Explore the (Sub)atomic World
Chemistry majors at Elms College go below the surface of things. You’ll study the properties and interactions of atoms and molecules. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of organic and inorganic matter. Most importantly, you’ll find creative ways to apply chemical science to make a better world.
Our award-winning professors help you cultivate your talents in the classroom and lab. Small class sizes mean that you go beyond simply reading about concepts and theories. Instead, you’ll be challenged to build your knowledge and skills through independent research. Chemistry faculty often invite majors to collaborate with them on long term studies as well.
Be a Solutions Expert
The beauty of earning a chemistry degree is that it can take you anywhere. Chemists use their skills to do everything from improving the durability of plastics to enhancing the flavor of food and beverages. You can go on to:
- Work in the private sector. Biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and biomedical engineering are just a few of the industries where chemists make a difference. A thorough understanding of chemistry can also pave the way to careers in the health professions.
- Work for a government agency. Chemists can support the public good by working for think tanks, public health institutes, and government agencies. Public service is a smart option for students committed to social justice.
- Work in education. The periodic table. Chemical reactions. Biochemistry. Sound like your passion? If so, double major in chemistry and education.
- Work for a nonprofit. Elms is all about interdisciplinary study. The liberal arts courses you take along with your chemistry requirements will teach you to put science into context, and how to make it relatable to non-experts.
Unlock Your Potential
Our alumni leave campus feeling confident about their ability to make a positive difference through their work. Recent graduates of our program have gone on to Ph.D. programs at Brown University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Connecticut, and Boston College.
Other alumni have found jobs as chemists at local companies, including Solutia, Morton Salt, and Minute Maid. Many graduates have pursued teaching careers, often finding positions in high schools in Western Massachusetts.
Quick Info
Required Credits
50
Degree Option
Bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree in chemistry; minor in chemistry
- Conduct original research in the Lyons Center, a state-of-the-art research facility.
- Gain hands-on experience with organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, and connect your studies to fields like applied mathematics and computer science.
- Benefit from personalized instruction and small class sizes.
- Connect with faculty about career development.
- Explore extracurricular opportunities in Western Massachusetts.
Curriculum
Click to view course requirements for the Chemistry (B.A.).
Minimum at Elms College: 18 credits/Minimum GPA: 2.5
Introductory computer programming proficiency: choose CIT 1103 (formerly CIT 113), CIT 1203 (formerly CIT 123), CIT 2103 (formerly CIT 213), or CIT 2203 (formerly CIT 223), an independent study, or demonstrated proficiency. Please consult with the chemistry department.
Chemistry Teacher Preparation
Undergraduate students who wish to pursue a career in teaching high school chemistry should seek a double major in chemistry and secondary education.
Major Requirements (50 credits)
Course # | Course Name | # of Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Chemistry Courses (36 credits) | ||
CHE 1201 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
CHE 1201L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
CHE 1202 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
CHE 1202L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
CHE 2101 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
CHE 2101L | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
CHE 2102 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
CHE 2102L | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
CHE 3007 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
CHE 3007L | Physical Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
CHE 3008 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
CHE 3008L | Physical Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
CHE 3205 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
CHE 3205L | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Lab | 1 |
CHE 3307 | Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
CHE 3307L | Analytical Chemistry Lab | 1 |
Choose one: CHE 3306 (formerly CHE 336), 3308 (formerly CHE 338), 4109 (formerly CHE 419), 4200 (formerly CHE 420) (4 credits) | ||
PHY 1005 | General Physics I | 3 |
PHY 1005L | General Physics I Lab | 1 |
PHY 1006 | General Physics II | 3 |
PHY 1006L | General Physics II Lab | 1 |
MAT 1301 | Differential Calculus | 3 |
MAT 1302 | Integral Calculus | 3 |
Click to view course requirements for the Chemistry minor.
Minor Requirements (24 credits)
Course # | Course Name | # of Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
CHE 1201 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
CHE 1201L | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
CHE 1202 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
CHE 1202L | General Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
CHE 2101 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
CHE 2101L | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
CHE 2102 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
CHE 2102L | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
CHE 3307 | Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
CHE 3307L | Analytical Chemistry Lab | 1 |
Chemistry elective with lab (4 credits) |