Cleveland State University

Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, and properties of substances, and the chemical processes and transformations that substances undergo. It is fundamental to the understanding of many other sciences.

WHAT CAREERS CAN THIS MAJOR PREPARE YOU FOR?

Chemists work to discover new compounds and reactions that lead to the development of new drugs, plastics, energy sources and various other materials such as paints, adhesives, cosmetics, pesticides, and others. Chemists work in various fields, including environmental science, measuring and reducing pollution; medicine, contributing to advances in disease diagnosis and treatment; agriculture, food processing, and many other areas and industries. Chemists work as scientists in various testing and research laboratories. Graduates have many employment opportunities as: technicians in biotechnology, environmental, pharmaceutical, clinical, and forensic testing laboratories; research assistants in industrial, government and academic labs; technical sales and service for chemical and other related industries; high school chemistry/science teachers (licensure required); Bachelor graduates also pursue advanced degrees to receive doctorates in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and veterinary science; or pursue master's and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry or a related science.

WHAT SKILLS ARE DEVELOPED WITHIN THIS MAJOR?

The skills in chemistry are developed in these areas: organic chemistry - the study of carbon compounds, including synthesizing new compounds, studying the reaction chemistry of compounds, and determining reaction mechanisms; analytical chemistry - the measurement and identification of chemical substances from samples of any source, including medical, industrial, environmental and other natural sources; physical chemistry - the study of mathematical models upon which chemistry is based, including thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and kinetics; inorganic chemistry - the study of the chemistry of elements other than carbon, including synthesizing new compounds, studying the reaction chemistry of compounds, and determining reaction mechanisms; and biochemistry - the study of the chemistry of life processes.

SPECIAL TRACKS/PROGRAMS

American Chemical Society Certification, Pre-Professional Studies (premedical/pre-dental/pre-veterinarian or concentration in pharmaceutical sciences), Honors, Secondary Teacher Licensure program

HONORS PROGRAM

Honors General Chemistry (CHM 261H, CHM 262H, and CHM 267H) is available to students in the CSU Honors or Scholars program. An honors track for Chemistry majors admitted to the Honors Program is also available.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

In earning the Bachelor of Science degree with ACS certification, the Chemistry major may elect the Cooperative Education Program (see Special Programs Chapter) in order to supplement chemistry coursework with employment in the chemical industry.