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
The Chemistry and Chemistry with Forensics Option programs are both approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn more about the Chemistry minor.

Why study chemistry at UMass Lowell?

Chemistry faculty member and student work with equipment in a UMass Lowell lab

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
Chemistry research student wearing arm-length gloves and working with lab equipment

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
An undergrad chemistry student using a microscope device to look at chemicals in a lab.

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
Chemistry student heating liquid in a UMass Lowell lab

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together.

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. 

Chemistry student in lab coat works with equipment in a UMass Lowell lab

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

Hear from Our Students

UMass Lowell student Stephanie Ceballos stands outside the Royal Palace in Madrid during a study abroad trip.
Stephanie Ceballos '25
Biochemistry

Whether studying abroad or conducting research, Stephanie Ceballos is making the most out of her UMass Lowell experience.

Joining a club is a good way to feel part of the UMass Lowell community.
Read More About Stephanie Ceballos 
Frances Skinner and Professor Gkikas in the chemisty lab
Frances Skinner '19
Chemistry, Political Science

Frances Skinner ’19 gained lab skills and confidence while working in Chemistry Asst. Prof. Manos Gkikas’ lab

I learned a lot of fundamentals in Gkikas’ lab, which gave me a lot more confidence working in a laboratory environment.
Read More About Frances Skinner 
Deepak Bhimani UMass Lowell Chemistry Alumni
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.

Read More About Deepak Bhimani 
Student working in a UMass Lowell laboratory
Noah Mason '23
Chemistry

An introduction to research helped Noah Mason find his passion.

I feel really at home in the department.
Read More About Noah Mason 
UMass Lowell organic chemistry professor Khalilah Reddie in a classroom full of her students
Khalilah Reddie
Chemistry

Khalilah Reddie has an enthusiasm for teaching that has raised student success rates in Organic Chemistry.

I lead by example, because I work really hard for my students. It makes them want to work hard for themselves.
Read More About Khalilah Reddie