Chemistry

What's different about Mount Mary's Chemistry Major?

Mount Mary University’s chemistry major emphasizes scientific inquiry and brings real-world experience into the classroom and laboratory to prepare you to achieve personal and professional success. As a chemistry major, you can participate in many hands-on labs, as well as undergraduate research projects.

You can customize your major by choosing one of three sequences: general chemistry, health sciences for pre-professional study and chemistry education.

Minor in Chemistry
Complete degree requirements for a minor in chemistry and a listing of courses are available in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Food Science Certificate

The Food Science certificate stems from the sciences of biology, chemistry, and engineering. In this, students will be able study the nature of foods with nutrition to understand the principles of food making to improve food quality. See details about the food science certificate.

Scholarships for Chemistry Majors

As a chemistry major, you may be eligible for the Anthony S. Woo Chemistry Achievement Award, a scholarship that honors the father of two Mount Mary chemistry alumnae. The scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates outstanding achievement in the field of chemistry. Contact the chemistry program director for more details. Learn more about scholarships at Mount Mary.

Jewel Scholars Program

Mount Mary University's Jewel Scholars Program aims to expand access to STEM careers for women and underrepresented students, with the purpose of growing the talent pool of highly skilled scientists in the Milwaukee area.

  • Jewel Scholars who are first year students will earn $27,000 or more per year, renewable for four years.
  • Jewel Scholars who transfer in to Mount Mary will earn $26,000 or more per year.

Scholarships for Chemistry Majors

Learn more about Mount Mary's Chemistry Degree

Mount Mary University’s chemistry major provides a strong undergraduate science foundation. As a chemistry major, you’ll:

  • Complete undergraduate research projects
  • Learn important laboratory techniques and use lab equipment such as a Gow-Mac infrared spectrometer, Hewlett-Packard 5890 capillary gas chromatograph and high-performance liquid chromatograph
  • Develop creative and critical thinking skills, as well as strong leadership skills

Courses cover the five main branches of chemistry: inorganic, organic, analytical, biochemical and physical.

You can customize your degree program by choosing one of two sequences:

  • General chemistry: This sequence prepares you for entry-level chemistry jobs or for graduate school after graduation. 
  • Chemistry education: If you wish to become a chemistry teacher, you must complete requirements for both the chemistry and education majors. When you complete the program, you will be eligible to teach chemistry or broad field science from early adolescence through adolescence (approximately grades 6 to 12). A student teaching experience is required.

 

 Admission & Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

Mount Mary offers a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree. The chemistry curriculum helps you master scientific method and the ability to organize resources to solve problems. You’ll use active learning strategies to investigate relevant topics and practice your oral and written communication skills. You’ll get opportunities to:

  • Study real-life scenarios relevant to the courses you’re taking so you can apply concepts you learn in class to real-world situations and ethical situations that may arise
  • Build upon your knowledge through guided inquiry exercises that help you understand complex problems and explore controversial issues
  • Conduct an independent research project that helps you explore a topic of interest to you

The chemistry major requires 59-61 credits, depending on the sequence you choose. You also need to complete the university’s core curriculum requirementsComplete degree requirements and a listing of courses are available in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Some academic programs require a GPA higher than is required for general admission to Mount Mary University. Contact your admission counselor for more information.

Chemistry Minor Requirements

The chemistry minor requires a minimum of 19 credits. Consult the Undergraduate Bulletin for more details on requirements and courses for this minor.

Chemistry Certificate Requirements

Mount Mary offers a post-baccalaureate certificate in general chemistry or chemistry education to women who have already completed a bachelor’s degree. Learn more about chemistry post-baccalaureate certificate requirements.

Faculty

The School of Arts and Sciences at Mount Mary is rich with talented faculty who care about their students.

Chemistry jobs are growing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A chemistry degree prepares you to pursue a career as a chemist, scientist, researcher and more at pharmaceutical, biotechnology, materials development and manufacturing companies.

Having a master’s degree or Ph.D. will ensure you’ll create the best career opportunities for yourself. Our program prepares you for graduate study to pursue a master’s, Ph.D. or to attend medical, dental, veterinary or other professional schools.

Average starting salaries for chemistry graduates with a bachelor’s degree is $45,500 per year, according to a 2013 National Association of Colleges and Employers survey.

 

Get Internship & Research Experience

Mount Mary faculty can help you find off-campus summer research opportunities and internships, as well as guide you through student-designed research projects on campus. Internships are not required for chemistry majors, but they are encouraged so you can find out more about careers you’re interested in and make connections with chemistry professionals.

Chemistry majors can participate in Mount Mary student clubs and organizations, as well as service learning opportunities.

Contact us to hear from your Admission Counselor: