Chemistry

Students develop an in-depth understanding of the principles of chemistry and related fields through classroom, laboratory, and research experiences. Graduates of our program master the content, communication, critical thinking skills, ethics, and social responsibility to pursue careers as scientists, allied health professionals, educators, and scientifically literate citizens.

The chemistry program offers students a choice between a four-year Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and a four-year Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. Students who wish to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry or employment in the chemical industry or related fields are advised to pursue the B.S. degree. The B.A. degree is designed for students seeking secondary education certification in chemistry as well as for several pre-professional majors (pre-dental, pre-medical, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-veterinary medicine, etc.). Students pursuing careers in dentistry, medicine, and pharmacy generally major in chemistry with a minor in biology or the converse.

Research opportunities for students include areas such as inorganic and organic syntheses, chemical education, environmental monitoring of local waterways, and materials science.