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Explore all Undergraduate Programs

Chemistry

Action, reaction, composition — chemistry dives into the wonderful world of substances, revealing how they’re made and how they work.

A chemist mixing chemicals
A chemist mixing chemicals

Types

Bachelor
Minor

Location

On-Campus

Credits

35*

Cost

$9,875

The chemical mysteries of the universe, right at your fingertips.

Explore the things that matter, interact with those who share your passion, and be challenged by knowledgeable teachers who put you first. It all starts with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from 鶹ý. Endless career opportunities open for you post-graduation when you major in chemistry, all certain to lead to success and a fulfilling professional life. From continuing your research as a chemist to passing on your knowledge to the next generation as teacher, a degree in chemistry ensures that you will make an impact on the world like no one else can. With high-end laboratories, a close-knit faculty, and small class sizes, your educational experience will be personal and tailored to your goals and interests - whether that's organic chemistry, physical chemistry or another aspect of this scientific discipline. You want to succeed, and Cumberlands wants to help. The time has come for you to use your chemistry skills to make the world a better place! Are you ready? 

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

1 in 5

Students Make Dean's List

96%

Receive Financial Aid
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog. 

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

This bachelor's degree in chemistry is your chance to focus on becoming a better chemist and exceptional student. As a chemistry degree major at Cumberlands, you will spend your time between the lab and the classroom, where you will personalize your learning experience and explore the scientific subject you love. Uncover the power of chemistry and what it means for the world, then use your new knowledge and skills to make an impact in a way only you can! 

Course Requirements

36 Credit Option- This option is recommended for students planning to attend graduate school in chemistry or those going directly into employment as an industrial chemist. Students choosing this option are strongly encouraged to take other advanced courses, especially . Other Selected Topics courses include , and special topics such as those listed in the course description of .

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35 Credit Option- This option is recommended for students entering a “blended” area such as pre-professional medically related areas (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapist, etc.), chemistry/business, and chemistry/biology

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Notes: 
Additional 42 hours of professional education courses required for secondary education Students are encouraged to take other advanced courses, such as:

 and .
 requirement may be replaced with

A Bachelor of Arts requires all the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of four classes (12 hours) in a foreign language.

Choose one foreign language sequence:

  • FREN 131        Elementary French I
  • FREN 132        Elementary French II
  • FREN 231        Intermediate French I
  • FREN 232        Intermediate French II
     
  • SPAN 131        Elementary Spanish I
  • SPAN 132        Elementary Spanish II
  • SPAN 231        Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 232        Intermediate Spanish II

Minor in Chemistry

Fuel your passion for science by minoring in chemistry. You can spend time in the laboratory and chemistry classes while pursuing a different major. In other words, you get the best of both worlds! Supplement your bachelor's degree with a useful minor that will make you more marketable to future employers.

Course Requirements

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Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The purpose of the Chemistry Department is to provide a challenging curriculum in a nurturing environment, teaching students chemistry theory and laboratory skills that enhance their critical thinking and communicative skills.

Learn chemical principles in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry required of a professional chemist or a person pursuing chemistry related fields of study.
Develop laboratory skills for proficiency in chemical synthesis, instrumental methods, computer applications, quantitative measurement, and statistical data analysis.
Cultivate critical thinking, problem solving ability and communicating of scientific information both orally and written.
To provide students opportunity to develop professional and leadership skills.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Chemistry Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Chemist: $79,760

Chemist: $79,760

Description: Chemists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge. 

Chemistry Teacher: $62,820

Chemistry Teacher: $62,820

Description: Chemistry teachers teach classes about various topics within chemistry and related fields.  

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural sciences managers supervise other scientists. This can include other chemists, physicists, and biologists. They can vary between being in the laboratory and in an office environment. 

Chemical Researcher: $79,760

Chemical Researcher: $79,760

Chemical researchers spend time researching the elements and chemical materials and properties. They lead the way for research into new and innovative chemical solutions. 

Laboratory Manager: $137,900

Laboratory Manager: $137,900

 Laboratory managers manage other laboratory scientists within a project. 

Pharmacist: $128,570

Pharmacist: $128,570

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and provide information to patients about the drugs and their use. Successful completion of a pharmacy graduate program is required to become a licensed pharmacist.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

With a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, you’ll be well on your way toward qualification for chemistry-related jobs or graduate school in a related program. You'll have numerous careers you will qualify for, such as working as a chemist, a science teacher or professor, a manager within a chemical plant, or a pharmacist. 

In short, yes. In addition to working with knowledgeable and experienced faculty, a chemistry major can be an excellent foundation for further scientific studies and opportunities. You’ll have the opportunity to perform a senior research project in your area of special interest that may be selected for summer programs at research institutions, including MIT, Clemson, Notre Dame, and the Natural History Museum in England. Plus, you’ll have the option of joining the Alchemist Club on field trips and special events that include guest speakers. 

With a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, you’ll be well on your way toward qualification for chemistry-related jobs or graduate school in a related program. You'll have numerous careers you will qualify for, such as working as a chemist, a science teacher or professor, a manager within a chemical plant, or a pharmacist. 

Yes. The chemistry degree requires students to take laboratory classes that involve considerable hands-on learning. Our laboratories are the perfect training ground for talented chemists! 

The difficulty of each course varies depending on several factors, but, in general, the chemistry degree is rigorous and designed to prepare each student for important chemical work after graduation. Each student will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced faculty to conduct research and progress through the courses. Small class sizes allow for more individualized attention to students, which will help you learn the material inside and out. 

Absolutely. Each student at the university can receive tutoring for free, which is a great resource for keeping up with your classes. Also, the low student-to-faculty ratio ensures that many classes are small, so you will be able to work directly with your professors in each class. Many professors have open-door policies for students to ask questions between classes. 

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Chemistry

Get to know your future professors in chemistry before even setting foot on campus!

Jeffrey Schwarz

Jeffrey Schwarz

Associate Professor
Chemistry

Jeffrey Schwarz

Contact Information

606-539-4318
jeffrey.schwarz [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex C106
Dr. Julie Tan

Dr. Julie Tan

Professor, Department Chair
Chemistry

Dr. Julie Tan

Contact Information

606-539-4379
julie.tan [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex C104
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