Chemistry

Gain foundational knowledge in the behavior of atoms and molecules and apply it to one of the many subdisciplines of Chemistry or applied fields such as polymer, forensic, food, or environmental chemistry. Our one-credit Industrial Lab Sciences courses will give you an edge in corporate lab settings.

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Learn More About the Program

As a chemistry major, you can focus on courses (or even declare a double major) in biochemistry & molecular biology or physics, pursue a track designed for students interested in pre-medicine or health, or combine chemistry with your interests in teaching, the humanities, arts, or social sciences. Interested students can earn a B.S. in chemistry and engineering with our Engineering 3+2 program.

View Degree Requirements

Learn About the ACS Certified Degree

Meet Our Faculty

Students conduct chemistry research over summer

Today’s Experience. Tomorrow’s Success.

Research and application are integral to the chemistry major. Be part of our Research First program for incoming first-year students, working side-by-side with faculty on real-world problems the summer before your semester starts.

Labs You’ll Love

You’ll take most of your classes in our Neidig-Garber Science Center. Advanced instrumentation includes mass and infrared spectrometers—and you’ll learn from faculty at the top of their field.

Professional Preparation

Our one-credit Industrial Laboratory Sciences courses give students insight into the expectations of a non-academic laboratory environment, being a group member, and demonstrating a working knowledge of laboratory safety and safety documentation. Practice the use, care, preparation, calibration, and troubleshooting of essential glassware, equipment, and liquid-handling devices, along with the principles of proper documentation, producing data summaries, and performing data review.

teaching and student-research labs in Neidig-Garber

$1+ million

in grants received from organizations including the NSF, Merck/AAAS, Research Corporation, and more

50%

of chemistry majors go on to complete graduate or professional study

79%

medical school acceptance rate

Career Opportunities

An LVC chemistry degree will prepare you for work in fields such as genetics, organic and inorganic chemistry, neuropharmacology, and more. Or you can move straight to industry—our alums work as analysts, researchers, and scientists at companies such as Glaxo SmithKline, Nestle Purina Pet Care, Cargill, and Nissin Foods.

Agricultural Scientist
Animal Scientist
Chemical Engineer
Chemistry Teacher
Environmental Scientist

Forensic Chemist
Physician
Nutritionist
Pharmacologist
Toxicologist

In Their Words

Countless Opportunities

I chose LVC because of the Chemistry faculty’s eagerness to ensure I reached my academic and professional goals. With their help, I participated in research for two summers and was selected for an exclusive internship—all before the completion of my sophomore year. The faculty are more than just professors; they are mentors who will ensure you are prepared for the real world.

Jackie Martin ’25, ACS Chemistry and Physics Double Major

Real-World Research

The LVC STEM curricula and professors often frame course materials in the context of impactful real-world research. This, combined with the many labs and independent research opportunities, develops technical and collaborative skills and an appreciation for the rigorous yet creative scientific process. I have since seen this actualize in my work and my fellow alumni.

Joseph Olives ’19, Single Cell Multiomics Scientist at BD, MSE Graduate Student, Materials Science at UCLA

Balance

At LVC, I was able to balance my classes, play tennis, and be a Resident Assistant. I was fortunate to take every class taught by Dr. [Kristen) Boeshore and join her research group. These experiences helped shape me and ultimately led to my acceptance into my top medical school.

Dr. Elizabeth Drda ’19, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, First-year Pediatric Resident at the University of Arizona-Tucson