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 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 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
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
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.