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The major in chemistry prepares students for a wide variety of careers and advanced study in numerous fields. Students graduating with a major in chemistry are prepared to enter graduate school, 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, dentistry, or veterinary science.

The major in chemistry 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.

Students may choose from several tracks leading to a chemistry major. Each track begins with a set of core courses, then allows students to choose among different advanced courses to address varying career goals.

The Chemistry Major

  • Chemistry Major - this is the most general track and allows students the greatest choice in advanced course electives.
  • Chemistry Major with ACS Approval - this track specifies advanced courses that are considered to be good preparation for graduate school.
  • Chemistry Major, Biochemistry Concentration - this track includes a greater emphasis on Biology and Biochemistry and is an excellent option for premedical or prepharmacy students. This track also prepares students for entry into the biochemical field.
  • Chemistry Major, Secondary School Teaching - students work closely with both the Chemistry and Education Departments to complete chemistry major and teacher certification requirements.

Chemistry faculty work closely with students to advise them on the appropriate track to consider, the sequence of courses in which to enroll, aspects of career planning, and obtaining meaningful employment.

Related Programs

The Department of Chemistry also offers a Chemistry Minor and participates in the Environmental Management major. We also offer a variety of courses that support other majors, such as biology and nursing.

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