Program Statistics
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate for the Forensic Science Program each year is calculated based on the ratio of graduates divided by student enrollment in FRSC 340 - Introduction to Forensic Science from two years prior (sophomore cohort). Find more information on the curriculum here.
Example: AY 2019-2020 graduates = 21; Fall FRSC 340 Fall 2017 enrollment = 26
| Academic Year | Graduates / FRSC 340 Enrollment | Forensic Science Program Graduation Rate | University Graduation Rate* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 43 / 69 | 62.3% | Not yet available |
| 2023-2024 | 31 / 39 | 79.5% | Not yet available |
| 2022-2023 | 28 / 49 | 57.1% | Not yet available |
| 2021-2022 | 26 / 43 | 60.4% | Coming soon |
| 2020-2021 | 18 / 34 | 52.9% | Coming soon |
| 2019-2020 | 21 / 26 | 80.8% | Coming soon |
*University Student Achievement
Academic Performance
Academic performance is assessed using various metrics. The following table summarizes the metrics of recent graduating classes.
| Academic Year | Number of Graduates | Graduate Cumulative GPA | Graduation with Distinction^ | Average years to degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 43 | 3.48 | 22 | 3.74 |
| 2023-2024 | 31 | 3.30 | 14 | 3.74 |
| 2022-2023 | 28 | 3.44 | 15 | 3.81 |
| 2021-2022 | 26 | 3.28 | 8 | 4.07 |
| 2020-2021 | 18 | 3.28 | 6 | 3.99 |
| 2019-2020 | 21 | 3.23 | 5 | 4.02 |
^All levels of distinction included (cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude)
Student Enrollment
| Term | Program Enrollment |
|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | 256 |
| Spring 2024 | 225 |
| Spring 2023 | 193 |
| Spring 2022 | 172 |
| Spring 2021 | 142 |
| Spring 2020 | 126 |
Includes full-time and part-time students.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research with Forensic Science faculty by year
- AY 2024-2025: 7
- AY 2023-2024: 5
- AY 2022-2023: 4 (all Mulcahy Scholars)
- AY 2021-2022: 5
- AY 2020-2021: 25
- AY 2019-2020: 4 (1 Mulcahy Scholar)
Research topics since Fall 2019
- Drug Chemistry & Toxicology
- Chemical Analysis of Wild Fungi
- Development of Quantitative Method for DMAA
- Analysis of Pyrogallol and Purpurogallin by GC-MS
- Analysis of CBD in Gelatin-Based Products
- New GC-MS Assay for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine
- New GC-MS Assay for MDA and MDMA
- Derivatization of cannabinoid acids
- Analysis of cannabis terpenes via GC-EI-MS
- CE analysis of drugs/Analysis of CBD in edible cannabis products
- Analysis of cannabinoid acids via GC-EI-MS
- Derivatization of Phosphatidylethanol for GC-MS Analysis
- Quantitation of Eugenol and Acetyleugenol in Cloves
- Enhanced Quantitation of Amine Drug Derivatives by GC-MS Analysis
- A Study of Psychoactive Cannabis Components 鈥� via Derivatization and Analysis by GC-EI-MS
- Forensic Biology & DNA
- Fungal Species Cross-Reactivity in Semen Testing
- Emerging DNA Technologies and Ethical Concerns
- Evaluation of Reduced Reaction Volumes for Quantifiler® Duo and Quantifiler® Trio
- Genetic Genealogy in a Forensic Context
- Applications and Implications of Forensic DNA Phenotyping
- Disaster Victim Identification and Forensic DNA Challenges
- Quantifiler® Trio Reduced Reaction Volume and Inhibited Samples
Presentations
Student-involved research presented at local regional, national, and international symposia and conferences: Loyola URES, Loyola Chemistry Undergraduate Research Symposia, Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS), American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), Midwest Association for Toxicology and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (MATT), Chicago Chromatography Discussion Group, and The Society of PEth Research (PEth-Net)
Internships
Internships by year
- AY 2024-2025: 23
- AY 2023-2024: 19
- AY 2022-2023: 18
- AY 2021-2022: 7
- AY 2020-2021: 0
- AY 2019-2020: 7
Internship Partner Agencies#
- Forensic Science Laboratories 鈥�(Illinois State Police – Forensic Science Center at Chicago, Chicago, IL; Illinois State Police – Rockford Forensic Science Laboratory, Rockford, IL; Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene, Madison, WI; Hamilton County Coroner’s Office and Crime Laboratory, Blue Ash, OH; Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, St. Paul, MN; Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Decatur, GA; Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minneapolis, MN; Illinois State Police – Metro East Forensic Science Laboratory, Belleville, IL; US Department of Justice, various locations; Indiana State Police, Indianapolis, IN; Midwest Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Anoka, MN; Department of Forensic Services, Washington DC)
