Chemistry major
Chemistry: courses, careers, and where to study
Chemistry studies matter and its transformations — preparing graduates for pharmaceutical, materials, energy, environmental, and biotech careers, plus medical and graduate school.
A Chemistry major covers general, organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. Most BS programs require additional math (calculus, differential equations) and physics, plus extensive lab work. ACS-certified programs meet the American Chemical Society standard for graduate-school readiness. Common concentrations include Biochemistry, Materials, Environmental, and Forensic.
Chemistry graduates work in pharmaceutical R&D, materials science, energy, environmental analysis, forensic labs, and medical school. The major pairs naturally with Biology (for biochemistry and pre-med) or Physics (for materials).
What you'll study
- General, organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Spectroscopy and instrumental analysis
- Quantum chemistry and thermodynamics
- Lab techniques (synthesis, NMR, mass spec, chromatography)
- Calculus, differential equations, physics
- Senior research thesis
Typical careers
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
- Forensic Chemist
- Materials Scientist
- Environmental Chemist
- PhD Chemist (academia or industry)
- Pre-medicine pathway → MD/DO
Starting salary range: $54,000–$78,000 starting (BLS chemist median $84,150)
Find a Chemistry program
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Related majors
Biology
Biology is the foundational pre-health major — covering molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels of living systems.
Physics
Physics studies the fundamental laws of matter, energy, and motion — a foundational major for engineering, computing, finance, and graduate research.
Health Sciences
Health Sciences is a broad pre-professional major for students preparing for medical, dental, PA, PT, or pharmacy school — combining biology, chemistry, and patient-care exposure.