Why Elms for your Chemistry degree?

  • Conduct innovative research and present your work at STEM conferences.
  • Work with state-of-the-art equipment in the Lyons Center, a $12 million facility for natural and health sciences.
  • Explore the ethical applications of medicine, technology, and pharmaceuticals through our bioethics and medical humanities minor.

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 1201General Chemistry I3
CHE 1201LGeneral Chemistry I Lab1
CHE 1202General Chemistry II3
CHE 1202LGeneral Chemistry II Lab1
CHE 2101Organic Chemistry I3
CHE 2101LOrganic Chemistry I Lab1
CHE 2102Organic Chemistry II3
CHE 2102LOrganic Chemistry II Lab1
CHE 3007Physical Chemistry I3
CHE 3007LPhysical Chemistry I Lab1
CHE 3008Physical Chemistry II3
CHE 3008LPhysical Chemistry II Lab1
CHE 3205Advanced Inorganic Chemistry3
CHE 3205LAdvanced Inorganic Chemistry Lab1
CHE 3307Analytical Chemistry3
CHE 3307LAnalytical Chemistry Lab1
Choose one: CHE 3306 (formerly CHE 336), 3308 (formerly CHE 338), 4109 (formerly CHE 419), 4200 (formerly CHE 420) (4 credits)
PHY 1005General Physics I3
PHY 1005LGeneral Physics I Lab1
PHY 1006General Physics II3
PHY 1006LGeneral Physics II Lab1
MAT 1301Differential Calculus3
MAT 1302Integral Calculus3

Click to view course requirements for the Chemistry minor.

Minor Requirements (24 credits)

Course #Course Name# of Credit Hours
CHE 1201General Chemistry I3
CHE 1201LGeneral Chemistry I Lab1
CHE 1202General Chemistry II3
CHE 1202LGeneral Chemistry II Lab1
CHE 2101Organic Chemistry I3
CHE 2101LOrganic Chemistry I Lab1
CHE 2102Organic Chemistry II3
CHE 2102LOrganic Chemistry II Lab1
CHE 3307Analytical Chemistry3
CHE 3307LAnalytical Chemistry Lab1
Chemistry elective with lab (4 credits)