About the Program
With a long history dating back to 1772, the Department of Chemistry offers one of the nation's premier undergraduate programs, typically producing more majors every year than any other predominantly undergraduate institution in the country. You will use state-of-the-art instrumentation during labs, courses and in research. Research is a large part of this program. First-year students have the opportunity to join faculty research labs and students are routinely published as co-authors in scientific journals.
What Makes Us Different
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Holistic Learning Environment
Develop valuable communication and data interpretation skills to prepare for the workforce.
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Student Awards
The Chemistry Department presents several awards and scholarships to students each year.
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Summer Research Opportunities
Participate in an on-campus summer research program and have the opportunity to be one of fifty students to receive a stipend.
Rankings
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70 %American Chemical Society-approved
More than 70% of majors earn a B.S. degree approved by the American Chemical Society
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Top 30Best Colleges for Chemistry in AmericaNiche 2025
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# 14Best Science Lab FacilitiesThe Princeton Review 2025
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85 %Faculty Research
More than 85% of majors engage in faculty-mentored research
Applied Learning
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Courses
Study a variety of courses for a well-rounded chemistry education including Research Practices in Chemistry (CHEM 195), Biochemistry (CHEM 314) and Mass Spectrometry (CHEM 456).*
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Research
Collaborate with faculty who have grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) or other organizations that support undergraduate research.
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Study Abroad
Sign up for faculty-led winter programs and embedded programs that can help chemistry majors fit a study abroad experience into their busy schedule.
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Peer Mentorship Program
Become a mentor to other students. This program aims to help students reach success in a different course each semester. Mentors host tutoring sessions and assist in lectures and chemistry-themed events.
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Student Organizations
Join the Chemistry Club or the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE).
Outcomes
Chemistry enjoys one of the lowest unemployment rates of any major job market. Chemistry alumni go directly into professional chemistry in private industry, governmental agencies or educational institutions. Others go to medical school, dental school or graduate school for chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, law or business.
Alumni Spotlight
Dr. Melissa J. Moore '84 studied chemistry at William & Mary. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Moore was a chief scientific officer of platform research at Moderna Therapeutics, where her team was instrumental in developing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Talk to Us
Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.
Department of Chemistry
Contact Us
- Get an inside look: Contact a current chemistry major
- Ask the faculty: Contact the Department of Chemistry
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.
