Bachelor in Chemistry

Chemistry Degree at Assumption University

Chemistry studies the structure and fundamental principles of matter. At Assumption, students who declare a Chemistry major learn about organic, inorganic, physical, analytical chemistry and biochemistry and gain an understanding of the ways in which they interact. The Testa Science Center provides outstanding laboratory facilities to test the complex and sophisticated scientific theories you discuss in the classroom.

Every summer and throughout the academic year, Assumption chemistry majors have opportunities to perform research with Assumption faculty and at renowned research laboratories. Natural sciences graduates have an 85 percent acceptance rate to medical schools, and an 83 percent acceptance rate to other types of graduate medical programs (dentistry and veterinary schools, etc.)

Assumption's chemistry major is certified by the American Chemical Society, one of the world’s leading sources of authoritative scientific information.

Chemistry Major

Students who pursue a Chemistry degree at Assumption take 12 required science courses and 2 elective science courses, one of which must include a lab. One internship or one independent study counts toward the chemistry elective requirement. Chemistry majors gain extensive laboratory experiences and develop a high degree of proficiency in the practical aspects of experimentation, instrumentation, and discovery. Chemistry majors at Assumption are prepared for graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry or other science; employment in the industry, teaching or professional study in medicine, dentistry or other health sciences opportunities.

Chemistry Minor

Students who wish to minor in this take 6 chemistry courses and 2 semesters of calculus.

Degree Requirements

Students who pursue a Chemistry major at Assumption take 12 required science courses and 2 elective science courses, one of which must include a lab. One internship or one independent study counts toward the chemistry elective requirement. Students who wish to minor in this take 6 chemistry courses and 2 semesters of calculus.

A sample of undergraduate research sites:

• Harvard University
• University of California - Davis
• University of Massachusetts Medical School
• Genzyme
• Novartis

Recent student research topics:

• Using carbon nanotubes for electromechanical devices
• Developing a tool for identifying antibody-producing cells
• Studying the biology of aggression
• Investigating the biology of metastasis in cancer
• Studying the properties of room temperature ionic liquids

Summer Research Opportunities

Increasing numbers of Assumption students have been selected to participate in summer research programs at major research institutions around the nation, including the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Also, Assumption offers on-campus summer research opportunities to upper-level students who apply to assist Assumption faculty with their research projects. Students selected for summer research positions receive a stipend and housing on campus.