Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry, which is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS), offers both Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees. Students can choose among three B.S. degree options. The B.S. degree in Chemistry is designed for majors planning to be industrial or government chemists, planning to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry or biochemistry, or considering professional degrees in fields such as medicine. The B.S. degree with Concentration in Medicinal Chemistry is designed for students interested in health fields, graduate programs in life sciences or professional study such as pharmacy or medicine. The B.S. degree with Concentration in Education is designed for students planning to teach high school chemistry or plan to teach at a more advanced level and want to develop their teaching skills as part of their undergraduate education. The B.A. degree is appropriate for chemical technologists and pre-professional students, particularly fields other than the health sciences.
Other Information
Students working toward a degree in Chemistry or a Chemistry minor must earn a grade of “C-“ or better in all courses used to fulfill Chemistry major or minor requirements. A GPA of 2.0 or higher in chemistry and cognate courses is required to graduate with a Chemistry major or minor.
The department highly encourages students to engage in undergraduate research with a faculty mentor. Students can start undergraduate research with CHEM 2950 or CHEM 4950 depending on their background and the needs of their faculty supervisor.
To make room for students making regular academic progress, those students who have been enrolled in a course three or more times: 1) will not be allowed to enroll prior to the first week of classes; and 2) will need permission of the instructor to enroll.
High school students who have successfully completed advanced high school chemistry courses (AP and/or IB) and are considering a modified course of study should consult with the department.
Chemistry and double majors, minors
Pharmaceutical Sciences majors
- may not add a Chemistry minor
- may add a Chemistry major or dual degree (BA Chemistry; BS Pharmaceutical Sciences), without overlapping restrictions.
Molecular and Biomedical Biology and Chemistry
- MBB majors may add a Chemistry minor or double major (no concentration) without overlapping restrictions
- MBB and Chemistry-Medicinal Chemistry as double majors may not count CHEM 4660-4664 Biochemistry II Lecture and Lab toward both majors.
- Chemistry-Medicinal Chemistry majors may add a Molecular and Biomedical Biology minor without overlapping restrictions
Biology and Chemistry
- Dual degrees with Biology and Chemistry (one being the BA, the other a BS) may not use the same 3000-4000 level Chemistry course toward both programs.
- One degree (BA or BS) with two majors (double major) of Biology and Chemistry may count the same 3000-4000 level Chemistry courses toward both programs.
- A Chemistry major and Biology minor may overlap 3000-4000 level Chemistry courses.
- A Biology major and Chemistry minor may overlap 3000-4000 level Chemistry courses.
Student Groups
The Department of Chemistry has an active student led Chemistry Club. Please visit our dedicated student organizations website for more information.
Contact Information
337 Durham Science Center
402.554.2651
Website
Love chemistry? Take the challenge and become a chemistry major! A career in chemistry is exciting. Most of our graduate majors go to professional schools (medical, dental, pharmacy schools, and other health related careers), some pursue graduate schools, and the rest land a job in industry. Companies that hire chemists include pharmaceutical companies, bulk commodity chemical companies, food manufacturers, personal, and household care product companies, and some of our students enjoy teaching in the K-12 schools!
Career options include, but are not limited to
- Healthcare professional (medical doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and dentist)*
- Professor after graduate schools*
- Lab chemist
- Lab technician
- Quality assurance specialist
- Science teacher
*Advanced Degree Required