Chemistry

Chemistry is a compatible major for a pre-med or health careers pathway. Many of our graduates go on to work as laboratory scientists in hospitals, startups, large companies, and universities, or pursue careers in high-demand fields like pharmaceuticals, environmental health, law, forensic science, and manufacturing. Additionally, about a third of our majors go on to chemistry PhD programs.

Students in our chemistry program will:

• Collect and analyze data using spectrophotometric, chromatographic, electrochemical, and computational methods
• Apply chemical principles of molecular structure and bonding, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics to explain and predict chemical phenomena
• Investigate the latest developments in the field, reading, summarizing, and citing primary literature
• Gain important scientific writing skills through writing lab reports and a senior thesis
• Collaborate with classmates in the laboratory and develop strong communication and leadership skills

Program Options

The Major

In this major, students can choose to earn a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. Our program’s rigorous curriculum follows a coursework sequence approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) – a respected distinction in the field. Through lectures and labs, you’ll learn the fundamental skills of all five subdisciplines of chemistry: organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemistry. All chemistry lecture courses are paired with a required 4 hour per week laboratory course, capped at 18 or 24 students, where you’ll build in-demand laboratory or bench skills. You’ll also have the chance to explore more interdisciplinary applications with elective courses like Environmental Chemistry and Introduction to Toxicology and Pharmacology.

All chemistry majors complete a senior capstone thesis project. Working one-on-one with a faculty member, you’ll conduct original research, write a thesis paper, and present your findings at a department symposium at the end of your senior year.
View the Chemistry Major Curriculum

The Minor

Study elements, compounds, chemical reactions, and much more with a minor in chemistry. To complete the minor, you’ll take five courses with corresponding labs.
View the Chemistry Minor Curriculum

Customize Your Degree

Some chemistry students choose to minor or take added courses in areas that will complement their skills such as:

• Computer Science
• Forensic Science Minor
• Women’s & Gender Studies Minor

Our Students & Alumni

Continuing Education

Many of our graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees, including PhDs, JDs, and master’s degrees, at reputable institutions across the country like University of Oregon, University of Rochester, Northeastern University, Harvard University, Washington State University, Boston College, and George Washington University.