Chemistry is everywhere.
Chemistry is the central science. All of life depends upon intricate and coordinated chemical reactions. All of the materials of nature and those that are made by humans have properties arising from the details of their chemical structure, and on the properties of the elements, compounds and ions of which they are composed.
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry are designed to provide a student with the professional training needed to contribute to this dynamic industry.
Program type:
Major, BA or BS
Format:
On-Campus, 100% Evenings
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Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science -
Chemistry
Bachelor of Arts students are prepared for a career in the chemical industry, graduate work in the chemical sciences, health sciences, medicine, business, marketing or law. The BA is also intended primarily for pre-professional students in the health sciences and related areas such as pharmacy, as well as prelaw students interested in patent law.
Bachelor of Science students are prepared for a career in the chemical industry, graduate work in the chemical sciences, health sciences, medicine, business, marketing or law. The BS degree is intended for those who want to become professional chemists or as preparation for graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry.
Outcomes and Career Outlook
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, graduates will be proficient in organic and physical chemistry. Graduates of the BS in Chemistry will be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of at least four of the five foundational areas of chemistry (analytical, organic, inorganic, physical and biochemistry).
Graduates will be able to apply appropriate concepts, investigative and quantitative methods in all sub-disciplines of chemistry research; critically evaluate existing scientific studies to test specific hypotheses addressing unsolved problems in the chemical and life sciences; use computers and required scientific software in data acquisition, processing, presentation or analyses, including statistical and regression analysis; and demonstrate basic skills associated with safely performing and properly documenting laboratory experiments in chemistry.
Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to work either independently or as a part of a small team; identify and procure information from relevant scientific literature, using proper citations and critically evaluate the accuracy, validity, authenticity and timeliness of data and facts without bias or favor. They will be able to effectively communicate about chemical sciences processes and the results of scientific investigations; and follow ethical practices in research, interpreting experimental findings and in presentation about and application of that research.
Students are prepared for a career in the chemical industry, graduate work in the chemical sciences, health sciences, medicine, business, marketing or law. The BS degree is intended for those who want to become professional chemists or as preparation for graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry.
Upon completion of the BS in Chemistry, graduates will be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of at least four of the five foundational areas of chemistry (analytical, organic, inorganic, physical and biochemistry). They will be able to solve chemical problems that include both the study of small molecules and macromolecules; understand basic chemical concepts including stoichiometry, states of matter, molecular structure and bonding, thermodynamics, equilibria and kinetics; apply appropriate concepts, investigative and quantitative methods in all sub-disciplines of chemistry research; critically evaluate existing scientific studies to test specific hypotheses addressing unsolved problems in the chemical and life sciences; use computers and required scientific software in data acquisition, processing, presentation of analyses, including statistical and regression analysis.
They will be able to demonstrate basic skills associated with safely performing and properly documenting laboratory experiments in chemistry; demonstrate skills in performing laboratory experiments; demonstrate the ability to work either independently or as a part of a small team; identify and procure information from relevant scientific literature using proper citations and critically evaluate reliability, validity, accuracy, authority, timeliness and point of view or bias; effectively communicate about chemical sciences processes and the results of scientific inquiry; and follow ethical practices in research, experimental interpretation, presentation, citation and application of research.
Employment of chemists is projected to grow up to 5% to 2029, with a median annual salary of $79,430, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
79,430
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Career Opportunities
- Analytical Chemist
- Business Development
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemical Sales and Marketing
- Field Service Engineer
- Industrial Manager
- Instrumentation Specialist
- Laboratory Manager
- Preparative Chemist
- Product Developer
- Project Manager
Plan of study
BS Option
Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year Plan
Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the NC-SARA state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.
All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.
Student organizations
Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as a chemistry major:
- Chemistry Club
- Student Government Association
- Students of the University of Missouri
Honors College
The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, diversity, civility and academic excellence.
Undergraduate research
We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.