Chemistry Major
Chemistry at Stritch provides a solid foundation for chemical analysis and use of common instrumentation. Many of our graduates have gone on to work in industry and research. You will have the opportunity to have individualized attention with low student to instructor ratios. Our courses rely heavily on hands-on, laboratory experience. Labs are taught by instructors, not teaching assistants.
Program Details
Program Overview
The chemistry major revolves around understanding atomic and molecular interactions and their impacts on everyday life. The coursework involved in pursuing a chemistry degree is divided into three general areas: quantitative chemistry, biochemistry and molecular mechanics. Chemists are involved in many industries, government agencies and educational institutions. Research and development and educational positions are in high demand for this major. If you want to study the nuts and bolts of what makes the universe tick then chemistry is for you.
Program Concentrations
This program is made up of the following concentrations. Learn more about concentrations.Concentration Overview
Pure chemistry. From understanding the Periodic Table to balancing equations, the Quantitative Chemistry concentrations provides all of the skills to understand the underpinnings of atomic interactions. Gain, lose or share electrons to your heart’s content with an extensive exposure to bond formation in this concentration.
Courses in this Concentration
Concentration Overview
From the smallest subatomic particle to the forces at work in the Sun, Molecular Mechanics examines the principles that affect interactions between energy and matter. This concentration uses mathematics and logic to define the universal laws that control thermodynamics, electricity, chemistry and the electromagnetic spectrum.
Courses in this Concentration
Concentration Overview
The Biochemistry concentration is centered on Organic Chemistry. It begins with an overview of metabolism in General Biology II and culminates with a deep dive into biological chemical pathways in the Biochemistry course. If you are interested in pharmacy or pharmacology, key concepts at the junction of biology and chemistry are covered here.
Courses in this Concentration
Concentrations on this page are required for this program. Additional courses or concentrations may need to be added to meet program or credit requirements.
Program Coursework
- General Chemistry I
- General Chemistry II
- Analytical Chemistry I
- Analytical Chemistry II
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry I
- General Physics I
- General Physics II
- General Biology II
- Organic Chemistry I
- Organic Chemistry II
- Organic Chemistry I Lab
- Organic Chemistry II Lab
- Biochemistry
The specific degree requirements on the website are for illustrative purposes and may change at any time. Please contact the Registrar's Office, Academic Advising or refer to the course catalog for detailed program requirements.
Program Outcomes
- Content Knowledge
- Technical Proficiency
- Ability to communicate ideas using appropriate formats and technical language
Liberal Arts Core
LEADERSHIP: 4 credits
- Freshman Seminar (1 cr.)
- Spiritual & Ethical Literacy (3 cr.)
- Personal Branding Communication (3 cr.)
- Writing for the 21st Century (3 cr.)*
- Quantitative Problem Solving (3 cr.)*
- Language & Culture (3 cr.)
CORE LITERACIES: 15 credits – Choose one (1) course from each broad theme. Course options can be found in the course catalog or on the academic advising page. Broad themes are:
- Narratives of Identity (3 cr.)
- Science, Environment & Culture (3 cr.)
- Social Tensions (3 cr.)
- The American Experience (3 cr.)
- Approving the Better Things (3 cr.)
Professional Core
Culminating Experience
- Pre-Internship
- Internship
- Capstone
Samantha Serak, '21
Chemistry Major
Your professors will be your most valuable resources. The material is complex and keeping up can be a challenge. I used every resource provided to me by my professors. They designed the exams, assignments, and projects you are going to complete. They are more than willing to help and give advice so use them to your advantage.
Rachel Odolski, '17
Flavorist in Training at Prinova Group
Every professor I had was willing to communicate with me and were as flexible as they could be with my athletic schedule.This allowed me to get the most out of my education and continue playing the sport I loved. In my last semester, I had worked closely with my professors to find a way to take larger credit load in order to graduate in time for a pending job offer. I cannot thank them enough for being flexible, supportive, and encouraging.
Maelle Gace, '21
Biology and Chemistry Major
The small class sizes helped me build a relationship with every professor. I was comfortable going into their offices to ask questions. My professors saw potential in me and challenged me to think about becoming a doctor in the future.
Job Options for Chemistry Majors
The need for scientifically trained educators is ever present, Chemists are among the highest sought after degree type in educational institutions.
The majority of graduates with a Chemistry degree pursue careers in one of three paths:
- Industry
- Research
- Education
Within Industry there are a many possibilities from Crystallography to Toxicology. Research and Development programs in both industry and academia rely heavily on individuals with backgrounds in all aspects of chemistry.
Contact admissions or the program faculty with questions about this program.
Daniel P. Meer
Chair - Natural Sciences|Faculty - Biology