Chemistry
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 172 Credits
Chemistry is the scientific study of properties, composition, and behavior of matter, exploring how substances interact, combine, and change to form new materials.
Overview
This program is designed to give students a thorough grounding in all five major areas of chemistry: organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills, preparing students for diverse careers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and materials science. Students also have opportunities to engage in research projects, working alongside faculty on innovative chemical investigations.
You will take courses in all five areas of chemistry and choose from electives like sustainable chemistry and electrochemistry while studying related subjects like calculus and physics. These courses are designed to build a strong foundation in chemical principles while developing advanced skills in laboratory techniques and instrumentation. The program offers flexibility for course substitutions and includes options for American Chemical Society (ACS) certification through additional lab hours and upper-level electives.
Beyond the freshman year, class sizes become smaller, allowing for more intimate learning experiences with Ph.D. chemists with specialized training and research expertise. Award-winning faculty will guide you through extensive lab work, including experiments and molecule synthesis using advanced instruments. You will have opportunities to engage in genuine scientific research with one-on-one faculty mentoring supported by scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Additionally, students often present their research at professional meetings, preparing them for graduate or professional schools and internships.
Programs are certified by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.
Department of Chemistry
gvsu.edu/chem
312 Padnos
Hall
(616) 331-3317
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
Top skills- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 55,206.11 | 10% |
| $ 70,801.83 | 25% |
| $ 93,310.33 | 50% |
| $129,110.19 | 75% |
| $162,706.03 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Top skills- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 81,785.60 | 10% |
| $104,083.20 | 25% |
| $135,179.19 | 50% |
| $178,235.20 | 75% |
| $239,200.00 | 90% |
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 57,057.09 | 10% |
| $ 62,599.90 | 25% |
| $ 84,398.89 | 50% |
| $124,776.62 | 75% |
| $158,701.35 | 90% |
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Science
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 49,942.27 | 10% |
| $ 60,906.49 | 25% |
| $ 76,657.20 | 50% |
| $ 96,563.00 | 75% |
| $108,798.69 | 90% |
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Top skills- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 39,497.16 | 10% |
| $ 46,291.63 | 25% |
| $ 57,656.48 | 50% |
| $ 66,592.35 | 75% |
| $ 80,729.17 | 90% |
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