- Private Forensic / Industrial Laboratories (Cadre Forensics, Evanston, IL; 鈥�National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD; Wells Lamont Industrial, Skokie, IL; Innoved Institute LLC, Elk Grove Village, IL; INX International, West Chicago, IL; Simple Laboratories, Harwood Heights, IL; US Drug Testing Laboratories, Des Plaines, IL; Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL)
- Law Enforcement Agencies (Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL; Deerfield Police Department, Deerfield IL; Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Chicago, IL; Cary Police Department, Cary, IL; North Haven Police Department, North Haven, CT; Elgin Police Department, Elgin, IL; Illinois State Police – Division of Criminal Investigations, Macomb, IL; Mundelein Police Department, Mundelein, IL; Illinois State Police – Legal, Springfield, IL; Illinois State Police – Division of Patrol, Elgin, IL; Illinois State Police – Crime Scene Services Command, Rockford, IL; Ballwin Police Department, Ballwin, MO; Palatine Police Department, Palatine, IL; McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Woodstock, IL)
- Forensic Science Education Programs (Center for Forensic Science Advancement and Application at RTI International, virtual; Forensic Mentoring Institute at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education, Horsham, PA; Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence at Iowa State University, Ames, IA)
- Coroner’s & Medical Examiner’s Offices (Spokane Medical Examiner’s Office, Spokane, WA; Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, Chicago, IL; Kane County Coroner’s Office, St. Charles, IL)
Intern Projects by Category#
- Trace Chemistry & Microscopy (creation of EDS spectra library of popped primers; pGSR persistence; analysis of burned and unburned samples using active and passive charcoal extraction procedures; evaluation of black cotton and its resilience; quantification of bubble defects in candidate reference material glasses; Degradation of accelerants; validation study of non-pGSR threshold on SEM)
- Drug Chemistry & Toxicology (evaluation of opiate adulterants xylazine and medetomidine; prevalence of xylazine and medetomidine in toxicology cases; evaluation of 4-Aminophenol for CBD and THC proportions; GC/MS method for separation of ortho, para, meta- fluorofentanyl; derivatization of delta-9 THCAA; decision point analysis to differentiate between cannabis and hemp based on THC content; compilation of drugs found in suspected DFSA cases; validation studies of new IR instrument; blood preservatives effect on blood alcohol content; prescription drug monitoring; toxicological specimen accessioning; GC-MS user library & training sample creation; method development of cannabis extractions for the Liquid Chromatography - Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (LCQQQ); confirmation specimen processing for toxicological samples)
- Pattern Evidence (creation of a visual reference guide for firing pin, aperture, and breechface; timecourse evaluation of MRM processing; comparison of MRM 10 performance against Ardrox and Rhodamine; software development for firearms; digitizing firearm databases; 1,2-Indanedione validation study; Wet Wop latent print processing validation; the effect of weight on outsole impressions; refining Ardrox processing conditions)
- Biology & DNA (cold case files maintenance; sexual assault kit initiative; medical sample evaluation; autopsy assistance; instrument maintenance; evaluation of swabbing methods for touch DNA on firearms)
- Crime Scene & Criminal Investigations (Students assigned to criminal investigation and / or crime scene units of law enforcement agencies have experiences aligned with the daily work required of their supervisors. Duties will vary depending on the day. Examples include: collection and preservation of evidence; field testing evidence for drugs or body fluids; assisting with documentation of crime scenes; observing interviews, courtroom testimony, and sobriety field tests; evidence audits; public service / community engagement events; supervision of IIC visitations)
- Industrial Forensics (monitoring changes in common atmospheric pollutants via analytical methods to protect air and water quality nationally; textile resistance to abrasion, puncture, and cut damage; screening and standardization for set-off migration in UV cured inks; quantifying and qualifying risks associated with photoinitiators in ink)
#To maintain confidentiality, not all internship sites, projects or details are listed. Project and agency information 2022 - present.
