Chemistry ACS-BS
Pursue your passion for chemistry with our ACS-Certified B.S. in Chemistry program, earning a degree recognized by the American Chemical Society for upholding the highest standards of excellence in chemical education. Our curriculum provides a strong theoretical foundation in Organic, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry, supported by essential knowledge in biology, physics and mathematics, preparing you for diverse careers in academia, industry and research.
Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiments and engaging coursework, you will develop practical laboratory skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and safe lab practices, while learning to apply the scientific method to analyze data with integrity and ethics. You will gain expertise in chemical research, analysis and synthesis, exploring molecular structure, chemical reactions, bonding and kinetics.
You can tailor your education to fit your specific interests by specializing in areas such as polymer, environmental, forensic or pharmaceutical chemistry, applying your knowledge to solve original research problems through capstone projects or a research thesis. Our program emphasizes effective scientific communication, equipping you to share experimental results confidently through both oral and written methods and preparing you to thrive as a professional and innovative chemist.
Program Information
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry ACS-certified degree is certified by the American Chemical Society. This program offers a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education. Students seeking a higher level of respect and recognition in their field of study should focus on an ACS-Certified Degree.
Program Type
Major
Degree
Bachelor's
Academic Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Duration
4 years
Required Credit Hours
123
Modality
In-Person
Research Opportunities
Across all of these research areas, you are not simply observing chemistry鈥攜ou are practicing it at a professional level. You鈥檒l learn how to integrate synthesis, spectroscopy, computation, and theory to answer open scientific questions that matter in medicine, materials, energy, and the environment.
In research like the Aitken Lab, you could work with single-crystal X-ray diffraction to determine previously unknown structures of extended solid semiconductor compounds鈥攕uch as a-Li2ZnGeS4, a current front-rummer for next generation infrared nonlinear optical devices. In this type of work, you help reveal how subtle changes in cation ordering patterns and bonding interactions determine stability, polymorphism and optical properties in real-world applications.
In computational chemistry research such as the Evanseck Lab, you might use molecular dynamics simulations to understand how molecular modifications reshape biomolecular structure. For instance, studies of modified 纬-peptide nucleic acids show how chemical changes like miniPEG groups can actively destabilize or restructure nucleic acid duplexes鈥攇iving you insight into how molecular design influences therapeutic performance at the atomistic level.
In surface and materials chemistry projects like those in the Gawalt Lab, you could engineer corrosion-resistant coatings on stainless steel using controlled polymer growth techniques such as surface-initiated polymerization. This kind of research lets you connect synthetic chemistry to real-world applications, where nanoscale surface design dramatically improves durability in marine, biomedical, and industrial environments.
In nanochemistry research such as the Lummis Lab, you might study how gold nanoclusters transform between sizes and structures depending on ligand environment and reaction conditions. These systems allow you to explore how small chemical changes control optical and electronic properties鈥攕uch as shifting materials from weakly emissive clusters to strongly luminescent near-infrared nanostructures.
In synthetic and computational organic chemistry work like the Montgomery Lab, you could investigate how to build new molecules, learning a wide range of techniques. You could also study how subtle modeling choices in computational chemistry dramatically alter predicted reaction pathways. By learning about both the practical application of organic chemistry, making molecules in the lab and observing their properties, along with the theoretical underpinning behind why the chemistry is happening you will receive training on how to think critically about chemical problems.
In inorganic and actinide chemistry research such as the Van Stipdonk Lab, you might explore how redox-active ligands interact with uranium, neptunium, and plutonium complexes. This work shows how electron density can shift between metal and ligand, challenging traditional oxidation state concepts and deepening understanding of bonding in heavy-element systems.
From Our Goldwater Scholars
鈥淢anaging my own research and mentoring younger students has shaped me as a scientist and a leader. 91制片厂 gave me the opportunities to grow鈥攁nd now I get to inspire the next generation of researchers.鈥�
鈥淭he class size creates an intimate learning environment where, if you do struggle, the professors are there for you. That鈥檚 the differentiator between 91制片厂 and a large school鈥攊t鈥檚 very much a one-on-one learning experience.鈥�
Discover. Engage. Innovate.
Research Areas & Facilities
Explore interdisciplinary fields in biochemistry, organic, physical, materials, inorganic, analytical, forensic and biophysical chemistry, all within our state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot research facility equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation.
Student Organizations
Explore our clubs and organizations, spanning interests in chemistry, biochemistry, and other STEM programs, including our award-winning ACS Student Organization. You'll have the opportunity to organize events, pursue your passions, build meaningful relationships with students who share your interests, and develop your professional and leadership skills.
Summer Research Program
The Summer Undergraduate Research program is a paid internship where you'll gain essential research experience for careers in STEM-based fields. Engage in community projects, present your findings at a research symposium and connect with faculty, industry professionals and peers, while building meaningful relationships within the scientific community.
Advanced Chemistry Degrees
Advance your career with our B.S./M.S., M.S., or Ph.D. programs in Chemistry. Gain specialized knowledge, research experience and expertise sought by academia, industry and research institutions. Engage in cutting-edge projects, explore advanced topics, and collaborate with expert faculty to drive innovation and achieve your professional goals.
B.S./M.S. Dual Degree
Maximize your B.S. in Chemistry by earning an M.S. in just one additional year, gaining specialized skills and increased career opportunities.
M.S. Chemistry
Gain advanced expertise, hands-on research experience and professional development opportunities with our M.S. in Chemistry.
Ph.D. Chemistry
Receive expert-level training in chemistry, engage in faculty-mentored research and become an independent scientist through our Ph.D. program.
Questions? Contact Us!
Dr. Phillip Palmer
This is the suggested course sequence for the ACS-Certified Bachelor of Science in
Chemistry degree. Students are required to take CHEM 528 Polymer Science and one semester
of CHEM 490W Undergraduate Research. All prerequisites must be completed with a grade
of C or higher. Students must take four advanced electives. Two electives must be chemistry or biochemistry
electives. The remaining two electives may be chemistry, biochemistry, biology or
math electives from the approved lists. ACS accreditation ensures our undergraduate chemistry program meets rigorous national
standards, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to excel
as scientific professionals. It also enhances the program鈥檚 reputation, attracts top
students and faculty, and prepares graduates for technical careers.Suggested Course Sequence
Spring Semester (17 credits)
Spring Semester (16 credits)
Spring Semester (14 credits)
Spring Semester (12 credits)
Elective Offerings
Learning Outcomes
Accreditation
