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Chemistry, BS

This degree prepares you for a career in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medicine and other similar fields by helping you learn how to think and conduct experiments like a scientist.

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About this Program

Prepare for a Meaningful Career in a Supportive Scientific Environment

Complete our BS in Chemistry, and you will be well prepared for a scientific career, graduate school, or professional school. You’ll have the opportunity to enter professional programs in medicine (M.D. and D.O.), dentistry (D.D.S.), and pharmacy (Pharm.D.), as well as Master’s and Ph.D. programs in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, chemical physics, environmental chemistry, materials science, and more. You can embark on professional careers in industries related to health care, pharmaceuticals, drug discovery, drug development, biotechnology, environmental science, energy, and materials.

Become An Independent Researcher

We have embedded research skills and bona fide research across the curriculum to prepare you for a wide array of career options. 
For example, we offer an award-winning research-based version of General Chemistry III with lots of hands-on investigation and a neuro-inclusive design. In this course, you learn all the same topics covered in General Chemistry III, but in the context of a research program. First year students can learn by doing electrochemistry that is at the cutting edge of research – try finding that at other universities!

Chemistry at a Glance

Learn how this degree from the Department of Chemistry will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is excellent preparation if you aspire to complete a graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.), teach, or use chemistry in industrial applications. This degree has the option for certification by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Add a minor in chemistry to broaden your knowledge and build your resumé. To earn a minor, you’ll complete at least 30 credits in chemistry.

Learning Outcomes

SU’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Learning Outcomes are focused on your success. On successful completion of chemistry degree programs, you will be able to:

  • Chemistry fundamentals. Master fundamental knowledge and principles from general, organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry.
  • Experimentation. Plan, safely conduct, troubleshoot, and document lab experiments that answer chemical questions.
  • Problem solving. Devise and implement approaches that effectively address complex problems.
  • Critical thinking. Analyze data, results, theories, explanations, and hypotheses by applying chemical knowledge and intuition.
  • Communication. Communicate effectively and persuasively with technical audiences in written and oral forms; develop strategies to understand the technical communications of others.
  • Collaboration. Build on individual strengths to work collectively towards a goal; articulate ideas clearly; play various roles that help the group progress.
  • Professional behavior. Demonstrate timeliness, earnestness, honesty, self-awareness, self-regulation, and ethical responsibility in communications and collaborations.
  • Reflection. Develop the habit of reconsidering ideas or experiences to gain new insights, to discover deeper meaning, or to improve over time.

American Chemical Society Certified

The Chemistry Department offers American Chemical Society (ACS) certified degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

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Top 25% in Science & Engineering

Seattle University ranks #40 in the nation —U.S. News & World Report, 2023

11:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Small classes led by talented faculty to foster active learning, an SU hallmark.

45%

Women

Our average of women STEM students nearly doubles the national average of only 23%.

Academic and Professional Skills to Thrive

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Do Research with Creative Faculty

Research is woven throughout your curriculum, and you’ll have research opportunities every year during your academic career. As a junior or senior, you’ll work one-on-one with a faculty member on publication-quality research using sophisticated instrumentation—some students even start as sophomores. We require research because this real-world experience prepares you for the best jobs in chemistry as well as top graduate and professional programs at internationally renowned institutions.

Learn More

If the career you want requires an advanced degree, you can be confident that your Seattle University chemistry degree and research experience will make you super-competitive for top graduate programs. You’ll find Seattle University chemistry graduates at:

  • UC Berkeley
  • MIT
  • Harvard
  • Stanford
  • Caltech
  • University of Washington
  • ETH in Zurich, Switzerland

Students graduating with a degree in chemistry typically pursue graduate study in chemistry (M.S. or Ph.D.), attend medical/dental/pharmacy school, or start their career in the chemical industry.

Lots of chemists work in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, but because of chemistry's wide application throughout STEM, jobs for chemists are available in a wide variety of industries. Our location in the heart of Seattle means you’ll have lots of opportunities right here in the city.

From Our Alumni

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Tudi Le, '19

“The level of compassion and support offered to the students in the Department of Chemistry is phenomenal. It’s so clear that everyone strives to create a learning environment that is safe and welcoming, where students are encouraged to be curious and intentional about their own education. All the professors and staff are so kind, generous, and eager to aid us in our personal and professional journeys so that we can graduate not only as better scientists but also as better people."

Featured Faculty

All Faculty & Staff

Discover More Programs to Explore

Program Directory

  • Biochemistry, BS

    Major

    As a biochemistry major, you’ll learn the scientific and professional skills for graduate or professional programs that lead to a range of meaningful careers—from medicine to environmental chemistry.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Cell & Molecular Biology, BS

    Major

    With a major in cellular and molecular biology, you’ll explore recent scientific advances in fields that range from genetics to immunology. Develop the tools to succeed in rapidly growing fields.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Chemical Science, BS

    Major

    Be prepared for a variety of scientific careers or professional medical, pharmacy and dentistry schools with this degree.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Data Science, MS

    Master's

    Our graduate degree in data science combines aspects of statistics and computer science with data analysis and modeling. You’ll gain the technical and analytical skills needed to advance your career.

    • Master of Science

  • Environmental Science, BS

    Major, Minor

    In the environmental science major, you’ll take a range of applied science courses that support environmental management careers for a more sustainable world.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Environmental Studies, BA

    Major, Minor

    As an environmental studies major, you’ll learn data analysis tools, critical thinking and communication skills to move our communities toward a more sustainable future.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Mathematics, BA & BS

    Major, Minor

    As a math major, you’ll explore problem solving, conduct your own research and prepare for a career in education, engineering, medicine and more.

    • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

  • Physics, BA & BS

    Major, Minor

    As a physics major, you’ll work closely with faculty researchers in a range of challenging courses. Your degree can lead to diverse jobs in everything from engineering to physics to astronomy.

    • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about chemistry degrees at Seattle University, contact: