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Chemistry, B.S.

A Rigorous Program Emphasizing Hands-On Learning
  • $80K

    Average Salary, with Experience: $80,000 (American Chemical Society)

  • ~100%

    Placement Rate for UNCW Chemistry Graduates

Our alumni work as:

Conduct research, develop new drugs and other useful chemicals.

Work as a pharmacist technician, help patients understand their medications.

Work for the government (FBI, DEA, CIA, police department) or drug testing companies.

Help pharmaceutical companies promote their medicines to doctors.

Work in biotech companies, interface with customers, promote and sell instruments and related products.

program completion feature
program completion feature

Learn to

Demonstrate knowledge of concepts in chemistry

Apply knowledge in chemistry to real-world problems

Demonstrate the ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use scientific information from accepted sources

Conduct chemistry experiments, use various analytical instruments, collect and analyze data

Engage in rigorous scientific inquiry and communicate ideas in writing

Chemistry, B.S. Program Overview

Training Tomorrow’s Scientists

With a rigorous program emphasizing hands-on learning, the B.S. in Chemistry prepares you to pursue a a graduate degree or to directly start a career in chemistry.

The program is certified by the American Chemical Society. Our top-notch faculty deliver award-winning classroom instruction with student-centered research to provide an ideal environment for training tomorrow's scientists, physicians and teachers.

A significant portion of the training takes place in our laboratories, both those associated with courses and through supervised research in pharmaceutical chemistry, marine and atmospheric science, biochemistry, organic and inorganic synthesis, analytical chemistry, computational and physical chemistry, and chemical education. 

Much of this research results in publications in peer reviewed journals or presentations at professional meetings, most which have student co-authors.

Small Class Size, Access to Faculty

All lectures and upper-level lab courses are taught by Ph.D. level faculty.

Upper-level courses are less than 40 students, allowing close interaction between faculty and students. Interactions at this level are collegial, which provides the necessary atmosphere for the free exchange of new thoughts and ideas.

Graduates are well trained and highly sought, as is evidenced by our nearly 100% placement rate for students in industry, graduate programs and professional health-related programs.

Many chemistry majors participate in significant independent research during their degree. The department has state-of-the-art equipment facilities for student education and independent research.

Applied Learning Opportunities

Undergraduate students are provided with various immersing research experiences such as DIS and Honor thesis research.

Many chemistry majors have secured internships with international and local chemical, environmental, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Sample Courses in Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Instrumental techniques
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Get into Chemistry?

This degree is appropriate for students planning a career in chemistry, including those contemplating graduate school. It requires 400 hours of laboratory training above the 100 level.

An overall grade point average of “C” (2.00) is required in all chemistry courses counted toward the major.

Learn more about the
Department

Are You an International Student?

This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension.

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