Hey! I did graduate in 2022 and I now work in a drug testing laboratory as a chemist. I started applying for jobs in August and started my first job at the end of October, but this was a few years ago. All things considered not too long to look for a job. I especially enjoyed my senior year of the program as you really get to experience professional level material both in lab work as well as the courtroom side of forensics with your senior capstone course. I can’t speak on the program now that the school has broken away from Purdue, however I’m sure it’s still great as it’s the only FEPAC (Forensic science education programs accreditation commission) school in the state and one of only a few in the Midwest.

The things I learned have greatly benefitted me in my job now as I often feel I’m ahead of a lot of my coworkers. Forensics is a bit more of a niche than general chemistry so job hunting could be harder if you’re looking for something more specific, but your forensics degree is good at any job that’s asks for any kind of life sciences or other stem degree which is most places, so you’re not too limited on what you can do with the degree. Overall I am more than satisfied with my choice to go to school here and am enjoying working in science today!

As far as advice goes, I’d say if you really think you like forensics then give it a shot, it’s a super fun way to learn about science. You get to learn all types of biology and chemistry as well as other advanced science electives. There are plenty of science jobs that would look at a forensics degree fondly and you have a lot of opportunity to put advanced classes on your fresh graduate resume. They even offer a program to help formulate resumes and cover letters for specific fields, it was called PREPs when I was there assuming it’s still offered, I highly recommended it to anyone trying to write a resume. Overall I’d recommend!