Chemistry

About the Major

Chemistry is the science that studies the basic structural units of matter—what things are made of, what their properties are, and how they act and interact. You will study the composition and behavior of matter, the process of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of the phenomena.

Skills and abilities this major develops include: laboratory techniques, data analysis, complex computation, and presentation of research findings, orally or in writing. Critical thinking and problem solving are essential.

Engaged Learning Experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IUPUI’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research experiences enable you to develop important problem-solving skills and experience for your future career.

Professional Work Experience

Grow your skills through internships or part-time jobs. Join the School of Science Career & Internship site in Canvas for additional information and resources.

Center for Service and Learning

The Center for Service and Learning at IUPUI has many service-oriented programs that allow you to work with and impact your community in endless ways.

Opportunities After Graduation

Students with a bachelor's degree in chemistry can go on to a variety of professional callings. An undergraduate degree is sufficient for entry-level positions, such as lab coordinator, research assistant, product testing or analysis, technical sales, or service representative. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 7% from 2016 to 2026.

The average starting salary reported by 2019 IUPUI chemistry graduates was $35,558, and the median salary was $35,180. According to the May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Indiana, average salaries were as follows: $79,910 for chemists and $45,510 for chemical technicians.

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

A degree in chemistry can also provide an educational foundation for admission to professional schools or to advanced degrees in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, business, engineering, etc. Graduates with a master’s degree, and particularly those with a Ph.D., will enjoy better opportunities than those with a bachelor’s degree (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016–2017).

Quick Facts

Sample Coursework

Principles of chemistry 1 and 2
Calculus 1, 2, and 3
Physics 1 and 2
Organic chemistry 1 and 2
Introduction to instrumental analysis
Analytical chemistry

Possible Careers

Analytical chemist
Research scientist
Chemist
Associate analytical chemist
Quality control technician
Senior research scientist*

*This career requires further education or training.

Where could I work?

AIT Bioscience
Alcon
Covance
Educational institutions
Federal, state, or local government
Roche Diagnostics

Complementing Interests

IInvestigative

RRealistic

CConventional

Get your interest code

Where to Get More Information

Purdue School of Science

IUPUI Chemistry Club

American Chemical Society

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Cluster

This major belongs to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) cluster. The STEM cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in the sciences, technology, engineering, informatics, and computing. The STEM cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the STEM cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

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