6 things you should know before college
November 25, 2016
College is different than high school. Keep these things in mind while preparing to come to Colorado State University.
Chemistry Major
Do you want to discover new materials or research how chemicals interact to help solve the world’s problems?
At a glance
In the Chemistry major, you’ll study the structure and transformations of physical matter – everything we can see and touch. Chemists synthesize compounds from life-enhancing medicines to the materials of modern society. They collect and analyze data used in policy decisions, including those involving air, food, soil, and water. They develop materials and processes that are safer and more energy and material efficient. They develop processes for the recovery and conversion of waste to raw materials. You’ll learn to do all these things while majoring in Chemistry at CSU, all while working alongside expert faculty members using state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
| Degree type | Bachelor of Science | |||
| Format | On campus | |||
| Part of | College of Natural Sciences | |||
| Competitive major? | No | |||
| Accelerated option? | No |
Not sure if this is the right major for you?
See all of them!
See all of them!
Concentrations
A concentration allows you to specialize in a certain area within your major, offering a depth of information and hands-on experiences that you may not otherwise get. Many students in this major will concentrate in one area to work in a specific field after college, as well as find mentors and internships before they even graduate.
Environmental Chemistry
Environmental chemistry is the application of chemical principles to the study of the natural environment, including air, water, land, and the biosphere. This concentration will help you pursue a career in environmental management or in the fundamental study of environmental systems. It’s also suitable if you plan to attend law or professional school or pursue graduate study in environmental science.
Forensic Chemistry
If you hope to work in forensic science (yes, like CSI), you’ll focus in this concentration to understand the design of chemical experiments to investigate forensic samples. This concentration is recommended if you wish to pursue a career in criminal investigation, in the laboratory analysis of forensic evidence, attend law school, or pursue graduate study in forensic science.
Health Sciences
This concentration compliments chemistry knowledge with content from biology, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and microbiology. You will articulate the role chemistry plays in disease and its treatment, and is recommended if you wish to pursue a career in the medical, veterinary, pharmacy, dentistry fields, and other health fields.
Materials
Material chemists investigate how atoms and molecules may be combined to create large and/or extended chemical structures, such as polymers (plastics), semiconductor materials and batteries. They also develop methods to measure materials properties such as strength and conductivity, enabling insight into a range of processes solar photo conversion, renewable plastics, energy storage, and drug delivery. This concentration is designed if you plan to work in the broad chemical industry or pursue graduate study in materials science.
Sustainable Chemistry
In sustainable chemistry, you’ll explore the broad, interdisciplinary field of sustainability including renewable energy, green materials, pollution and waste remediation. Because sustainability requires that chemists be well rounded, you’ll take courses that develop an understanding of the three social, economic, and environmental pillars of sustainability, as well as the intrinsic interconnectedness of these three pillars.
Some Career Options
Chemists are employed in a vast array of professional fields in private industry, government, and education. You’ll have opportunities in research and development, analysis and testing, consulting, industrial quality control and assurance, environmental resource management, and forensics. Many chemists are also engaged in startup companies. Chemistry is also an excellent major for those preparing for careers in veterinary medicine and the health professions.
- Agricultural Chemist
- Biochemical Technician
- Clinical Chemist
- Environmental Scientist
- Laboratory Technician/Bench Chemist
- Pharmaceutical Chemist
- Polymer Technician
- Technical Writer
- Toxicologist
Tour and info session options
Tours may be available as part of Admissions tours and info sessions, offered throughout the year.
For additional opportunities, please reach out to:
CNS undergraduate recruitment coordinator, at [email protected].
academic Info and Tips
Not sure what to major in? Follow these steps
January 4, 2017
Get all the tools and advice you need to find the major that suits you best.
Why should I join the Honors Program?
September 30, 2017
Current student Marcela explains why the Honors Program at CSU has been a life changer for her, and why you should join.
Competitive majors: must-know tips for transfers from a transfer student
October 11, 2017
Recent grad Holly offers transfer-only advice.
Explore even more
Want a more in-depth look at this major? Take a look at the program website to learn more.