BA in Chemistry

Awaken your purpose with a flexible science degree program.

Chemistry is literally the study of everything around us. Elements that have existed on earth since its creation are constantly in flux, shifting, interacting, changing from one substance to another. Understanding this can help make a difference in the world around you. You love science, and might have a knack for math. The chemistry major program might be for you! Get this: knowledge of the principles of chemistry can facilitate understanding of other sciences, including physics, biology, geology, astronomy, oceanography, engineering, and medicine. The BA in Chemistry allows for flexibility in your elective courses, while the BS in Chemistry includes a deep dive into the mathematical side of the science with courses in physical chemistry and advanced calculus.

Hands-On Experiences, Professional Opportunities

As a chemistry major at SWU, you will learn to comprehend, explain and analyze chemical phenomena at the subatomic, atomic and molecular levels. In hands-on laboratory classes, you will learn to use appropriate chemical analysis techniques and standard laboratory equipment. Through these labs and techniques, you will be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the use and structure of the periodic table, balance chemical equations, and identify unknowns, as well as approach current ethical issues from a biblical perspective.

You will receive care and leadership from highly qualified professors that are involved in students’ lives outside the classroom. The chemistry degree also has research opportunities through independent studies where you will be challenged to think critically and develop the technical abilities required to successfully conduct scientific research as well as identify and solve technical problems in relation to chemical synthesis and innovation; a strong requirement for students looking for a chemistry research position in industries and graduate schools.

Is this Chemistry major right for you?

You might consider a Chemistry major if you desire an exciting, dynamic, and challenging research career involving problem solving in industries and government agencies (EPA, FBI, NIH, DOE, DOH, DHS, NSF) and national/educational research facilities. Chemistry graduates can do anything from Pharmacy, Petroleum Engineering, Chemical engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Drug production (Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry), Food technology, textile Technology, and more!

Available Instrumentation

• Perkin Elmer Spectrum Two FT-IR spectrometer
• Beckman DU-70 UV-VIS spectrophotometer
• HP Liquid Chromatograph
• SRI 310C Gas Chromatograph
• PLAS LABS 830-ABC Glove Box
• Schlenk lines and vacuum manifolds
• NMR spectrometer (Clemson University)
• Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer (Clemson University)