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Chemistry BA and BS

Chemistry is the fundamental makeup of the world around us. Chemistry at the University of St. Thomas prepares you for a variety of careers after graduation with a rigorous American Chemical Society-certified curriculum.

Why Study Chemistry at St. Thomas?

Our talented and creative faculty will engage with you in the classroom, research, clubs and professional development. We encourage you to ask questions and get involved within our supportive community. Chemistry is the foundation for so many other disciplines—by choosing it as your primary focus, you will become a strong candidate for a variety of jobs. Our alumni have gone on to successful careers in medicine, the health sciences, the computer and electronics industry, the food industry and more.

Understanding the Makeup of the World

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Collaborative Research
  • Course Requirements

    You start in foundational courses focusing on chemical bonding, change and analysis, then proceed to classes discussing chemical synthesis, the chemistry of living systems and the physics of chemistry. The best part? You can collaborate with faculty on research, and we will support your professional development with various programs throughout your college career.

    Four-Year Plan

    Your four-year plan will vary depending on if you choose the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or minor in chemistry. We recommend connecting with a faculty member in our department to discuss your options.

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (ACS Certified)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
    • Minor in Chemistry

    Collaborative Research

    Fun fact: Our program is one of the largest undergraduate research programs in Minnesota. Over the last five years, over 250 students have performed paid, full-time research with faculty over the summer. You will have numerous opportunities to conduct research with your professors.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    You start in foundational courses focusing on chemical bonding, change and analysis, then proceed to classes discussing chemical synthesis, the chemistry of living systems and the physics of chemistry. The best part? You can collaborate with faculty on research, and we will support your professional development with various programs throughout your college career.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    Your four-year plan will vary depending on if you choose the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or minor in chemistry. We recommend connecting with a faculty member in our department to discuss your options.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (ACS Certified)
    • Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
    • Minor in Chemistry

    Collaborative Research

    Collaborative Research

    Fun fact: Our program is one of the largest undergraduate research programs in Minnesota. Over the last five years, over 250 students have performed paid, full-time research with faculty over the summer. You will have numerous opportunities to conduct research with your professors.

    A glass container of red chemicals

    Career Paths

    Our program prepares you for a fulfilling career with academic knowledge and practical skills desired by a diverse array of industries.

    • Medicine (including medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, etc.)
    • Materials (plastics, semiconductors)
    • Energy (solar power, batteries, fuel cells, LEDs)
    • Agriculture and food (food storage, flavor design)
    • Biotechnology (medical devices, drug design, diagnostics)
    • Environment (develop instruments to clean and protect the environment)

    Scholarships

    Chemistry students have multiple scholarship opportunities available to them as incoming and current students.

    Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarships

    St. Thomas will offer two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates who intend to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.

    William D. Larson Scholarship

    We award these scholarships to juniors who display exceptional achievement in the field of chemistry and intend to pursue careers in chemistry, medicine or related fields. The awards have historically exceeded $5,000.

    Henry M. Neumann Scholarship

    This scholarship historically exceeds $4,000 and it is awarded to students with a declared chemistry major based on their merit inside and outside of the classroom, as well as financial need.

    Solid Academic Knowledge. Practical Experiences.

    85

    Eighty-five students have co-authored and published 38 research papers with faculty.

    250

    Two-hundred and fifty students have presented research at national conferences.

    Top

    The University of St. Thomas is one of the best schools in Minnesota for hands-on research with faculty.

    Schoenecker Center

    The Schoenecker Center — the university's new central home for STEAM education — is home to several new Chemistry spaces, including the Nachstein Chemistry Suite.

    Students on the grand stairway in the Schoenecker Center
    People seated outside a cafe in Rome, Italy.

    Get Out and Explore

    We encourage you to get out of the classroom and explore the world around you. Whether you are here in the Twin Cities or studying abroad, we have the resources you need for success.

    • We have a large and active research program employing nearly 50 students every summer.
    • You can study organic chemistry in Rome through the Rome Empower program.
    • We want you to spread the word about the great work you are doing here. Our students have completed 250 presentations at national conferences.
    • Faculty teach every class and lab, fostering a vibrant community of scholars with our students.

    Chemistry program video

    Prepared for What's Next

    Chemistry students at St. Thomas are prepared for the next chapter because of individualized attention inside and outside of the classroom, as well as opportunities for collaborative research with faculty.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.