Post-Graduation Success
Surveys are sent to alumni to regarding employment and graduate school at 6 months post-graduation. Responses are below.
Post-Graduation Status (Employment / Graduate School)
| Graduation Year | Total Responses | Unreachable | Employed (or Job Offer Extended) | Admitted to or Attending Graduate School | Both | Neither |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 21 | 10 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 2022-2023 | 20 | 8 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 2021-2022 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
Employment Categories
| Graduation Year | Forensic Science Laboratory | Other Science | Healthcare | Law Enforcement (non-lab position) | Other Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 4 (21.1%) | 10 (52.6%) | 4 (21.1%) | 0 | 1 (5.2%) |
| 2022-2023 | 7 (36.9%) | 4 (21.1%) | 1 (5.2%) | 2 (10.5%) | 5 (26.3%) |
| 2021-2022 | 3 (21.4%) | 3 (21.4%) | 3 (21.4%) | 3 (21.4%) | 2 (14.3%) |
Entries are listed in number of responses (percentage of responses).
Updated 27 Oct 2025
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate for the Forensic Science Program each year is calculated based on the ratio of graduates divided by student enrollment in FRSC 340 - Introduction to Forensic Science from two years prior (sophomore cohort). Find more information on the curriculum here.
Example: AY 2019-2020 graduates = 21; Fall FRSC 340 Fall 2017 enrollment = 26
| Academic Year | Graduates / FRSC 340 Enrollment | Forensic Science Program Graduation Rate | University Graduation Rate* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 43 / 69 | 62.3% | Not yet available |
| 2023-2024 | 31 / 39 | 79.5% | Not yet available |
| 2022-2023 | 28 / 49 | 57.1% | Not yet available |
| 2021-2022 | 26 / 43 | 60.4% | Coming soon |
| 2020-2021 | 18 / 34 | 52.9% | Coming soon |
| 2019-2020 | 21 / 26 | 80.8% | Coming soon |
*University Student Achievement
Academic Performance
Academic performance is assessed using various metrics. The following table summarizes the metrics of recent graduating classes.
