CHEMISTRY
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Chemistry is the study of matter — and it touches everything we do.
A bachelor’s degree in chemistry can lead to a wide range of exciting careers in research and development, quality assurance, healthcare, energy, and education.
A major in chemistry also provides a strong foundation for students interested in a career in medicine, dentistry, chiropractic, pharmacology, or medical technology.
Over the next decade, U.S. jobs in chemistry are expected to increase across the board, including a 14% increase in chemical engineers, 15% for biochemists, and 6% in chemical and material scientists.
At UW-Whitewater, 100% of recent graduating biology respondents were employed or pursuing an advanced degree after graduation. (2020-21 research survey)
GOLDWATER SCHOLAR RECOGNITION
Several chemistry majors have won prestigious recognition (and thousands of dollars in scholarships) from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.
Andrew Phillips
“Discovery is such a humbling experience. The more you learn, the more you learn you know so little. But I love the potential of science.”
— Andrew Phillips ’16, a Goldwater Scholar
Marie Nider
Nider has been researching the effects on plants of household chemicals found in treated wastewater. This experience will prepare her for a career in chemistry as she pursues her passion of protecting the environment.
Goldwater Scholar Recognition
Several chemistry majors have won prestigious recognition (and thousands of dollars in scholarships) from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.
Pontian Adogamhe
Adogamhe says tropical diseases often reach epidemic levels due to insufficient research and a lack of awareness in the developed world. He would like to help change that.
Tina Slack
"With science, you can always discover new things or ways to solve problems. I want to be able to use my talents and serve my country, to give back."
Why UW-Whitewater for your Chemistry degree?
At UW-Whitewater, our department is full of bright and curious students interested in making a difference and solving society’s big problems.
Our American Chemical Society-certified program offers six majors, which gives you the flexibility to choose the academic path that best suits your career goals.
At UW-Whitewater, all of your chemistry courses will be taught by a faculty member — not a graduate assistant, which is often the norm at some larger schools.
With most upper-level courses capped at 20 students, you’ll get to know your classmates and professors well during your time here.
What our Chemistry students do
Participate in undergraduate research
Gain hands-on experience through internships
Learn and experiment in top-notch labs
Launching excellence in the lab: Warhawk Nick Barmore earns NASA grant
Chemistry student Nick Barmore has earned a prestigious $4,000 grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium (WSGC) as part of the Undergraduate Research Awards Program.
Hands-on learning experiences
In an experimental science field like chemistry, hands-on experience is important and you’ll get plenty of it at UW-Whitewater.
Undergraduate Research
Chemistry majors have the opportunity to participate in UW-Whitewater’s Undergraduate Research Program and Research Apprenticeship Program. Also, the interdisciplinary nature of science means that many of our students collaborate with their peers in other departments, such as biology, physics, geology/geography, art, and business. Research projects have allowed travel internationally, as well as work with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Internships
While the Bachelor of Science in chemistry doesn’t require an internship, many students find this real-world experience valuable to their future chemistry careers. Internship sites have included labs, government agencies, health facilities, and more.
Labs and classrooms
Our department features dedicated research and instrumental labs for undergraduate research opportunities. Explore our equipment and collections »
Campus and community involvement
Chemistry majors often participate in UW-Whitewater’s Science Outreach programming, and many of our students are active with the Chemistry Club.
First-year students interested in chemistry, physics, biology, or engineering have the option to live in the Double Helix Learning Community.
Did you know our chemistry program helped UW-Whitewater earn a Guinness World Record for longest glowstick?!
What our graduates do
Industrial and research chemists
High school science teachers
Lab technicians and managers
Chemistry careers: What can you do with a Chemistry degree?
After earning their Bachelor of Science in chemistry, UW-Whitewater graduates find a variety of positions in the healthcare, biotech, education, manufacturing, and other industries. Here’s just a sample of titles and companies:
- Air Products & Chemicals, process R&D technician
- Pfizer-Hospira, laboratory trainer
- Schenck Process LLC, test lab technician
- Bard, regulatory compliance associate
- Exacto, quality control specialist
- Millipore Sigma, chemist
- Kleen Test Products Corp, analytical chemist
- Sartori Co., R&D food technologist
- Badger State Ethanol, lab manager and chemist
- Appvion Inc, senior process engineer
- Eurofins, environmental chemist
- Patriot Environmental Services, field chemist
- Watertown High School, science teacher
- Badger High School, chemistry teacher
Graduate and professional school
Many of our chemistry majors continue to graduate or professional schools to earn a master’s degree or Ph.D. at schools such as:
- City College of New York
- Florida Atlantic University
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- St. Anthony School of Nursing
- University of Nebraska Medical School
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Hired Before Graduation
Kaileigh Nickel, from Neenah, Wisconsin, earned a B.S. in chemistry and was hired as a quality control lab technician with Encapsys in Portage, Wisconsin. "I'd like to recognize Dr. John Ejnik for his guidance and the knowledge I gained from him inside and outside of his research lab during the two years I had the privilege working with him, and Dr. Christopher Veldkamp for his time and dedication in guiding my research partner and me through the process of developing a research paper to be published."
Hired Before Graduation
Robin Witt, from Cambridge, Wisconsin, earned a B.S. in chemistry and was accepted to graduate school at the Medical College of Wisconsin pursuing a Doctorate of Biochemistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "I received a rich hands-on experience in the chemistry lab, including instruments like the NMR, that have prepared me for my graduate studies. Dr. Christopher Veldkamp accepted me as his research student when I was a freshman, and I am going to publish my second biochemistry research paper under his direction."
Our faculty
90% of our graduating student survey listed program faculty as the top aspect of their learning experience.
The chemistry faculty at UW-Whitewater has diverse expertise and research interests, including biochemistry, analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. They actively publish in journals and present research at regional and national conferences.
Our faculty members are also heavily engaged in undergraduate research.
Want to learn more about earning a Chemistry degree?
262-472-1070 | chemistry@uww.edu
UW-Whitewater offers the following Chemistry undergraduate options:
- Bachelor of Arts — Chemistry, Biochemistry emphasis | 4-year plan
- Bachelor of Science — Chemistry, Biochemistry emphasis | 4-year plan
- Bachelor of Arts — Chemistry, Honors emphasis | 4-year plan
- Bachelor of Science — Chemistry, Honors emphasis | 4-year plan
- Bachelor of Arts — Chemistry, Liberal Arts emphasis | 4-year plan
- Bachelor of Science — Chemistry, Liberal Arts emphasis | 4-year plan
- Bachelor of Arts — Chemistry, Professional ACS-approved emphasis | 4-year plan
- Bachelor of Science — Chemistry, Professional ACS-approved emphasis | 4-year plan
Teaching licensure:
Minors:
In addition to UW-Whitewater’s general education requirements, as a chemistry major you’ll take a variety of core and elective classes, which will vary based on your chosen emphasis. Here’s an example of classes most chemistry majors will take:
- General Chemistry I and II
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Experimental Physical Chemistry
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Students with a biochemistry emphasis will take a number of biology courses, and those in the honors emphasis will take several advanced math classes.
To apply, you’ll complete the UW-Whitewater standard application for admission and indicate your interest in earning a degree in chemistry.
