As a chemistry major, you will gain the expertise needed to enter the workforce as a chemist or enroll in graduate or professional school.
What courses will you take?
The B.S. in Chemistry provides a solid foundation in chemistry through courses in organic, analytical, physical, inorganic and polymer chemistry, as well as biochemistry. You will also take supporting courses such as calculus and calculus-based physics.
During the senior year, you'll have the chance to perform research with a faculty member or choose to take advanced courses.
The Chemistry department offers the following options, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities.
- General Option — Prepare for all areas of the chemical profession, as well as for graduate study in chemistry, dentistry, medicine, patent law, and teaching. Courses for General Option
- Biochemistry Option — Gain the knowledge and skillset needed for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences and other fields that apply principles of chemistry to biological systems. Courses emphasize chemical principles. Learn more about the Biochemistry Option and courses
- Forensic Science Option — Take courses in forensics science, criminal justice and criminalistics. You'll graduate prepared for a career in a crime lab or in other fields that require analytical chemistry techniques combined with knowledge of the criminal justice system. Learn more about the Forensics Option and courses.
- STEM Teaching Option — Prepare for a career in high school chemistry education. You will learn to convey chemistry topics with in-depth understanding and real-world examples. This option is designed to coordinate with the UTEACH program and practicum experience leading to an initial teaching license. Courses for the STEM Teaching Option
- Sustainability Option — Combine the core chemistry degree courses with interdisciplinary coursework in sustainability to prepare for careers in green chemistry, sustainability and energy. Courses for the Sustainability Option
Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn more about the Chemistry minor.
A graduate in Chemistry will be expected to be able to:
- Understand and apply calculations needed in the chemical sciences for preparing and analyzing solutions and samples.
- Master common laboratory analytical techniques and skills needed for the qualitative and quantitative identification of unknown chemical samples.
- Understand the particulate nature of matter and how electromagnetic radiation interacts with matter.
- Read scientific papers and instructions and use this information to carry out experiments.
- Work in teams and individually to perform scientific experiments.
- Write scientific reports and prepare appropriate graphs of data.
- Follow regulations and proper procedures for the safe handling and use of chemicals.
- Understand the ethical responsibilities and contemporary issues of chemists in the workplace.
Why study chemistry at UMass Lowell?
Research Opportunities
Conduct research with our expert faculty. Many students have presented their results at conferences and/or published papers in scientific journals. Research areas include:
- Polymer synthesis
- Organic electronics
- Biofunctional surfaces
- Chemical and biological sensors
- Protein chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Internships
Connect classroom learning to real-world settings. Our students have interned with organizations including:
- Army Research Laboratory in Aberdeen, Md.
- Instrumentation Laboratory
- Raytheon Technologies
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center
Advanced Facilities
Access our top-level facilities, particularly a Teaching Instrumentation Laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, including:
- NMR
- FTIR
- Optical and materials characterization instruments
Fun Outside the Classroom
Put your learning into practice by joining student-run clubs and organizations like the American Chemical Society and the Organic Chemistry Club.
What can you do with a degree in chemistry?
Graduates of UMass Lowell's chemistry program are prepared to pursue jobs in such fields as applied and basic research, quality control, health care, product analysis, materials, cosmetics, forensics and pharmaceuticals. Many of our students go on to graduate study in chemistry, dentistry, medicine, patent law, and teaching at top universities across the U.S.
Alumni of our program have worked at:
- Boston University
- Columbia University
- E Ink
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Pfizer
- Tufts University
- U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center
Charlie Levesque '21
Chemistry
In a sport where team chemistry is vital, UML hockey player Charlie Levesque brings the perspective of an actual chemistry major – one with the goal of one day becoming a chiropractor.
The first couple of games as a freshman, and it still happens to me now, I’ll step out on the ice and I’ll be in awe of how many people show up to support us. I love that extra motivation that the crowd gives.
Duc Vu '23
Chemistry, UTeach
Duc Vu discovered his ability to teach in high school, so he signed up for the UTeach program in STEM education.
I have a knack for presenting a lesson or a project, so I thought I’d try UTeach and see where it takes me.
Deepak Bhimani '62, '63
Chemistry
Deepak Bhimani's love of chemistry led him to pursue a degree in chemical textiles at Lowell Textile Institute. His education resulted in the creation of several successful companies, and spurred a desire to give back to the University.
Meghan Berking '19
Chemistry
Meghan Berking ran across the country to raise $7,500 for cancer research after losing her father to colon cancer.
I came to UMass Lowell for all of the opportunities. I'm in four clubs and they are all very different, but that allows me to be involved in everything I like.
Peter Barrett '74
Chemistry
Chemistry alum Peter Barrett ’74 went from creating new businesses to helping fund the next generation’s business ideas.
The ability to go into a laboratory and actually do experiments is what got me really interested in analytical chemistry.
