MAJOR CHEMISTRY

The Chemistry Department is in the College of Natural and Health Sciences. Faculty members possess Ph.D. degrees in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry.

The major consists of five different concentrations, each uniquely tailored to specific professional goals. The Professional Concentration, as mentioned above, provides graduates with a Certificate of Completion by the American Chemical Society and is a premier concentration. The industrial concentration is for students seeking careers in chemical manufacturing and sales. For students with an interest in biochemistry, the pre-health professions concentration is designed to prepare students for professional schools while the biochemistry concentration serves students wanting to work in labs or those wishing to pursue graduate studies. Lastly, the general chemistry concentration is for those students who simply need a chemistry degree to satisfy employer expectations. Beginning in the first year, students are exposed to and work with new instrumentation in the SCJ Integrated Science Lab. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in faculty-directed independent research projects. The chemistry major can be complemented by one of several related minors such as biological sciences, computer science, environmental studies, mathematics, or physics.

Chemistry graduates have an excellent placement rate. They enter graduate programs, medical school, and pharmacy school and are qualified for employment in a wide variety of areas including agriculture, biotechnology, consulting, environmental control, consumer products, education, food science, forensics, geology, hazardous waste management, materials science, medicinal chemistry, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, polymers, sales and marketing, and water management. The UW-Parkside Advising and Career Center, the American Chemical Society, and the Chemistry Club maintain information resources regarding careers in chemistry.