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Chemistry
Major, Minor
Program Overview
Chemists are forged in the lab — and as a chemistry major, you'll get the kind of hands-on training critical to your development. From your first day in class until you complete your faculty-guided capstone project, you won't have to wait to learn the magic of discovery. You'll experience it all along the way.
Program Snapshot
Why This Program & What You'll Learn
As a chemistry major, you'll begin your studies with the same core courses in science and math as every other student in the program. After that, your own passion and interests will determine your direction. Whether you want to discover new medicines, protect our environment, or develop new compounds, this concentration gives you the chance to pursue what excites you.
Hands-on research and the chance to work closely with faculty are hallmarks of our program, which is certified by the American Chemical Society. For 50 years, our capstone program has paired students with faculty on meaningful research; it's the only program of its kind in Michigan. Since its inception, hundreds of students have completed capstones. Many have gone on to publish their findings in peer-reviewed publications and present their research at national meetings.
While the capstone is a reflection of your own passion, you won't be on your own. You'll be guided in the process by a faculty mentor who will steer you toward success. You'll also present a research poster, write a thesis and even have the chance to present your research at local, regional, and even world wide conferences.
No matter what you study, our faculty are focused on your real-world success. The things you learn will have practical use, whether you pursue an advanced degree or a career right out of college.
Program Highlights
As a chemistry major, you will:
- Work with faculty on groundbreaking research. In the past, joint projects have led to a method to capture and process mercury from coal-fired power plants, and a chemical compound that filters cancer-causing perchlorates from water.
- Learn the latest techniques in our four-story, 60,000-square-foot Dow Science Complex. It supports NMR spectrometry, radioactive materials research, and mass spectrometry and spectroscopy.
- Be surrounded by eager learners. The student chapter of the American Chemical Society has been recognized for excellence eight years in a row.
Careers & Outcomes
Whether you go to work in a lab, pursue an advanced degree or teach, a chemistry degree gives you the skills to move forward.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Environmental Field Chemist | $49,534 |
| Research Associate | $56,934 |
| Chemical Technician | $50,840 |
| Chemist | $80,670 |
| Soil and Plant Scientist | $65,730 |
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