Description
Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, and properties of substances, and the chemical processes and transformations that substances undergo. It is fundamental to the understanding of many other sciences.
What careers can this major prepare you for?
Chemists work to discover new compounds and reactions that lead to the development of new drugs, plastics, energy sources and various other materials such as paints, adhesives, cosmetics, pesticides, and others. Chemists work in various fields, including environmental science, measuring and reducing pollution; medicine, contributing to advances in disease diagnosis and treatment; agriculture, food processing, and many other areas and industries. Chemists work as scientists in various testing and research laboratories. Graduates have many employment opportunities as: technicians in biotechnology, environmental, pharmaceutical, clinical, and forensic testing laboratories; research assistants in industrial, government and academic labs; technical sales and service for chemical and other related industries; high school chemistry/science teachers (licensure required); Bachelor graduates also pursue advanced degrees to receive doctorates in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and veterinary science; or pursue master’s and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry or related sciences.
What skills are developed within this major?
Chemistry Majors develop diverse skills across several areas of study:
Organic chemistry focuses on carbon compounds and involves synthesizing new compounds, studying their chemical interactions, and determining reaction mechanisms, all of which are crucial in developing medicines, materials, and technologies.
Analytical chemistry involves identifying chemical substances in samples from various sources, using advanced instruments and techniques to analyze and interpret data accurately, a critical skill in many industries.
Physical chemistry explores the mathematical models underlying chemistry, including thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and kinetics, providing a deep understanding of the principles governing chemical reactions, which is critical in designing and optimizing chemical processes.
Inorganic chemistry studies the chemistry of elements other than carbon, including synthesizing new compounds and determining how they react and how they can be used, all of which are useful in developing new materials with unique properties, such as those used in electronics and energy storage devices.
Biochemistry investigates the chemistry of life processes, including the molecular mechanisms underlying living organisms’ functions. These include the synthesis and breakdown of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. This knowledge is essential in drug design, medical research, developing new vaccine modalities, and biotechnological advances in general.
Overall, a Chemistry Major develops a broad range of skills, including laboratory techniques, data analysis, mathematical modeling of chemical processes, and critical thinking. These skills are transferable across many industries and technical areas, making Chemistry an excellent choice for those interested in pursuing careers in healthcare, energy, materials science, and beyond.
Special tracks/programs
American Chemical Society Certification, Pre-Professional Studies (premedical/pre-dental/pre-veterinarian or concentration in pharmaceutical sciences), Honors, Secondary Teacher Licensure program
Honors Program
Honors General Chemistry (CHM 261H , CHM 262H , and CHM 267H ) is available to students in the CSU Honors or Scholars program. An honors track for Chemistry majors admitted to the Honors Program is also available.
Cooperative Education Program
In earning the Bachelor of Science degree with ACS certification, the Chemistry major may elect the Cooperative Education Program (see Special Programs Chapter) in order to supplement chemistry coursework with employment in the chemical industry.
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