St. Charles / St. Louis
Chemistry (BA, BS)

The department of chemistry at Lindenwood University in St. Louis (St. Charles), MO offers you the chance to earn a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) degree in chemistry with several emphases available. This St. Louis Chemistry degree program offers you diverse opportunities, like careers in industry or teaching, graduate school programs, or even a pre-professional program in medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, or related programs.

If you graduate with a bachelor of arts (BA) degree, you will be prepared for opportunities in the chemical industry either in the laboratory, sales, or product development areas. If you want to teach high school chemistry or other sciences, you will benefit from one of the other degree plans Lindenwood University offers, where you have the opportunity to earn Missouri state certification in secondary education. Are you planning on graduate work in chemistry or biochemistry? Then the bachelor of science degree would be the degree path you should pursue. A bachelor of science (BS) degree with an emphasis in biochemistry will also prepare you for a pre-health science degree, which requires a number of the chemistry, math, and biology courses.

Lindenwood University also offers a minor in chemistry. A minor in chemistry is an ideal addition criminal justice, business administration, biology, or psychology majors. The minor also provides additional career opportunities for post-graduate careers in fields like forensics, pharmaceutical sales, patent law, and healthcare administration.

Chemistry Faculty

The chemistry faculty at Lindenwood University is comprised of scholars and teachers with earned doctorates. They act as instructors, mentors, and academic advisors. The professors are easily accessible to students, possessing a wealth of personal and professional knowledge which they pass on to you. Smaller class sizes ensure that you will get the attention you deserve. Read more about the chemistry faculty.

Earning a Degree in Chemistry at Lindenwood University

When you major in chemistry at Lindenwood University, you are required to complete significant coursework in math, chemistry, and physics as well as biology for the biochemistry emphasis. Typically, chemistry majors will be required to take at least one lab course per semester with many semesters in which multiple lab courses are required. Chemistry is an exciting field that focuses on critical thinking through both qualitative and quantitative problems that are applicable to real world scenarios, ranging from energy consumption and environmental issues to pharmaceuticals and criminal investigations. If you major in chemistry at Lindenwood University, you should enjoy both math and science courses and be prepared to work outside of the classroom on course assignments, lab work, and reports.

The Lindenwood University Department of Chemistry offers you the chance to pursue the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry - The BA in chemistry degree program requires 52-53 credit hours. You will study General, Analytical, and Organic Chemistry and have the opportunity to take courses like Forensic Science, and Instrumental and Inorganic chemistry. Math and Physics are also required.

• Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with emphasis in Forensics - The BA in chemistry with an emphasis in forensics requires 77 credit hours. You will study General, Analytical, and Organic chemistry, as well as Instrumental Analysis and Applications in Forensic Science. Additionally, you will complete courses including Biological Science, Math, Physics, Photography, and Criminal Justice. An internship is required and many students will do so in an area crime lab.

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (ACS Accredited) - The BS in chemistry requires 81 credit hours. In addition to general chemistry you will also study analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, instrumental analysis, chemical literature, biochemistry, and physical chemistry.  Independent research in the laboratory is required for this degree.  Other important coursework includes biological science, math and physics.

In conjunction with the College of Education and Human Services, the chemistry program offers the following degrees for students wishing to pursue a career in secondary education:

• Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with a 9-12 secondary education certification preparation Students seeking (Grades 9-12) certification must (1) earn a bachelor of arts in chemistry and (2) complete the requirements for a minor in education (Grades 9-12).

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a 9-12 secondary education certification preparation  Students seeking (Grades 9-12) certification must (1) earn a bachelor of science in chemistry and (2) complete the requirements for a minor in education (Grades 9-12).

A minor in chemistry, as well as a minor in biochemistry is offered. A minor requires 22-27 credit hours. A minor is simply a secondary academic subject to add to your knowledge, whether it is of professional or personal interest.

When you minor in chemistry at Lindenwood University, you will study areas of general chemistry, analytical chemistry and organic chemistry. A minor in chemistry, coupled with a major of your choice, can make you a more desirable candidate to potential employers.

What You Can Do with a Chemistry Degree?

Depending on your educational path in biological sciences program at Lindenwood University, you will be are prepared for career paths in education, graduate studies, laboratories, or healthcare.

Contact the Lindenwood University Chemistry Department

For more information about the Lindenwood University chemistry department, contact Dr. Jennifer Firestine, chemistry department chair, at (636) 949-4188 or jfirestine@lindenwood.edu or contact Lindenwood University Admissions at (636) 949-4949 or by email at admissions@lindenwood.edu.