Undergraduate Degree

• An undergraduate degree in criminalistics with education in chemistry and science qualifies the forensic chemist for work in a crime lab. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration hires forensic chemists with a four-year degree in physical science, life science or engineering. A candidate for a position with the DEA must have 30 semester hours of chemistry courses, 30 hours of math and six hours of physics.
  
  

Master's Degree

• An advanced degree in forensic chemistry may be necessary for administrative positions such as lab director. The advanced education allows the chemist to specialize in a specific area of criminalistics and chemistry.
  
  

Experience

• The DEA also hires forensic scientists with experience as well as an education in chemistry or science. The candidate for a position as a forensic chemist may have experience performing calculations, writing lab reports and conducting chemical analyses.
  
  

Skills

• While forensic chemists must have hard science degrees, a skilled scientist has a strong attention to detail. Forensic chemists may be called to testify in court and must be able to communicate technical details clearly to juries. The qualified forensic chemist must be analytical to work in a position with a crime lab.
  
  

Continuing Education

• Forensic chemists must continue to advance in the field. The individual must keep up to date with new techniques in the field. A position in a crime lab or with a government agency may require the scientist to attend additional training. For example, the DEA requires forensic chemists to complete training in evidence-handling, ethics, court procedures and lab procedures.