Whether you want to study the field at the graduate level, work in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries, or gain a firm foundation for a career in the health professions, our chemistry department is the gateway to your best future.
Chemistry majors will understand the core principles of chemistry and be able to communicate their knowledge in the field through both writing and speaking.
Students may choose to concentrate in traditional chemistry, biochemistry, or neurochemistry. Having a degree in ACS chemistry is valuable to those hoping to pursue advanced degrees.
Students interested in a professional career in chemistry or an allied field typically choose an ACS major with a traditional chemistry concentration.
Biochemistry surveys the chemistry and biology of the fundamental molecules of life: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, vitamins, and cofactors.
Neurochemistry studies the chemical and biochemical aspects of neuroscience including ligand binding, pharmacokinetics, and second messenger cascades. Chemistry students specifically interested in working in neuroscience are encouraged to consider the ACS chemistry major with a neurochemistry concentration.
Beginning in 2025, students can pursue a major in biochemistry. This new major offers a streamlined curriculum that appeals to students seeking a more flexible path to studying biochemistry, while the ACS-accredited biochemistry track remains ideal for those pursuing advanced research or graduate studies.
Due to the significant overlap in coursework, students may not major in both chemistry and biochemistry, nor can they major in biochemistry and minor in chemistry. However, majoring in biochemistry and minoring or majoring in biology is allowed.
Students seeking to teach chemistry must also fulfill the requirements for a major in education.
Science (K-6) | Optional add-on endorsement for chemistry education majors
General Science (5-8) | Recommended add-on endorsement for chemistry education majors
Neuroscience studies how the brain and nervous system acquire, process, and integrate information from the environment and how this information brings about the behavior of an organism.