Chemistry (B.S.)
Why Study Chemistry at NIU?
Chemistry is at the heart of all science, and is necessary in order to understand biology, geology, physics, and tons of subdisciplines in those fields. A Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry can be your gateway to infinite science careers.
When you major in chemistry at NIU, you select from four emphases:
- Chemistry – If you want to pursue an advanced degree in chemistry or are planning to be a professional chemist.
- Biochemistry – If you want to pursue an advanced degree in biochemistry, or are planning to be a professional chemist.
- Secondary teaching – If you want to teach chemistry in junior and senior high schools.
- Chemistry for pre-professionals – If you want to use chemistry as preparation for a professional school, such as medical school.
The emphases in Chemistry and Biochemistry are certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Careers with a Chemistry Degree
Your chemistry degree will open the doors for all kinds of exciting careers from forensic science (with a projected jobs outlook growing 27 percent faster than average) to environmental science (growing 11 percent faster than average).
Chemists work in a variety of areas such as:
- Agricultural
- Biotechnology
- Manufacturing firms
- Government agencies
- Higher education
Your chemistry degree can prepare you to pursue professional education for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary and law.
Chemistry Faculty
Our outstanding chemistry faculty have diverse and deep research experience. From drug design, to immunochemistry, to polyhedral boron cage biomolecules and cancer therapy, to the molecular basis of aging and disease in the human eye, our professors are experts in research and leaders in their fields.
Hands-on Learning Opportunities
Our Chemistry Club, a student affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society, promotes interest in chemistry and the chemical professions. The purpose of this organization is to aid understanding of the field of chemistry, and to provide interaction among individuals engaged in the study of chemistry. They sponsor several outreach events each year, including our wildly popular Chem Demo Night.