About This Program
Chemistry is a body of knowledge that helps explain the physical world and its processes. Chemists study substances—their composition, structures, properties, and reactions. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides classroom and laboratory learning opportunities and research experiences across the discipline, designed to meet the needs of students in engineering, liberal arts, and pre-professional programs, as well as those who wish to pursue careers or graduate studies in chemistry or related disciplines.
By completing the B.A. in chemistry, you can generally plan to use chemistry as a study field that complements other areas such as law, library science, technical writing, public relations, or sales. The B.A., with fewer required credits than the B.S., provides time to complete a second major or multiple minors. B.A. students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research. The major also provides a strong foundation for students planning to go to professional schools, such as medical or pharmacy school.
Program Highlights
- American Chemical Society (ACS) approved program
- Offer rigorous courses that promote critical thinking
- Focus on problem-solving strategies
- An active learning environment
- Opportunities to participate in research
- Promote activities for networking and teamwork
- We emphasize the importance of connecting with our community, engaging with people outside of our field and the value of being part of university, community and professional organizations
Research & Experiential Learning
- Fellowships awarded every year to support full-time summer research
- Departmental Honors Program prioritizes individual research experiences
- Strong connections with the University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which provides student research fellowships
- Our interdisciplinary department is affiliated with the Pharmacy and Medical Schools, Large Lakes Observatory, the Advanced Materials Center, and the Natural Resources Research Institute
Student Internships
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- UMD, Natural Resources Research Institute
- Charter Next Generation
- DiaSorin
- Ecolab
- Essentia Health
- Mayo Clinic
Potential Careers
- Chemist
- Medical scribe
- Laboratory technician
- Pharmacy technician
- Physician
- Pharmacist
- Analytical chemist
- Forensic scientist
- Clinical research associate
- Microbiologist
Scholarships
Each year, the Swenson College of Science and Engineering awards over $1 million in scholarships. These scholarships range from $1000 to full tuition. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry also has scholarships specifically for chemistry and biochemistry students.
Get Involved
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Club
- Pre-Dentistry Club
- Pre-Medicine Club (Pre-Med Club)
- Pre Optometry Club
- Pre-OT Club
- Pre-Pharmacy Club
- Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre PT)
- Pre-Physician Assistant Club (Pre-PA Club)
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.
Chemistry B.A. Courses & Requirements