| Academic Year | Number of Graduates | Graduate Cumulative GPA | Graduation with Distinction^ | Average years to degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 43 | 3.48 | 22 | 3.74 |
| 2023-2024 | 31 | 3.30 | 14 | 3.74 |
| 2022-2023 | 28 | 3.44 | 15 | 3.81 |
| 2021-2022 | 26 | 3.28 | 8 | 4.07 |
| 2020-2021 | 18 | 3.28 | 6 | 3.99 |
| 2019-2020 | 21 | 3.23 | 5 | 4.02 |
^All levels of distinction included (cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude)
Student Enrollment
| Term | Program Enrollment |
|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | 256 |
| Spring 2024 | 225 |
| Spring 2023 | 193 |
| Spring 2022 | 172 |
| Spring 2021 | 142 |
| Spring 2020 | 126 |
Includes full-time and part-time students.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research with Forensic Science faculty by year
- AY 2024-2025: 7
- AY 2023-2024: 5
- AY 2022-2023: 4 (all Mulcahy Scholars)
- AY 2021-2022: 5
- AY 2020-2021: 25
- AY 2019-2020: 4 (1 Mulcahy Scholar)
Research topics since Fall 2019
- Drug Chemistry & Toxicology
- Chemical Analysis of Wild Fungi
- Development of Quantitative Method for DMAA
- Analysis of Pyrogallol and Purpurogallin by GC-MS
- Analysis of CBD in Gelatin-Based Products
- New GC-MS Assay for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine
- New GC-MS Assay for MDA and MDMA
- Derivatization of cannabinoid acids
- Analysis of cannabis terpenes via GC-EI-MS
- CE analysis of drugs/Analysis of CBD in edible cannabis products
- Analysis of cannabinoid acids via GC-EI-MS
- Derivatization of Phosphatidylethanol for GC-MS Analysis
- Quantitation of Eugenol and Acetyleugenol in Cloves
- Enhanced Quantitation of Amine Drug Derivatives by GC-MS Analysis
- A Study of Psychoactive Cannabis Components 鈥� via Derivatization and Analysis by GC-EI-MS
- Forensic Biology & DNA
- Fungal Species Cross-Reactivity in Semen Testing
- Emerging DNA Technologies and Ethical Concerns
- Evaluation of Reduced Reaction Volumes for Quantifiler® Duo and Quantifiler® Trio
- Genetic Genealogy in a Forensic Context
- Applications and Implications of Forensic DNA Phenotyping
- Disaster Victim Identification and Forensic DNA Challenges
- Quantifiler® Trio Reduced Reaction Volume and Inhibited Samples
Presentations
Student-involved research presented at local regional, national, and international symposia and conferences: Loyola URES, Loyola Chemistry Undergraduate Research Symposia, Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS), American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), Midwest Association for Toxicology and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (MATT), Chicago Chromatography Discussion Group, and The Society of PEth Research (PEth-Net)
Internships
Internships by year
- AY 2024-2025: 23
- AY 2023-2024: 19
- AY 2022-2023: 18
- AY 2021-2022: 7
- AY 2020-2021: 0
- AY 2019-2020: 7
Internship Partner Agencies#
- Forensic Science Laboratories 鈥�(Illinois State Police – Forensic Science Center at Chicago, Chicago, IL; Illinois State Police – Rockford Forensic Science Laboratory, Rockford, IL; Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene, Madison, WI; Hamilton County Coroner’s Office and Crime Laboratory, Blue Ash, OH; Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, St. Paul, MN; Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Decatur, GA; Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minneapolis, MN; Illinois State Police – Metro East Forensic Science Laboratory, Belleville, IL; US Department of Justice, various locations; Indiana State Police, Indianapolis, IN; Midwest Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Anoka, MN; Department of Forensic Services, Washington DC)
- Private Forensic / Industrial Laboratories (Cadre Forensics, Evanston, IL; 鈥�National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD; Wells Lamont Industrial, Skokie, IL; Innoved Institute LLC, Elk Grove Village, IL; INX International, West Chicago, IL; Simple Laboratories, Harwood Heights, IL; US Drug Testing Laboratories, Des Plaines, IL; Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL)
- Law Enforcement Agencies (Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL; Deerfield Police Department, Deerfield IL; Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Chicago, IL; Cary Police Department, Cary, IL; North Haven Police Department, North Haven, CT; Elgin Police Department, Elgin, IL; Illinois State Police – Division of Criminal Investigations, Macomb, IL; Mundelein Police Department, Mundelein, IL; Illinois State Police – Legal, Springfield, IL; Illinois State Police – Division of Patrol, Elgin, IL; Illinois State Police – Crime Scene Services Command, Rockford, IL; Ballwin Police Department, Ballwin, MO; Palatine Police Department, Palatine, IL; McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Woodstock, IL)
