Department of Chemistry

The Latest News from Chemistry

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS: Click here to learn more about MTSU Chemistry. 

 

Welcome to Chemistry

The Chemistry Department offers the Bachelor of Science (American Chemical Society accredited or not), Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, and the Master of Science degrees, as well as a minor in chemistry.  Additionally, students can obtain their Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in chemistry in five years with the Accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's (ABM) program.  Department offerings include pre-professional programs and participation in three interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs. 

Students are provided a strong background in the traditional areas of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, organic, inorganic, and physical, as well as opportunities in computational, materials/polymer, medicinal, and environmental chemistry. Students are prepared for careers in government labs, industry, teaching, graduate study, and health professions.

With the opening in Fall 2014 of a new, innovative $147-million science building comprising more than 250,000 square feet for teaching, research, and collaborative learning, our students have opportunities to study in a state-of-the-art facility. We invite you to take a closer look.

Science Building

A wide variety of courses include laboratory experiences and the Department shares a collection of modern analytical tools that are available for use in research and research training.
 

Departmental activities such as research, seminars, social, career-building, and outreach events enhance the educational experience.

We welcome the opportunity to share information about our department. Contact us with your comments and questions about our program. 

An Overview of the Chemistry Program

A glance at the undergraduate catalog will tell you that there are three recommended curricula for the chemistry major to follow as well as a minor option.  For a detailed layout of degree requirements, click here.

Choosing Between the Professional and Regular Chemistry Majors...

The professional degree differs in several ways from the non-professional degree. It is intended for those who wish to get a job as a chemist right after graduation or go on to graduate or professional school. The Professional Chemistry Major has two tracks, either of which may be taken and completed with 43 hours of chemistry courses, and it does NOT require taking a minor or a second major. In the "Biomolecular"; track, there are no electives, as there are eight hours of work in biochemistry. In the "Materials"; track, three to four hours of electives are chosen, so as to focus on any other area of chemistry (not just Materials).

The Regular Chemistry Major has only 36 hours of chemistry courses, but it DOES require taking a minor or a second major. The regular chemistry major is intended for those who wish to double major in biology, or place a major emphasis on another subject area, or who require remedial work in mathematics.

With either major it is advisable to take more chemistry courses than the minimum number suggested in the catalog. An especially valuable elective is Instrumental Methods (CHEM 4230). To be considered a serious chemist with either major, you should do Individual Research, either informally, or as CHEM 3880 or 4880. With either major, you may substitute University Physics (PHYS 2110, 2120) for College Physics (PHYS 2010, 2020), although either physics course is accepted.

Chemistry Faculty Resources