Students performing experiment in Chemistry lab

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.

Have your sights set on an advanced degree? The American Chemical Society Certified Degree pathway prepares you for graduate school.

Need-based departmental scholarships are available.

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.

Student working in chemistry lab

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. 

17
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

In Their Words

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
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
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

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