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.
Students are admitted directly into this program.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.
- 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.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Department of Chemistry
gvsu.edu/chem
312 Padnos
Hall
(616) 331-3317