Chemistry is the branch of science that studies matter: its composition, properties, and reactivity. Chemistry is foundational to biology, medicine, research, and industry. It helps us understand the universe on every scale; from the nanoscale delivery of pharmaceuticals to the makeup of stars and planets light-years away from us. There are many career paths that start with a degree in chemistry. Scroll down to see what chemistry degrees Northwest offers and which one might be right for you.
General chemistry can take a couple of paths to finding the right type of chemistry degree that you want for your future career. This path allows you to take control and select topics that are interesting to you and to delve deeper into the various realms that chemistry has to offer. The two tracks, B.A. and B.S., have varying depths of math and physics required and allow for students to get a minor or double major if desired! After completing this degree many different pathways are opened for future careers in many different fields. This can include nursing or other medical fields along with graduate school or other industry/research positions.
The Biochemistry B.S. degree focuses on compounds in living systems including their composition, properties, and chemical reactions, to understand the structure and function of biological systems. The cross-discipline curriculum in biology and chemistry trains students to be competitive in the rapidly expanding biotechnology field. Many students that pursue this degree find multiple doors are open to them in many different career fields. Students have gone on to medical school, graduate school, vet programs, pharmacy school, and many industry/research positions.
The ACS-Certified B.S. in chemistry is the most comprehensive chemistry degree offered at Northwest. It has been approved by the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Professional Training as meeting their standards for quality and rigor. The degree requires coursework in all the major areas of the field (Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry) and a solid foundation in physics and mathematics. Students completing this degree will have exposure to the full breadth and depth of faculty expertise and the wide range of scientific instrumentation that Northwest has to offer. Students graduating with this degree are uniquely suited and fully prepared for moving onto graduate-level studies of chemistry (M.S. or Ph.D.) or post-baccalaureate careers in both industry and research.
Chemistry education majors at Northwest study the chemistry curriculum and learn methods to apply it in the classroom. This major prepares students to teach all chemistry courses at the secondary education level (grades 9-12). Like all Northwest chemistry majors, students study the science of matter and its transformations from one form to another. Faculty focus on providing practical laboratory experience and foundational knowledge in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. In education courses, faculty incorporate practical teaching knowledge where students learn to implement a curriculum in the classroom, create a positive classroom environment, methods of effective communication and techniques for assessing learners’ progress in the classroom.
A minor in chemistry teaches students the foundations of college algebra, physics, and chemistry. The foundational courses in chemistry, physics and algebra set students up for success when diving into chemistry in a way that supplements your major.
A minor in biochemistry teaches students the foundations of college algebra, biology, and plant science. These courses complement a foundation in chemistry and help students bridge chemistry and biology with a reduced number of courses compared to the major.
A minor is also available when completed under the B.S.Ed. The Secondary Program will meet Missouri teacher certification standards for Chemistry grades 9-12.
Students in chemistry are set up to be successful in their future careers from Day One! Students have access to state-of-the-art-labs, curriculum, and equipment right away. Take a look at our lab spaces and our equipment to see that we compare to the large universities, but with a much more one-on-one atmosphere. There is a professor in every lab, and you won’t be taught by a TA only.
Not only do undergraduates get to take advantage of all the amazing lab spaces and equipment on campus, but they are also encouraged to look for undergraduate research opportunities with our current faculty members! Take a look at our faculty webpages and see if there is anything that matches your interests!
