About this Program
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides classroom and laboratory learning experiences with dedicated and caring instructors. Undergraduate majors are able to participate in research experiences in faculty research groups, addressing cutting edge questions in basic science as well as applied science on locally relevant topics. The Chemistry BA provides general training in chemistry with the freedom to specialize in additional areas as well. Many choose to include a business or education focus.
- Active learning environment
- Access to state-of-the –art instrumentation
- Focus on undergraduate teaching and research
Acquired Skills
Apply critical thinking and quantitative skills to solve chemistry-related problems.
Effectively communicate (orally and in written form)
Apply experience with lab techniques and data analysis to responsibly design, safely perform and critically analyze the results of experiments which involve:
- The measurement of chemical quantities
- The synthesis and purification of chemical reaction products
- The simulation or modeling of chemical systems
Career Possibilities
Graduating chemists have multiple career options in industry, government, and academia ranging from research and development, quality control and manufacturing support, environmental and health law, patent law, policy and enforcement, education, activism and management. Our graduates are employed in small to large regional and national industries encompassing drug development and manufacturing, biotechnology, environmental and medical testing, and food processing. They are also employed as educators in K-12 settings.
Graduating chemists have multiple career options in industry, government, and academia ranging from research and development, quality control and manufacturing support, environmental and health law, patent law, policy and enforcement, education, activism and management. Our graduates are employed in small to large regional and national industries encompassing drug development and manufacturing, biotechnology, environmental and medical testing, and food processing. They are also employed as educators in K-12 settings.
Admissions and Scholarships
In addition to SCSE scholarships, our department has several that are focused upon upper-level chemistry majors including the UMD Peterson Memorial Scholarship, the Ballou Scholarship Honoring Dr. John C. Cothran, the Robert Bayer Memorial Scholarship, the Catherine E. Cox Scholarship for Chemistry and Biochemistry, the James H. Maguire Award, and the F.B. Moore Academic and Leadership Scholarship. Further details on application criteria can be found on the departmental website.