Student working in chemistry lab

Chemistry

Learn to think creatively, solve complex problems, and analyze your findings while becoming savvy in the sciences. You’ll work closely with faculty to find the work that excites you most, then tailor your classes to guide you in that direction. 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 state-of-the-art 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

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
At LVC, I had the opportunity to be a summer intern at Hershey. I was just amazed that so much science and effort went into developing and designing new products. So when I entered the first time into one of our industrial kitchens and labs and saw them creating new flavors, I thought, ‘Wow.’ Why wouldn’t I want to be here?
Shawn Houser-Fedor ’94, Senior Director, Chocolate and Packaging Research & Development, The Hershey Company
LVC challenged me every day. No professor ever closed their door, or turned me away, regardless of the hours it may have taken to help me understand complex chemical reactions or mathematical equations.
Dr. Diane Ford ’96, veterinarian
90%
graduate/professional school acceptance rate of pre-health professions majors

Featured News & Stories