2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Chemistry
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section in this catalog.
Website: gvsu.edu/chem
Chemistry is a fascinating and diverse field that affects almost every area of our lives. The clothes we wear, the medicines we take, the food we eat, the fuel we burn, and the environmental impact of living in a modern society are all affected by discoveries made through the study of chemistry.
The chemistry major (CHM) is excellent preparation for any student interested in the molecular and environmental sciences. This program offers a well-rounded education in chemistry and provides a strong background for employment at the bachelor level or entry into chemistry graduate school. By selecting the appropriate electives within the chemistry major, students can earn a degree certified by the American Chemical Society.
Students interested in teaching high school chemistry may choose the chemistry major with an education emphasis (CHMX). This emphasis includes courses in teaching methods and other science courses required for teacher certification. To be certified, students will also be required to complete a teachable minor and the education major from the College of Education and Community Innovation.
The Department of Chemistry also offers a B.S. in biochemistry (BIC). Students interested in attending biochemistry graduate school or in obtaining employment in biochemical or biomedical laboratories may choose the biochemistry major. This major is also appropriate for students interested in attending professional health schools, such as medical, dental, pharmacy, or veterinary schools.
For any degree program in chemistry or biochemistry, it is important to start the proper sequence of chemistry courses as soon as possible. Students who wish to major in chemistry should meet with their Chemistry Department faculty advisors as soon as possible to plan programs that match their academic interests and career goals.
The Chemistry Department also offers a green chemistry certificate. This option can be added to any major or minor. It shows that students have taken a series of classes where they learn the principles of green chemistry and the production of chemicals and design of chemical processes in a manner that is environmentally sustainable.
The Chemistry Department also offers a chemistry minor. Students from other departments can add a chemistry minor to enhance their knowledge of chemistry and laboratory experience.
Accreditation
The Chemistry Department is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society and offers ACS certified degrees in chemistry and biochemistry to qualified graduates.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Science in chemistry, Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, Bachelor of Science in chemistry with an education emphasis (secondary education certified major). Green chemistry certificate. Minor in chemistry (secondary education certified major).
Participating Programs
The dual geology-chemistry major is offered by the Geology Department in cooperation with the Chemistry Department. For details, see the program description.