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Undergraduate Experience

Chemistry can change the world. Chemistry is central to all sciences and to life itself. In a world made of molecules, chemistry reveals what these groups of two or more atoms look like and the rules they follow to interact with each other.

Paper to paint, food to fertilizer, smart materials for improved devices, clean water and energy for a greener planet, smart polymers to lower the burden of pollution, effective vaccines and medicines to fight the most challenging health crisis—all require chemistry.

The areas of study within the Chemistry Department—chemistry, biochemistry, computational chemistry, and medicinal chemistry—help you to develop analytical, critical thinking, laboratory, research, and applied skills, blending the theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry you'll need to be successful. Career outcomes for chemistry, biochemistry, and related fields—including job placement and starting and median salaries are excellent. Plus, according to US News and World Report chemistry is the #10 degree with the highest return on investment. It's no wonder that so many choose to study chemistry.

Bachelor's Degrees

Chemistry—BS

Take a traditional approach to the study of chemistry with our BS in Chemistry, which sets you up for success in graduate school, industry, or laboratory research. Chemistry majors learn best in a practical laboratory setting. Our program will prepare you to contribute to the nucleus of chemical advancements in diverse fields and leave your impression on the world. You'll quickly learn your way around our advanced labs and equipment, with the majority of your time being spent conducting research (independently and alongside faculty) and creatively exploring the real-world applications of chemistry. Choose one of three concentrations in Chemical Physics, Environmental Chemistry, and Polymer Chemistry.

Chemistry—BA

A Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry will provide you with a firm and broadly-based foundation in chemistry. You'll have the flexibility to pursue complementary objectives, such as a professional degree in law, business, any of the pre-health pathways (like pharmacy or medical school), or applying your chemistry knowledge in another discipline such as biochemistry, biology, business, scientific communication, computer science, and many others.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—BS

Biochemists and molecular biologists investigate biomolecules, studying biological chemistry to understand the molecular and genetic bases of cellular processes. Our interdisciplinary bachelor's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology will prepare you for a rewarding career in virtually any branch of the life sciences you choose, such as agriculture; biotechnology; biofuels; medicine and pharmacology; forensic science; or genomics and molecular genetics.

Computational Chemistry and Cheminformatics—BS

Computational chemistry and cheminformatics is at the intersection of chemistry and information technology. A bachelor's degree in cheminformatics will provide you with a unique blended skill set in preparation for a career in this rapidly expanding field. You will complete upper-level course work in both chemistry and computer science. As a cheminformatics specialist, you will play an important role in supporting research and laboratory experimentation by making chemical information accessible and usable. You'll use computers to study and predict chemical reactions.

Medicinal Chemistry—BS

Medicinal chemists work on multidisciplinary teams to formulate, test, and analyze drugs. Our degree program in medicinal chemistry emphasizes research experience, a requirement for many jobs in pharmaceuticals. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to apply your training in chemistry to the process of pharmaceutical synthesis and analysis. You could conduct basic and applied research in chemistry to understand drug compounds or develop guidelines for the US FDA.

  • 7:1
    student-to-faculty ratio
  • 11
    teaching labs for hands-on learning

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about the Chemistry Department undergraduate degree programs at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Minors

A minor in 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. You can declare a major anytime, but it is recommended that you begin your minor studies as early as possible in your academic career.

Department of Chemistry Minors 

  • Chemistry
  • Medicinal Chemistry

Undergraduate Advising

A positive and productive advising relationship is a key component of your success at Michigan Tech. You and your academic advisor will develop your academic plan, and your advisor will help you follow and complete your plan to ensure your success at Michigan Tech.

Chemistry Advising

Study Chemistry at a Technological University

As a student, 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.

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your analytical 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.

"My time in the chemistry department has given me several awesome opportunities from research to internships to coops. The professors here really care about your education and are always willing to help you out."Samuel Willard '19, BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology