Undergraduate Program in Chemistry

Chemistry (ACS Certified)

Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

Chemistry for the Professions

Questions about the nature of life and how to preserve it have fascinated people throughout history. Chemistry is a major player in tackling those questions -- looking for ways to feed the world's growing population, tapping into new sources of energy, improving health and fighting disease, and protecting the environment. As a chemistry major, the answers you find at the microscopic level will be important at the universal level.

Our Undergraduate Handbook will give you valuable information on what the program at Marquette involves and the programs we offer.  The Undergraduate Bulletin lists the requirements and course descriptions for these programs.

Undergraduates are also encouraged to participate in research with our faculty members.  Most of the faculty regularly work with undergraduate researchers in their laboratories. This is a unique opportunity to move out of the normal laboratory curriculum and to become involved with cutting-edge research in a variety of areas. Chemistry 195 or 197, Reading and Research, may be taken for credit; you are encouraged to begin investigating the research interests of the faculty early and to begin laboratory work when as early as you can. Frequently financial support is available for research during the summer months. More information can be found in our Undergraduate Research Opportunities handout in either PDF or Word format.

Additionally, the department presents awards at the end of each academic year to outstanding students at all levels. There are two awards presented each year to outstanding seniors, one to a junior, one at the sophomore level and one at the freshman level. These are presented at an all-department colloquium; after the awards are presented an outstanding visiting scientist will present the work of their research.

Thinking about careers in industry or graduate school in chemistry? Visit the American Chemical Society's on-line resources, "Planning for a Career in Industry" and "Planning for Graduate Work in Chemistry."

For a look at an alternative choice to the traditional career path, see the following article from Chemical & Engineering News: "A Patently Satisfying Career". (PDF)

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The Marquette Advantage Get in the lab early and often.  Through your academic career, you'll study and conduct research in organic, analytical, physical and inorganic chemistry.  You'll be well prepared for the next level, whether it's graduate school or the professional world. Your professors will be your teachers and mentors.  They'll also be your co-workers.  As an undergraduate, you'll have the opportunity to work directly with our faculty on the research they conduct with grants from such agencies as the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Get published...as an undergraduate?  At Marquette you can.  Not only will you conduct independent research -- you'll get to present your papers on your findings at national conferences sponsored by the American Chemical Society.  Many of these papers are published in national chemistry journals. Establish your academic and professional network through Marquette's chapter of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society -- named one of the outstanding chapters in the country.  You'll tour local chemical companies, meet and host guest speakers, and learn about scholarship and employment opportunities.

Where our graduates go Marquette chemistry graduates have a variety of options because their intellectual and research skills are valued in so many areas.  With additional training through our School of Education, some become chemistry teachers.   Others continue their education to the master's and doctoral levels, preparing for careers as researchers, professors, or both.  Some go to medical, dental and law school.  Many take their knowledge and experience to private industry, working for companies like Pfizer Inc., Baxter Healthcare Corp., Abbott Laboratories, Sigma-Aldrich Corp. and S.C. Johnson Wax.

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