Merck.

Internships

A key component of the Forensic Chemistry PSM degree is the capstone project, which may originate from an internship in the second year. The goal of the internship is for the student to conduct original forensic chemistry research in a professional work environment.

Students often work with faculty, a member of the Forensic Chemistry Advisory Board or a professional working on research for a company. Students work with the program director as well as the Office of Student Professional Development to get help finding an internship suited to their academic and career goals.

Career Services

Office of Student Professional Development

The College of Science and Technology’s Office of Student Professional Development offers assistance to students as they navigate the search for postgraduate positions and research opportunities. The college also hosts job fairs, networking events and workshops.

Learn more about the Office of Student Professional Development.

Job Fairs

College of Science and Technology job fairs, held each fall and spring semester, are open to undergraduate and master’s-level science and technology majors, as well as alumni of the college. Job fairs provide opportunities to explore potential career paths, network with Temple alumni and talk to employers in your field of study. They typically draw more than 60 employers, including

  • bioMérieux,
  • Bristol Myers Squibb,
  • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,
  • Eurofins,
  • Johnson and Johnson,
  • Lockheed Martin,
  • NMS Labs,
  • Protiviti, and
  • the Wistar Institute.

Learn more about College of Science and Technology job fairs.

University Career Center

Visit Temple University’s Career Center for support during your job or internship search. Drop in for a short visit or schedule a 30-minute coaching session to discuss components of your professional profile, including your résumé and LinkedIn presence. You’ll have access to

  • an assessment of your professional direction,
  • interview tips and guidance,
  • job postings for students and alumni,
  • a listing of job search resources, and
  • support for job search strategies.

Outcomes

Career opportunities and mid-career salaries for the Forensic Chemistry PSM may include the following examples.

Career

Median Salary*

Chemical Technicians

$50,840.00 (2022)

Chemists

$80,670.00 (2022)

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

$71,690.00 (2022)

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

$48,380.00 (2022)

Forensic Science Technicians

$63,740.00 (2022)

Health and Safety Engineers

$100,660.00 (2022)

Quality Control Analysts

$50,290.00 (2022)

Quality Control Systems Managers

$107,560.00 (2022)

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA) as of November 20, 2023.

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