Chemistry (B.S./B.A.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • The Howard L. Hunter Chemistry Laboratory provides more than 50,000 square feet of lab space.
  • We offer a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry.
  • The chemistry department has 23 faculty members.
  • Many of our graduates go on to medical, dental and pharmacy school.
ABOUT.

Have you ever wondered about what makes up our world, down to the smallest particle? Studying chemistry at Clemson won’t just give you a close-up look at atoms, molecules and chemical reactions. It will also prepare you for a career in medicine, research, pharmacy and many other industries. If you find yourself thinking about where the molecules you inhale come from, majoring in chemistry can turn your thoughts into engaging research projects conducted with approachable and knowledgeable faculty members. Chemistry has a hand in almost every part of the scientific process. Our Bachelor of Science degree will prepare you for a professional career in chemistry, while our Bachelor of Arts degree gives you a broad education needed for a career dependent on a basic knowledge of chemistry. 

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

Along with general education requirements, chemistry majors will engage in an in-depth, hands-on course of study that takes you from the basics all the way to organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry, just to name a few. You might also take part in Creative Inquiry, or undergraduate research, teams. 

The Bachelor of Science in chemistry emphasizes the technical and communication skills needed for a professional career in chemistry. You’ll be required to participate in undergraduate research teams on projects such as synthesis of new compounds with materials potential, bioorganic and medicinal chemistry, polymers, thin films and surfaces, electrochemistry and much more. You will work with cutting-edge laboratory tools and instruments and will have the opportunity to do a cooperative education internship where you’ll apply your education in the workplace.

A Bachelor of Arts in chemistry provides you with a broad education and focuses on areas in medicine, pharmacy and law. There are fewer chemistry courses, but a requirement of two years of a foreign language along with a minor. You’ll be prepared for careers dependent on a basic knowledge of chemistry, and a B.A. is an excellent preprofessional curriculum for medicine, pharmacy and law. 

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

Majoring in chemistry at Clemson isn’t just about doing the research. It’s about the hands-on experience, inside and outside the walls of the laboratory. Clemson’s state-of-the-art facilities and extensive research equipment provide you with a world outside the classroom and inside the world of intensive research and innovative experimentation. There are also opportunities that allow you to make connections beyond Clemson, be it research institutes, chemistry clubs or simply interacting with highly qualified faculty.

Internships and Research Projects:

SURP:
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program brings U.S. college students to Clemson to conduct research for 10 weeks. They explore techniques such as high-field NMR spectroscopy, computational chemistry, electrochemistry and much more.
RESEARCH:
The chemistry department is one of the largest and most active on campus with 23 faculty and 15 postdoctoral scientists. Research centers include the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Resource Center and the Molecular Structure Center.
FACILITIES:
Clemson’s chemistry department holds one of the finest laboratory spaces in the Southeast. With more than 50,000 square feet filled with cutting-edge instruments, you’ll have a world of experimentation tools at your fingertips.

Connect with Other Students:

  • American Chemical Society
CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

26%

Employed

53%

Grad School

21%

Seeking Employment

0%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • U.S. Air Force — Pilot
  • Answers in Genesis — Writer/Editor
  • Tetramer Technologies, LLC — Scientist

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Virginia Tech — M.Arch.
  • Pennsylvania State University — Ph.D.
  • Presbyterian College — Pharm.D.
  • University of South Carolina School of Medicine — M.D.

Common Career Areas**

  • Analytical
    • Environmental
    • Forensics
  • Biochemical
    • Medical
    • Environmental
    • Industrial Health & Safety
    • Hospital Administration
  • Organic/Inorganic
    • Geochemistry
      • Environmental Remediation
    • Polymer Chemistry
      • Physical
        • Education
          • Business
            • Technical Sales/Marketing
            • Pharmaceutical Sales
            • Management
            • Consulting
            • Industrial Quality Control
            • Research & Development
          • Technical Writing
            • Law
              • Patent Law
              • Legislation and Lobbying
            *Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin® Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
            **Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
            FIND OUT MORE.

            Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

            Christopher Porter, CES Undergraduate Recruitment Director
            864-656-7870 — cporter@clemson.edu