Chemistry
The field of chemistry offers diverse opportunities for those students graduating with a major in chemistry. Degrees in chemistry prepare students for careers in industry, teaching, and graduate school programs and may be used as a pre-professional program for students wishing to apply for medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, or related programs.
Those graduates who culminate their education with a bachelor’s degree will be prepared for opportunities in the chemical industry in either the laboratory, sales, or product development areas. Students looking to teach chemistry and other sciences in high schools will benefit from one of the various degree plans offering Missouri state certification in secondary education. Those students who wish to extend their education should choose to pursue one of the Bachelor of Science degrees, which are more appropriately suited for graduate work in chemistry and biochemistry. The Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in biochemistry is well-suited as a pre-health science degree, requiring a number of the chemistry, math, and biology courses required by such professional programs.
A minor in chemistry is an ideal complement for those students pursuing degrees in criminal justice, business administration, biology, or psychology. The minor also opens additional career opportunities for post-graduate careers in the fields of forensics, pharmaceutical sales, patent law, and healthcare administration.
Access biochemistry minor here.
Access chemistry minor here.
Typical Coursework
Majors in chemistry are required to complete significant coursework in math, chemistry, and physics as well as biology for the biochemistry emphasis. Typically, the major requires that the student participate in at least one lab course per semester with many semesters in which multiple lab courses are required. Chemistry is an exciting field that focuses on critical thinking through both qualitative and quantitative problems that are applicable to real world scenarios, ranging from energy consumption and environmental issues to pharmaceuticals and criminal investigations. Majors should enjoy both math and science courses and should be prepared to work outside of the classroom on course assignments, lab work, and reports.