Chemistry Major

Build a strong foundation in organic, analytical, physical and inorganic chemistry

As a Chemistry major, you will learn the theory and research skills needed by chemists. You will study the composition, structure and properties of substances at the atomic and molecular levels and learn the interactions and transformations of matter, and how to apply this knowledge to develop new and improved products.

Chemical technologies enrich our lives by providing new solutions to problems in health, materials and energy usage and products to enhance our lifestyles. In this program, you will receive hands-on training in the use of the most modern chemical instrumentation that complements and enhances theory taught in the lecture courses.

You can receive up to $10,000/year through our C-STEM Scholars Program. ▸ Learn more

Chemistry major curriculum

The course of study in chemistry at Carlow University is designed to provide the theory and research skills needed by every chemist to enter the professional field or continue their education. The major program curriculum is designed to be consistent with the guidelines published by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

You will be instructed in each of the four major sub-disciplines of chemistry (organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and inorganic chemistry) with an emphasis on laboratory skills, including hands-on training in the use of modern chemical instrumentation. Courses also include mathematics, biology, and physics.

Before graduation, you will complete a senior experience that may consist of an independent research project.

Quick facts

• Complete required support courses in mathematics, biology and physics
• Complete a senior experience that may consist of an independent research project
• Continue your studies in the 4+1 MEd in Secondary Education program for students interested in teaching high school chemistry

Depending on your personal aspirations, you can choose a program with an emphasis in biology, marketing and management, technical communications, or math and computer science. Or, if you are interested in teaching chemistry at the high school level, you may wish to enroll in the 4+1 MEd program in which you would earn a chemistry degree followed by a one-year master’s degree in Secondary Education. 

Admission requirements and application process

Chemistry grad says Carlow program set her apart

Chemistry graduate Lizzie Shumaker ’18 said individual attention from professors allowed her to gain confidence in course material and laboratory skills. “Carlow’s Chemistry program set me apart from others, especially when interviewing for jobs in my field, because their curriculum offered me hands-on training of the theory and operation of analytical equipment and the presentation skills needed to effectively communicate my research. The laboratory skills I learned at Carlow translated to my career and I am so grateful to have studied chemistry at Carlow.”