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 of physical matter, which makes up everything we can see and touch in the university. Students in this major gain a deep understanding of chemistry and can apply that knowledge to solve a wide variety of problems – such as pollution – or create new innovations – such as biodegradable plastics. Students work alongside expert faculty members using state-of-the-art facilities.

Degree typeBachelor of Science
FormatOn campus
Part ofCollege of Natural Sciences
Competitive major?No
Accelerated option?No
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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

Learn the interconnected chemical processes — both naturally occurring and human caused —that shape the environment. You’ll develop and apply analytical skills to measure environmental chemical species and quantify their role in environmental chemistry and learn to communicate the results in policy decisions for questions involving the air, food, soil, and water. 

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. 

Health Sciences

This concentration will teach you how to identify the anatomical features of humans or domestic animals and define their physiological roles, along with articulating the role chemistry plays in disease and its treatment. 

Materials

This is a new concentration within the major. Please contact the department for more information.

Sustainable Chemistry

In sustainable chemistry, you’ll explore the unintended consequences associated with the synthesis of compounds ranging from life-enhancing medicines to the materials of modern society. You’ll learn to articulate the thought process used to develop safer, more energy- and material-efficient processes, including the recovery and conversion of waste to raw material.   

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

Related CSU majors

Related CSU graduate programs

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:

Warren Jackson, undergraduate recruitment coordinator, at [email protected] or (970) 491-4519.

academic Info and Tips

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Want a more in-depth look at this major? Take a look at the program website to learn more.

GO TO THE MAJOR'S WEBSITE