- Forensic Science Education Programs (Center for Forensic Science Advancement and Application at RTI International, virtual; Forensic Mentoring Institute at the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education, Horsham, PA; Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence at Iowa State University, Ames, IA)
- Coroner’s & Medical Examiner’s Offices (Spokane Medical Examiner’s Office, Spokane, WA; Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, Chicago, IL; Kane County Coroner’s Office, St. Charles, IL)
Intern Projects by Category#
- Trace Chemistry & Microscopy (creation of EDS spectra library of popped primers; pGSR persistence; analysis of burned and unburned samples using active and passive charcoal extraction procedures; evaluation of black cotton and its resilience; quantification of bubble defects in candidate reference material glasses; Degradation of accelerants; validation study of non-pGSR threshold on SEM)
- Drug Chemistry & Toxicology (evaluation of opiate adulterants xylazine and medetomidine; prevalence of xylazine and medetomidine in toxicology cases; evaluation of 4-Aminophenol for CBD and THC proportions; GC/MS method for separation of ortho, para, meta- fluorofentanyl; derivatization of delta-9 THCAA; decision point analysis to differentiate between cannabis and hemp based on THC content; compilation of drugs found in suspected DFSA cases; validation studies of new IR instrument; blood preservatives effect on blood alcohol content; prescription drug monitoring; toxicological specimen accessioning; GC-MS user library & training sample creation; method development of cannabis extractions for the Liquid Chromatography - Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (LCQQQ); confirmation specimen processing for toxicological samples)
- Pattern Evidence (creation of a visual reference guide for firing pin, aperture, and breechface; timecourse evaluation of MRM processing; comparison of MRM 10 performance against Ardrox and Rhodamine; software development for firearms; digitizing firearm databases; 1,2-Indanedione validation study; Wet Wop latent print processing validation; the effect of weight on outsole impressions; refining Ardrox processing conditions)
- Biology & DNA (cold case files maintenance; sexual assault kit initiative; medical sample evaluation; autopsy assistance; instrument maintenance; evaluation of swabbing methods for touch DNA on firearms)
- Crime Scene & Criminal Investigations (Students assigned to criminal investigation and / or crime scene units of law enforcement agencies have experiences aligned with the daily work required of their supervisors. Duties will vary depending on the day. Examples include: collection and preservation of evidence; field testing evidence for drugs or body fluids; assisting with documentation of crime scenes; observing interviews, courtroom testimony, and sobriety field tests; evidence audits; public service / community engagement events; supervision of IIC visitations)
- Industrial Forensics (monitoring changes in common atmospheric pollutants via analytical methods to protect air and water quality nationally; textile resistance to abrasion, puncture, and cut damage; screening and standardization for set-off migration in UV cured inks; quantifying and qualifying risks associated with photoinitiators in ink)
#To maintain confidentiality, not all internship sites, projects or details are listed. Project and agency information 2022 - present.
Post-Graduation Success
Surveys are sent to alumni to regarding employment and graduate school at 6 months post-graduation. Responses are below.
Post-Graduation Status (Employment / Graduate School)
| Graduation Year | Total Responses | Unreachable | Employed (or Job Offer Extended) | Admitted to or Attending Graduate School | Both | Neither |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 21 | 10 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 2022-2023 | 20 | 8 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 2021-2022 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
Employment Categories
| Graduation Year | Forensic Science Laboratory | Other Science | Healthcare | Law Enforcement (non-lab position) | Other Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 4 (21.1%) | 10 (52.6%) | 4 (21.1%) | 0 | 1 (5.2%) |
| 2022-2023 | 7 (36.9%) | 4 (21.1%) | 1 (5.2%) | 2 (10.5%) | 5 (26.3%) |
| 2021-2022 | 3 (21.4%) | 3 (21.4%) | 3 (21.4%) | 3 (21.4%) | 2 (14.3%) |
Entries are listed in number of responses (percentage of responses).
Updated 27 Oct 2025