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 10% increase in chemical engineers, 9% for biochemists, and 8% in chemical and material scientists.
At UW-Whitewater, 100% of recent chemistry majors were employed or pursuing an advanced degree after graduation (2023-24 research survey respondents).
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 research and internships
Learn and experiment in top-notch labs
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.
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
Contact us
Want to learn more about earning a Chemistry degree?
262-472-1070 | chemistry@uww.edu
Our faculty
90% of our graduating students surveyed 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.
UW-Whitewater offers the following Chemistry undergraduate options:
- Chemistry - Biochemistry Emphasis (BA/BS) | 4-year plan*
- Chemistry - Business for Industry Emphasis ACS Certified (BA/BS) | 4-year plan*
- Chemistry - Honors Emphasis (BA/BS) | 4-year plan*
- Chemistry - Liberal Arts Emphasis (BA/BS) | 4-year plan*
- Chemistry - Professional ACS Approved Emphasis (BA/BS) | 4-year plan*
*This program may also be completed as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in the College of Letters and Sciences, and will require additional coursework.
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.