Chemistry is used every day in countless ways — to synthesize new molecules that could treat diseases, analyze DNA samples to help solve crimes, monitor the environment for chemical pollutants in the air and water. The applications are endless. Whichever path you choose, chemists are bonded by a deep curiosity and a passion for investigation.
From creating new polymers to making the agriculture and energy industries eco-friendly, chemists are credited with many of the most innovative breakthroughs in science today. We’ll give you the comprehensive foundation you need to pursue a successful career in medicine, pharmaceuticals and forensic science.
You’ll explore the world of chemistry from all angles and learn to apply the scientific method while taking courses in analytical, general, organic, physical and biochemistry. And you’ll get practical experience in labs that include a sophisticated array of spectrometers and chromatographic systems. You also can individualize your experience by taking electives in specialized areas such as environmental science and biomedicine.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in a senior project or by interning with a local company such as Alexion, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and LabSynergy. Because of our small class sizes and highly accessible faculty, you’ll get plenty of support and the personal attention you need.
Median annual wage for chemists. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022)
Our BS in Chemistry positions you for a growing number of specialized and in-demand opportunities. Graduates gain valuable skills suited for a wide array of potential careers.
Toxicologist
Forensic Scientist
Pharmacologist
Chemical Engineer
With an abundance of career-focused information and resources, the career advisers within the College of Arts and Sciences support students as they expand their professional networks and attract the attention of prestigious employers.
Every time Sarah Marek ‘19 takes a pulse or takes a moment to comfort a patient, she moves a step closer to enrolling in a physician assistant program.
As a patient care associate at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Marek is working hard to log the 500 to 2,000 paid clinical hours typically required before someone can apply for a PA program.
Marek credits the development of her clinical skills — and bedside manner — to her time at Quinnipiac. They helped her secure her position at Brigham and Women’s, where she continues to develop those techniques every day.
“My experiences allowed me to practice the skills I hope to master as a health care professional in different ways,” she said.
As a double major in biology and chemistry, Marek was a regular in the lab and took advantage of multiple research opportunities. Chief among these was the eight-week QUIP-RS program, where she worked alongside biology professor Courtney McGinnis assessing the health of two Connecticut rivers and the effects of contaminated water on fish.
“Overcoming an obstacle in the lab can be like figuring out why a patient is having a poor response to a treatment,” Marek explained.
Marek likens working with concerned patients to helping overwhelmed students grasp difficult subject matter. She helped her classmates as an organic chemistry peer fellow and later as a peer facilitator for QSTEP, a program designed to enhance retention for students in STEM fields.
She also taught science to elementary school students in Leon, Nicaragua, during a STEM/Global Solidarity trip in 2017.
“I enjoy working with people on an intimate level, and I definitely feel prepared for my next steps,” Marek said.
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.