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Chemistry

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

school:

Division of Natural Sciences

Learning Mode:

On Campus

Degree:

Major, Minor

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry

Chemistry matters. Chemistry involves asking questions and problem solving to find answers about the physical “stuff” of the world. What are things made of? What properties do they have? Why do they react in the way they do? This scientific and analytical information is vital, as it allows for informed decision-making about everything from everyday products to medicine and more.

Why be a Chemistry major?

Here’s what makes the Mount’s Chemistry major unique:

Student working with fire in chemistry lab

Labs at your disposal: We’re not going to tease you by showing you lab equipment you can’t touch. With proper training and supervision, our Science majors are allowed full use of lab tools to experiment, research, and learn for the ultimate hands-on experience.
Research opportunities: From paid one-on-one research with a professor to showcasing that research at regional and even international science conferences, Chemistry majors have plenty of opportunities to present and contribute to the field.
Preparation for your future: Whether you want to pursue graduate or medical school, pass on your love of chemistry as a teacher, or work in the field of research, we’ll set you up with what you need in order to achieve your dreams.
Family atmosphere: Our small class sizes and cohort model of scientific learning means you won’t just be colleagues with your professors and classmates: you’ll be family. You’ll even have a “science sibling,” an upperclassman student assigned to mentor you throughout your first year.

“The thing about the classes is that although they are tough, you will get through them, and when you do, you feel like nothing can stop you. Every professor is willing to work with you on a personal level to try to do everything they can to help you succeed.”

Azeem Ahmed '22

What to expect as a Chemistry major

36 credits in Chemistry | 24 credits in related sciences and math | Maintain 2.0+ GPA

Learn about Chemistry major academic requirements and courses here.

As a first-year Chemistry major, you’ll start out with two 3-hour lab courses per week. These courses will prepare you for your upper-level classes, focusing on skill development, scientific lab tool orientation, writing and presenting lab reports, and working with a team.

From there, you will continue to grow your skills with the same set of students you took your first courses with, allowing you to build on your teamwork. You’ll conclude your studies with seminar courses that focus on interpreting and presenting scientific literature, which will put you ahead of the pack in graduate school.

What will really set your Mount experience apart however is the tight-knit science family you’ll join. You’ll live and work together over the summer contributing to impactful research that preserves the environment and contributes to life-changing advances. You’ll bond while organizing Family Science Night for the local community with the American Chemical Society student chapter on campus. And you’ll make memories while simply studying together after class in the Natural Sciences office. If you’re looking for your team, you’ll find them here.

Professor and student looking at chemical material

Be prepared for your future

You can choose to take your chemistry degree in so many different directions! Many of our Chemistry majors choose to go on to professional school in a health-related field, while others jump right into their careers in forensics, pharmaceutical, teaching, research, nanochemistry, product creation and production, and more. From government organizations like the Center for Disease Control and the Department of Health to independent companies, Chemistry majors are valued for their problem solving and analytical abilities.

Here’s how some of our Science alumni are using their degrees:

Rayna Burke ’11, Contract Administrator for Arginx
Andre Santa ’12 MBA ’19, Assistant Vice President in Charge of Quality at Easter Alloys
Amy Goldstein ’13, Chemist II at the Nature’s Bounty Co.
Mary McEwan ’13 MSEd ’13, Chemistry Teacher at Somers Central School District