Major/Minor
Chemistry Department
The bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at NDMU provides both a broad view and a deep understanding of the chemical sciences. Starting with a foundation of chemical principals, lab techniques and best practices, the program builds to advanced topics including chemical identification, data interpretation, and experiment design. Our chemistry majors are encouraged to go beyond classroom learning and explore interests through original research, internships, and creative experimentation with faculty support. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in research, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, medicine, and more.
student in science lab
Program Location

Features of the Chemistry Program

  • Research – opportunities to conduct original research with faculty support
  • Preparation for Professional Programs – specialized advising offered to prepare for graduate, medical, or veterinary school
  • Career Options – pathways designed for your goals (graduate school, dual degree in chemistry and engineering, teaching certification, etc.)
  • Professional Development – opportunities to build your resume through internships, professional conferences, and lab assistant positions
  • Women in STEM – empowerment and support entering a field in which women are underrepresented

Customize Your Education

At NDMU, our strength is our ability to weave your unique interests into your individual education. Faculty and advisors will help you craft an experience based on your aspirations through minors, accelerated dual-degree programs, or interdisciplinary study.

Double Major or Add a Minor

Many chemistry majors choose to double major or add a minor in mathematics, computer information systems, or physics to prepare for graduate programs in advanced fields of science and engineering.

There are also many opportunities to pair chemistry with another field for interdisciplinary career paths such as technical writing, information science, consulting, or product development.

Dual Degree Engineering Program

Through articulation agreements with premier engineering programs, NDMU offers a pathway to earn a BA in Chemistry from NDMU in 3-4 years followed by a BS in Engineering in 2-3 years from one of the following universities:

Engineering programs that can pair with our chemistry program include:

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Materials Science & Engineering (Columbia or Johns Hopkins only)
  • Biomedical Engineering (Columbia or Washington of STL only)

The Dual Degree Engineering Program includes opportunities for chemistry, computer information systems, mathematics, and physics majors. Contact the program coordinator to discuss your interests and goals to determine the most appropriate program for you.

Note: Admission to engineering schools is competitive and is not guaranteed.

Accelerated Path for Pharmacy

If your goal is to earn a Pharm.D. to become a Doctor of Pharmacy, NDMU offers an accelerated program in conjunction with our School of Pharmacy. The program includes three years in the undergraduate studying chemistry or biology followed by four years of graduate school at NDMU. Once complete, you earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Pharm.D.

Pursue a Teaching Career

If your dream is to ultimately become a teacher, NDMU offers two options:

  • Your advisor can help you pair the required education courses with your chemistry degree to earn a Secondary Teaching Certification.
  • You can pursue the 5-year BA/MAT program to earn a BA in Chemistry and a MA in Teaching.

Both options will prepare you to become certified to teach chemistry in secondary schools (grades 7-12).

Chemistry Minor

The Minor in Chemistry provides an introductory foundation in the study of matter and energy, chemical principles, and lab techniques. Majors that often add a chemistry minor include Biology, Physics, and Computer Science.

Four-Year Plan

Below is a sample Program of Study for the Chemistry Major.

Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

See Course Descriptions for a list of required courses and description of course and program options.

Fall

 Spring

First Year

NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education

4

ENG-101 College Writing 

3

BIO-111 Fundamentals of Biology
(recommended for certain programs)

4

RST-105 Introduction to Biblical Studies

3

CHM-110 General Chemistry

4

CHM-111 General Chemistry II

4

MAT-211 Calculus I

4

MAT-212 Calculus II

4

[16 credits]

 

[14 credits]

 

Second Year

CHM-210 Organic Chemistry

4

CHM-211 Organic Chemistry II

4

PHY-101 Physics I

4

PHY-102 Physics II

4

COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Communication

3

Religious Studies (300/400)

3

History

3

Philosophy (200)

3

Foreign Language

3

Physical Education

1

 [17 credits]

 

 [15 credits]

 

Third Year

CHM-301 Physical Chemistry I

4

CHM-302 Physical Chemistry II

4

CHM-350 Chemical Literature

1

CHM-401/408/325/426 Advanced Topics/Research/Biochemistry I II

4

CHM-407/425 Research/Biochemistry I

4

Literature

3

Philosophy (300/400)

3

Fine Arts

3

General Education/Electives

6

General Education/Electives

3

[18 credits]

 

[17 credits]

 

Fourth Year

CHM-303 Analytical Chemistry

4

CHM-305 Instrumental Analysis

4

MAT-213/315/PHY-201or CST-295

3

CHM-450 Chemistry Seminar

2

Social Science

3

Electives/Internship

9

General Education/Electives

6

[15 credits]

 

[16 credits]
Professional Program Advising

If you are interested in pursuing a professional program after graduation, NDMU offers specialized advising to help you prepare.

Types of Professional Programs

  • Health Professions (Medical, Dental, Veterinary & More)
  • Law School
  • Pharmacy School
  • Veterinary School

Pre-professional coordinators can help you:

  • Choose a profession that aligns with your interests and goals
  • Select a bachelor’s degree program that will meet required prerequisites to apply to a professional school
  • Monitor your academic progress through in-depth, one-on-one advising sessions
  • Explore experiential learning opportunities and secure internships
  • Connect with alumni who currently work in the field
  • Prepare for the application process

Learn More About Professional Program Advising

http://catalog.ndm.edu/undergraduate-catalog/school-of-arts-and-sciences/chemistry

Research & Networking

As a chemistry major, you are encouraged to pursue internships, contribute to professional conferences and symposia, attend meetings of the Maryland Section of the American Chemical Society (held on campus and locally), and take part in chemistry department seminars and other events.

Examples of Research Opportunities

One of the hallmarks of the rich educational environment at NDMU is the opportunity to participate in research in your field of interest. Our annual Nancy Kreiter Student Research Day provides the perfect forum to showcase your hard work with a formal research presentation to the NDMU community. Chemistry majors also present work at local and national meetings featuring undergraduate research.

Top students are eligible to join the Sr. Alma Science Year fellowship that engages them in hands-on research with scientists at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

headshot of rebecca
Alum

Rebecca Rotthaas

Connecting Me to My First Research Job

Alum, NDMU Class of 2018
Biology, Chemistry
I got my first research experience at Notre Dame working in the biology department. I can credit the University with connecting me to the lab I’m going to be working in this year. I first started working in [the] lab through NDMU’s Sister Alma program…Now, I’m looking forward to completing some of the research projects I’ve been working on over the past year and hopefully getting my work published. What’s Next for Rebecca: Johns Hopkins University Department of Neuroscience, Research Assistant
Read More

Chemistry Careers

A degree in chemistry can lead to a wide variety of careers in research, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, medicine, engineering, or education.

Examples of chemistry careers include:

  • Applied Research & Product Development
  • Quality Control
  • Environmental Protection
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Technical Sales and Marketing

For more information about careers in chemistry, visit the American Chemical Society.

Graduate Programs

Many graduates of the Chemistry program go on to pursue graduate or professional programs, including:

  • Medicine
  • Pharmacy
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Engineering
  • Education