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Photo of a Chemistry student in one of GVSU's state-of-the-art chemistry labs.

Chemistry, B.S.

Chemistry is a fascinating and diverse field that impacts almost every aspect of life, including areas such as medicines, plastics, energy, and water quality. The Chemistry Department's goal is to provide rigorous preparation of citizens whose career paths require expertise in chemistry. Additionally, faculty members strive to contribute to a chemically literate society through teaching (with classrooms, labs, and research), scholarship, and service.

Visit the program website for more information.

Students are admitted directly into this program.
Secondary education minor offered.

Program Overview

Students can choose from a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with education emphasis, a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, and a certificate in green chemistry.

Programs are certified by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.

Chemistry majors are well prepared to attend graduate or professional schools in a variety of areas, including chemistry, medicine, education, biochemistry, and pharmacy.

Why Study Chemistry at Grand Valley?

  • Beyond the freshman year, our courses become smaller and more intimate. All upper-division courses are taught by Ph.D. chemists with specialized training and research expertise. Chemistry faculty members have won many Outstanding Teacher, Pew Teaching Excellence, and Distinguished Undergraduate Mentoring awards from the university.
  • Students gain extensive experience in laboratories, conducting experiments, synthesizing new molecules, and operating advanced research-quality instruments.
  • There are opportunities to contribute to genuine scientific research on novel projects while receiving one-on-one mentoring from a faculty member. Endowments provide scholarships, grants, and fellowships for student tuition, travel, and research.
  • Outstanding demand for graduates in local, regional and national industries including automotive design, consumer product development and environmental analysis. Students are able to start gaining industry experience while earning their degrees with paid internship positions.
  • Many of our students travel to professional meetings with their faculty mentors to present research findings and network with other researchers. Chemistry majors are well-prepared to attend graduate or professional schools in a variety of areas, including chemistry, medicine, education, biochemistry, and pharmacy.

Career Insights

This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.

Location & Format

Undergraduate students in this major study at the Grand Valley Allendale Campus.

Format:
  • Face To Face

Coursework

Visit gvsu.edu/catalog for coursework information.

Combined Degree Programs

Many GVSU undergraduate programs can be combined with an existing master’s degree program to save on tuition and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, you can save $8,500 by pursuing a combined degree and take up to four fewer courses than if earning the degrees separately.

Talk with an advisor about how you can build your combined degree from existing programs to further personalize your education and create your own niche area of expertise.

Admission Requirements

Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.

For More Information

Department of Chemistry

gvsu.edu/chem
312 Padnos Hall
(616) 331-3317

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions