Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
The FAMU Department of Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to offer the BS Chemistry degree with ACS certification. ACS is one of the largest scientific organizations in the world and it is the standard for chemical education. Our curriculum is designed to equip graduates with a thorough knowledge of the chemical sciences. Our Student Academic and Professional Development (SAPD) series provides a comprehensive and cumulative assessment of the curriculum with verbal reasoning and standardized exam (GRE, MCAT, DAT) preparation integrated in the four years. Majors are equipped with the academic and professional skills needed for success after receiving their degree, whether it be immediate employment, graduate school or professional school.
What is Chemistry?
- Chemistry careers include chemists and forensic scientists. Chemists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.
- Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.
Chemistry Careers
Chemists typically work in laboratories and offices, where they conduct experiments
and analyze their results. Some chemists work in industrial manufacturing facilities.
Chemists need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Some jobs require a master’s degree
or Ph.D. and work experience.
At crime scenes, forensic science technicians typically do the following:
- Analyze crime scenes to determine what evidence should be collected and how
- Take photographs and make sketches of the crime scene
- Record observations and findings, such as the location and position of evidence
- Collect evidence, including weapons, fingerprints, and bodily fluids
- Catalog and preserve evidence for transfer to crime labs
- Reconstruct crime scenes
In laboratories, forensic science technicians typically do the following:
- Perform chemical, biological, and microscopic analyses on evidence taken from crime scenes
- Examine results of DNA analyses of biological substances, such as hair and skin cells, and other evidence for their significance to investigations
- Consult with experts in specialized fields, such as toxicology (the study of poisons and their effect on the body) and odontology (a branch of forensic medicine that concentrates on teeth)
- Prepare technical reports, including statistical analyses of forensic evidence
- Operate, maintain, and clean laboratory facilities and equipment
Forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Fields of study may include physical science like chemistry, biology or forensic science.
Chemistry Employment Expectations
- Overall employment of chemists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,000 openings for chemists and materials scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,900 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Chemistry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the median salary for a chemist and forensic science technician?
A: The median annual wage for chemists was $84,150 in May 2024. The median annual wage
for forensic science technicians was $67,440 in May 2024.
Q: What is the low end of the salary range for chemists and forensic science technicians?
A: The lowest 10 percent of chemists earned less than $53,210. The lowest 10 percent
of forensic science technicians earned less than $45,560.
Q: What is the high end of the salary range for chemists and forensic science technicians?
A: The highest 10 percent of chemists earned more than $154,430. The highest 10 percent
of forensic science technicians earned more than $110,710.
Department of Chemistry Faculty
| Name | Phone | |
| Dr. Mohamed Abdel Salam Instructor |
mohamed.salam@famu.edu | |
| Dr. Natalie Arnett Associate Professor |
natalie.arnett@famu.edu | 850-412-5329 |
| Dr. James Bouyer Associate Professor/Department Chair |
james.bouyer@famu.edu | 850-599-3638 |
| Dr. Beni B. Dangi Associate Professor |
beni.dangi@famu.edu | 850-599-8419 |
| Dr. Suresh Eyunni Instructor |
suresh.eyunni@famu.edu | |
| Mr. Casanova Jackson Associate Instructor |
casanova.jackson@famu.edu | |
| Dr. Margaret Lyles Associate Instructor |
margaret.lyles@famu.edu | |
| Dr. Nelly Mateeva Professor |
nelly.mateeva@famu.edu | 850-412-5662 |
| Dr. Bereket Mochona Associate Professor |
bereket.mochona@famu.edu | 850-599-3638 |
| Dr. Musiliyu Musa Professor |
musiliyu.musa@famu.edu | 850-599-3509 |
| Dr. Edith Ndubuaku Onyeozili Professor |
edith.onyeozili@famu.edu | 850-412-5328 |
| Dr. Sanuja Pitigalaarachchige Associate Instructor |
sanuja.pitigalaarachchige@famu.edu | |
| Dr. Bishnu Regmi Associate Professor |
bishnu.regmi@famu.edu | 850-599-8424 |
| Dr. Keerthi Senevirathne Associate Professor |
keerthi.senevirathne@famu.edu | 850-599-3638 |
| Dr. Ngozi Ugochukwu Professor/Associate Dean |
ngozi.ugochukwu@famu.edu | 850-412-7124 |
