Chemistry
Flame from benson burner

Undergraduate Chemistry Majors

Chemistry can change the world. Chemistry is central to all sciences and to life itself. In a world made of molecules, chemistry reveals what these groups of two or more atoms look like and the rules they follow to interact with each other.

Paper to paint, food to fertilizer, smart materials for improved devices, clean water and energy for a greener planet, smart polymers to lower the burden of pollution, effective vaccines and medicines to fight the most challenging health crisis—all require chemistry.

The areas of study within the Chemistry Department—chemistry, biochemistry, computational chemistry, and medicinal chemistry—help you to develop analytical, critical thinking, laboratory, research, and applied skills, blending the theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry you'll need to be successful. Career outcomes for chemistry, biochemistry, and related fields—including job placement and starting and median salaries are excellent. Plus, according to US News and World Report chemistry is the No.10 degree with the highest return on investment. It's no wonder that so many choose to study chemistry.

Bachelor's Degrees

Chemistry—BS

Take a traditional approach to the study of chemistry with our BS in Chemistry, which sets you up for success in graduate school, industry, or laboratory research. Chemistry majors learn best in a practical laboratory setting. Our program will prepare you to contribute to the nucleus of chemical advancements in diverse fields and leave your impression on the world. You'll quickly learn your way around our advanced labs and equipment, with the majority of your time being spent conducting research (independently and alongside faculty) and creatively exploring the real-world applications of chemistry. Choose one of three concentrations in Chemical Physics, Environmental Chemistry, and Polymer Chemistry.

Chemistry—BA

A Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry will provide you with a firm and broadly-based foundation in chemistry. You'll have the flexibility to pursue complementary objectives, such as a professional degree in law, business, any of the pre-health pathways (like pharmacy or medical school), or applying your chemistry knowledge in another discipline such as biochemistry, biology, business, scientific communication, computer science, and many others.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology—BS

Biochemists and molecular biologists investigate biomolecules, studying biological chemistry to understand the molecular and genetic bases of cellular processes. Our interdisciplinary bachelor's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology will prepare you for a rewarding career in virtually any branch of the life sciences you choose, such as agriculture; biotechnology; biofuels; medicine and pharmacology; forensic science; or genomics and molecular genetics.

Computational Chemistry and Cheminformatics—BS

Computational chemistry and cheminformatics is at the intersection of chemistry and information technology. A bachelor's degree in cheminformatics will provide you with a unique blended skill set in preparation for a career in this rapidly expanding field. You will complete upper-level course work in both chemistry and computer science. As a cheminformatics specialist, you will play an important role in supporting research and laboratory experimentation by making chemical information accessible and usable. You'll use computers to study and predict chemical reactions.

Medicinal Chemistry—BS

Medicinal chemists work on multidisciplinary teams to formulate, test, and analyze drugs. Our degree program in medicinal chemistry emphasizes research experience, a requirement for many jobs in pharmaceuticals. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to apply your training in chemistry to the process of pharmaceutical synthesis and analysis. You could conduct basic and applied research in chemistry to understand drug compounds or develop guidelines for the US FDA.

  • 12.7:1
    student-to-faculty ratio
  • 14
    average lab size
  • No. 1
    Best Value College in Michigan (niche.com, 2025)

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about the Chemistry Department undergraduate degree programs at Michigan's flagship technological university.

"My time in the chemistry department has given me several awesome opportunities from research to internships to coops. The professors here really care about your education and are always willing to help you out."Samuel Willard '19, BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Study Chemistry at a Technological University

At Michigan Tech, you’ll build research skills and foundational knowledge required to succeed in graduate school, research, or industry. You'll learn and experience first-hand how chemistry is central to solving real-world problems in sustainability, human health, environment, and manufacturing. With chemistry faculty that also serve as your research advisors and mentors, you'll experiment with chemistry in the lab and present results in classrooms, research symposia, and scientific journals.

  • Get personalized attention: 8.6:1 student-faculty ratio ensures your academic advisors and professors know you and understand your interests and needs. You receive guidance in a timely fashion. They can help pair you with research opportunities that meet your needs and provide valuable experience.
  • Customize your chemistry education: At Michigan Tech, our programs span pure chemistry (BS and BA options), biochemistry and molecular biology, computational chemistry and chemical informatics, and medicinal chemistry (includes pharmaceutical chemistry). Explore a variety of chemistry fields through our interdisciplinary approach and tailor your degree to fit your individual pathway.
  • Engage in chemistry research: Become involved in a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Whether you are planning to go to graduate school or enter the job market upon graduation, you’ll have an edge on the competition—hands-on experience with undergraduate research and  state-of-the-art research instrumentation.
  • Practice basic chemistry concepts: Work as a peer coach in the Chemistry Learning Center helping other students understand chemistry concepts while reinforcing your grasp of the basics.

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces. 

Tomorrow Needs You

Combine your creativity and curiosity to meet pressing societal challenges with innovative solutions. Graduate with the technical skills, critical thinking and tenacity to inspire, design and implement a sustainable future across social and natural sciences, humanities, and arts.

Undergraduate Majors in Chemistry

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem. Browse the entire list of College of Sciences and Arts majors. Or, give yourself time and declare the General Sciences and Arts major, which lets you decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.