The majors in chemistry and biochemistry are designed for students with varying career goals. Students graduating with a major in chemistry or biochemistry are prepared to enter graduate school, begin or continue work in an industrial or government research laboratory, teach science at the secondary-school level, or begin further education in a health-related field such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or veterinary science. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry also offers courses that support other majors, such as biology and nursing, and courses that meet the Integrated Curriculum requirements.
Students may choose from several major options, each beginning with a set of foundational courses, then allowing for different advanced courses to address different career goals. The chemistry major has the broadest scope, because it allows you the greatest possible choice of advanced course electives.
Beginning with the fundamentals and progressing to advanced studies of both theoretical and applied chemistry, you’ll be able to tailor a curriculum that suits your personal goals.
The major in chemistry with American Chemical Society (ACS) approval specifies advanced courses that are considered to be good preparation for graduate school.
The major in chemistry with industry concentration prepares students for industry and begins preparation for management roles by combining chemistry and business classes.
The major in biochemistry is an interdisciplinary major and is excellent at preparing students for entry into the biochemical field or entry into health-related professional fields such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or veterinary medicine. Students interested in secondary-school teaching are served by the secondary science education major.
Students may also choose a minor in chemistry to support another major.
Chemistry and biochemistry majors receive hands-on training with modern instrumentation. Undergraduate research is integrated into the major, along with professional skills such as oral communication, information fluency and technical proficiency.
Departmental faculty work closely with students to advise them on the appropriate major to consider, the sequence of courses in which to enroll, aspects of career planning, and obtaining meaningful employment.
A major in chemistry or biochemistry is also an excellent beginning for further study and careers in fields that utilize chemistry. Examples include environmental studies, law, business (chemical, pharmaceutical and petroleum-related companies), technical writing and editing, and scientific information retrieval.
Chair: Michelle S. Applebee
Faculty: Álvaro Castillo, E. Joseph Campbell, Kimberly A. Lawler-Sagarin, Colleen MunroLeighton, Evan Vanable