Chemistry (BS, BA)

Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry at Indiana State?

Indiana State’s undergraduate Chemistry Program is excellent preparation for careers in industry, graduate school, or professional school.

As a chemistry major, your coursework will provide a depth of knowledge in the five recognized sub-fields of chemistry—analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. You will be exposed to real-world applications of chemistry through departmental seminars by scientists from academia and industry as well as recent department graduates.

Benefit from Faculty-Mentored Research Opportunities

Our program assures you the best of both worlds—hands-on use of state-of-the-art instrumentation of the type found at major research universities, and the close collaboration between students and faculty that characterizes smaller colleges.

The highlight of our program is the high level of participation by undergraduates in faculty-mentored research. Research opportunities are available in a wide range of areas, including biochemistry, bioinformatics, computational chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials science, medicinal chemistry, natural products chemistry, organic synthesis, and physical chemistry.

Full-time, ten-week paid summer research fellowships are available within the department, and some of our students gain experience through internships with local companies.

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty

As a chemistry major at Indiana State, you will benefit from small classes taught by faculty with diverse specialties, including biochemistry, natural products chemistry, computational chemistry, organic synthesis, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and materials science. Faculty work one-on-one with students in their labs, mentoring them and guiding them on individualized research projects.

All professors hold doctoral degrees, and they publish articles, conduct research, edit journals, and speak at national and international meetings within their specializations. The Chemistry and Physics Department has long been recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and service. Recent awards include the Caleb Mills Distinguished Teaching Award; the Theodore Dreiser Distinguished Research and Creativity Award; and the President’s Medal, the University’s highest award for faculty.

Enrich Your Learning

As a chemistry major, you will have opportunities to participate in research projects under the direct supervision and support of full-time faculty members. As part of the research experience, you will have opportunities to present your results at regional and national scientific meetings.

In addition, you may participate in the nationally recognized Student Affiliates Chapter of the American Chemical Society, Timmy Global Health, or the Premed Club. These, and more than 100 other highly accessible student organizations, provide opportunities for involvement and leadership that will enrich your learning.

What You’ll Learn in the Chemistry Program

As a chemistry major, you will complete the required chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses of the core curriculum as well as the coursework required for one of several different degree options. By consulting your academic advisor, you will choose the degree option that best meets your interests and career goals.

All chemistry majors take the same courses during the first two years of study, so you will have enough time to consult with your advisor before choosing one of the options (listed below) that best suits your goals.

Career Possibilities for Chemistry Majors

Majoring in chemistry builds transferable skills, such as problem-solving and communication, that are valued by all employers. A bachelor’s in chemistry from Indiana State will prepare you for a career in a variety of specialties, including research, industrial quality control, forensic chemistry or biochemistry, chemical or pharmaceutical sales, environmental monitoring and regulation, and scientific writing.

Our graduates secure positions as chemists, laboratory managers, and research scientists in industrial, government, and academic settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the overall employment of chemists to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031.

Many graduates pursue advanced studies in chemistry or related fields or seek professional degrees in medical, dental, chiropractic, pharmaceutical, or veterinary schools. The Department boasts an excellent acceptance rate of our graduates into professional programs.

Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Chemistry offers two concentrations that are approved by the American Chemical Society: the American Chemical Society-Certified Concentration and the American Chemical Society-Certified Biochemistry Concentration.