Chemistry

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Chemistry is at the heart of scientific discovery, shaping advancements in medicine, technology, and the environment. As a chemistry major, you’ll build a strong foundation in analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry while developing hands-on laboratory skills that prepare you for a wide range of careers.

With American Chemical Society (ACS) certification, our program meets rigorous industry and academic standards, ensuring you’re ready for graduate studies or careers in pharmaceuticals, environmental science, forensics, materials science, and more. Through faculty-mentored research, internships, and interdisciplinary concentrations, you’ll gain the experience and expertise to solve real-world challenges with chemistry.

Experiential Learning

Strong Foundation – Develop expertise in analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry.
Early Research Opportunities – Engage in faculty-mentored projects starting your first year.
Year-Round Experience – Participate in research through labs, independent studies, and summer grants.
Real-World Impact – Contribute to advancements in agriculture, medicine, and environmental science.

Program Details

Major Requirements

Required Courses – 51 hrs.

CHM 110: General Chemistry I (3 hrs.)
CHM 111: General Chemistry I Laboratory (1 hr.)
CHM 114: Chemistry of the Elements (1 hr.)
CHM 116: General Chemistry II (3 hrs.)
CHM 117: General Chemistry II Laboratory (1 hr.)
CHM 252: Organic Chemistry I (4 hrs.)
CHM 253: Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1 hr.)
CHM 256: Organic Chemistry II (3 hrs.)
CHM 257: Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1 hr.)
CHM 292: Chemical Informatics (1 hr.)
CHM 326: Analytical Chemistry (4 hrs.)
CHM 360: Biochemistry (3 hrs.)
CHM 380: Seminar I in Chemistry and Biochemistry (0 hr.)
CHM 386: Seminar II in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1 hr.)
CHM 470 or 570: Physical Chemistry I (3 hrs.)
CHM 480 or 580: Seminar III in Chemistry and Biochemistry (1 hr.)
BIO 151: Molecules to Cells (3 hrs.)
BIO 152: Molecules to Cells Laboratory (1 hr.)
PHY 110: University Physics I (4 hrs.) and PHY 201: University Physics II (4 hrs.)
MTH 121: Calculus I (4 hrs.) and MTH 122: Calculus II (4 hrs.)

Concentration Requirements

Required Courses – 14 hrs.

CHM 361: Biochemistry Laboratory (1 hr.)
CHM 412 or 512: Molecular Modeling (1 hr.)
CHM 420 or 520: Instrumental Analysis (4 hrs.)
CHM 436 or 536: Inorganic Chemistry (3 hrs.)
CHM 437 or 537: Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (1 hr.)
CHM 471 or 571: Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (1 hr.)
CHM 476 or 576: Physical Chemistry II (3 hrs.)

Elective Courses – 6 hrs.
A minimum of six additional hours in chemistry numbered 299 or above, excluding CHM 302. At least two of the six credit hours must be selected from the list below:

CHM 299* (1–4 hr.)
CHM 441 (1 hr.)
CHM 499* (1–4 hr.)
Approved LAS 301 (1-3 hr.)

Degree Concentrations & Options

Personalize your education with our degree concentrations, or further your education with our streamlined B.S./M.S. program.

Chemical Engineering

For students wanting to build a thorough understanding of the theories and applications of chemistry while providing the necessary engineering principles to pursue an advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Biochemistry.

Chemistry-Chemical Engineering graduates can also seek immediate employment in practically any chemical industry, including, but not limited to, pharmaceutical, agricultural, petrochemical, food, cosmetics, medical, and environmental.

Business

Prepares students for a career in business and industry by blending a chemistry foundation with courses from the Foster College of Business. Chemistry-business majors often pursue law school or an MBA or start careers in chemical procurement, production, processing or research and development.

Premedical

Gives students a firm grasp of the physical and biological principles needed to succeed in medical, dental, optometry or veterinary school. Prepares graduates for professional school entrance exams such as the MCAT and DAT.

Pre-Pharmacy

Build the skills needed to enter a professional pharmacy degree program through courses that show how drug compounds work in the body.

High School Education

This concentration prepares students for the State of Illinois Professional Educator’s License in Secondary Education. Beginning with classroom field experiences in the first year, students continue hands-on training through their sophomore and junior years, culminating in a senior-year student teaching experience.

This program is accredited by the American Chemical Society, the Illinois State Board of Education, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. It is also a member of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and is nationally recognized by multiple subject-specific teaching organizations.

Environmental Science (Interdisciplinary Program)

Want to focus your learning on how chemicals interact in natural systems and how humans can influence those interactions? As an environmental science major, you gain a foundation in plant and animal life, environmental issues and chemistry.

Study these interactions in both natural and human-based systems while building critical thinking, research and applied skills. Graduates will create a research portfolio valuable to continued education and future employers.

Combined B.S./M.S.

Enhance your career opportunities and understanding of the chemistry field. This combined BS/MS program allows you to begin taking graduate level courses during your senior year so you can complete both degrees in less time than it would take to complete them separately.

It also pairs you with a faculty mentor for research during the final three years of study. You’ll complete the degree with a comprehensive oral exam, thesis project, defense and public seminar.

Career Opportunities

A degree in ACS-certified chemistry prepares you for diverse careers in industry, government, and academia.

Graduates have found professional paths with U.S. Department of Agriculture, St. Louis Metropolitan Crime Laboratory, Emerald Performance Materials, and Exelon Energy in roles such as quality control, research and development, manufacturing, sales, and marketing

Minor

Chemistry

The chemistry minor, which is open to all students, gives you a foundation in chemical processes and practical applications of that knowledge.