Chemistry

Chemistry—BS

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Michigan Tech develops confident, skilled chemists adept at understanding chemistry concepts and solving problems. Chemists create the fabric of our everyday lives (sometimes literally), contributing to the production of the chemicals, materials, and products that substantiate our existence. Whether you envision yourself designing new textiles, pharmaceuticals, healthier foods, or the latest on-trend cosmetics, there is sure to be a chemistry career pathway to suit your interests.

Chemistry majors learn best in a lab setting. Our degree program will challenge you to reach far beyond classroom chemistry theory and rote experimentation—you'll quickly learn your way around our advanced labs and equipment, with the majority of your time being spent conducting hands-on research alongside faculty and creatively exploring the real-world applications of chemistry.

Our curriculum is designed to be flexible, with four different concentrations that share a common chemistry core curriculum. Since all of these areas share the same core classes, students can easily switch from one concentration to another. Plus, you have the option to add a minor, certificate, or even a second major, from any department on campus to complement your degree.

Choose your Concentration

Environmental Chemistry

Most environmental problems, and their solutions, are based on chemistry. Environmental chemists explore the chemical process in the environment, with an emphasis on environmental concerns. You'll learn about the reactions of natural and synthetic chemicals chemicals that take place on the Earth every day and study the effects of human interactions on the environment. Plus, Environmental Science and Protection Technician is ranked #6 Best Science Jobs, according to US News and World Report in August 2024.

Polymer Chemistry

Any company that makes a product needs a chemist. Develop polymers with special properties (lightweight, strong, flexible, etc.), which are turned into new materials and products such as plastics and synthetic fibers; agricultural chemicals; paints and adhesives; and biomedical applications such as artificial skin and prosthetics.

Chemical Physics

Huskies selecting chemistry at Tech can choose chemical physics as a concentration. Study the intersection of chemistry and physics, and discover how things work, focusing on chemical systems and processes. Subject areas include states of matter, thermodynamics, phase diagrams and phase equilibria, computational chemistry, chemical kinetics, and quantum mechanics.

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  • 70%
    of undergraduates do research projects alongside a professor
  • Top 20
    Best Public College in the US (Wall Street Journal, 2024)
  • 100%
    of students use state-of-the-art instrumentation in teaching labs
  • 4,400
    individual peer coaching sessions in the Chemistry Learning Center

Tomorrow Needs Innovative Chemists

As the demand for new medicines and innovative products grows, so does the need for talented chemists. A bachelor of science degree in chemistry prepares you for a successful career—you'll have opportunities to solve real-world problems in many different specialties like polymers, organics, synthetics, and forensics, you name it—working in business, research, healthcare, academia, government, and more.

Career Opportunities for Chemistry Majors

Your future career options are unlimited with a degree in chemistry. Career opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Biochemist
  • Chemist
  • College or University Professor
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Food and Drug Inspector
  • Food Technologist
  • Forensic Scientist
  • High School Chemistry Teacher
  • Researcher
  • Patent Examiner
  • Physician
  • Process Engineer
  • Soil Scientist
  • Toxicologist
  • Water Resources Specialist

You can explore career options further.

Michigan Tech Chemistry Majors Have Been Hired By

Almost any company or government agency requires someone with an understanding of chemistry. The growing list of companies that have hired Michigan Tech chemistry graduates includes:

  • Archoic
  • Cayman Chemical
  • Covance
  • Honeywell
  • KAR Laboratories
  • MPI Research
  • Nestle Nutrition
  • Par Pharmaceutical
  • Perrigo
  • US Army
  • Zee Water and Energy

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying chemistry at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Watch My Michigan Tech: Abby Schwartz video
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"I'm doing research in organic synthesis. You can get the experience that you want or need for your career."Abby Schwartz '22, BS—Chemistry

Why Accreditation Matters

As an accredited chemistry degree program, Michigan Tech assesses student learning to ensure quality for chemistry education and to continuously improve curriculum and programs. Our BS in Chemistry is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), which promotes excellence in undergraduate chemistry education through the approval of baccalaureate chemistry programs. ACS-certified programs offer a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that gives students the intellectual, experimental, and communication skills necessary to become effective scientific professionals.

American Chemical Society (ACS)

Student Learning Goals

When you complete our bachelors of science chemistry degree, you can expect to achieve the following:

  • In-depth theoretical and experimental knowledge in organic and physical chemistry, and in quantitative and instrumental analytical methods.
  • Fundamental theoretical and experimental knowledge in inorganic chemistry, and fundamental theoretical knowledge in biochemistry.
  • Safely work in a laboratory to collect, analyze and evaluate experimental data.
  • Use scientific literature to research and solve problems.
  • Communicate with other members of the scientific community using both oral and written methods.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the societal and environmental implications of chemistry as a discipline, and your professional responsibilities as an ethical chemist.

Study Chemistry at a Technological University

At Michigan Tech, you will build knowledge and research foundations required to succeed in graduate school, research, or the job market. You'll learn and experience first-hand how chemistry is central to solving real-world problems in sustainability, human health, environment, and industry. With chemistry faculty that also serve as your research advisors and mentors, you'll use chemistry in the lab, and present results in classrooms, research symposia, and scientific journals.

  • Get personalized attention: 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures your academic advisors and professors know you and understand your interests and needs. You receive guidance in a timely fashion. They can better help pair you with research opportunities that meet your needs and provide valuable experience.
  • Customize your chemistry education: At Michigan Tech, our programs span pure chemistry (BS and BA options), biochemistry and molecular biology, computational chemistry and chemical informatics, and medicinal chemistry(includes pharmaceutical chemistry). That interdisciplinary approach gives you exposure to different areas of chemistry. Take classes across these topics to tailor your degree to fit your individual pathway.
  • Engage in chemistry research: Become involved in a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Whether you are planning to go to graduate school or pursue a career upon graduation, one of the factors that gives our students an edge is the opportunity to engage in research as an undergraduate student and gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art research instrumentation. A majority of our students conduct undergraduate research with faculty members.
  • Practice basic chemistry concepts: Work as a peer coach in the Chemistry Learning Center helping other students understand chemistry concepts while reinforcing your understanding of the basics.

Undergraduate Majors

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem.
Just declare the General Sciences and Arts major, give yourself time, and decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Undergraduate Minors and Certificates

A minor in chemistry or medicinal chemistry allows you to specialize in a discipline outside of or complementary to your major, expand your knowledge base, and boost your potential career options. A minor in a pre-professional program such as Pre-Law or Pre-Health prepares you for graduate school and future careers in law and medicine. You can declare a major anytime, but it is recommended you begin your minor studies as early as possible in your academic career. To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your chemistry skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.

"I wanted to study a science that would give me a broad basis to potentially go into more applied areas. I think chemistry was a very good choice for that. I had very good interactions with professors from very early on. The guidance and accessibility was very important as I was trying to figure out what I was doing."Nathan Conner '19, BS Chemistry