Undergraduate Majors & Minors Archives | Page 2 of 9

Learn More About the Chemistry Program

As an undergraduate chemistry major, you can focus on courses (or even declare a double major) in biochemistry & molecular biology or physics. You can pursue a track that perfectly fits your future plans. Tracks are available for those interested in pre-medicine or health, organic or physical chemistry, or forensic sciences, or those who wish to combine chemistry with their 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.

Explore Courses

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 in lab environments 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, enjoying research experiences for undergraduates. 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 chemistry students insight into the expectations of a non-academic chemistry and chemical laboratory environment. That includes being a group member and demonstrating a working knowledge of laboratory safety and safety documentation.

You’ll practice the use, care, preparation, calibration, and troubleshooting of essential glassware, equipment, and liquid-handling devices. Explore the principles of proper documentation, producing data summaries, and performing data review for professional chemists and get lab.

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 Hershey, Glaxo SmithKline, Nestle Purina Pet Care, Cargill, and Nissin Foods.

Agricultural Scientist
Animal Scientist
Chemical Engineer
Chemistry Teacher
Environmental Scientist
Sustainable Materials Technician
Battery & Energy Storage Laboratory Technician

Forensic Chemist
Physician
Nutritionist
Pharmacologist
Toxicologist
Biotechnology Research Associate
Quality Control / Quality Assurance Chemist

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