College of Arts and Sciences

Chemistry BS

From developing life-saving medicines to creating cleaner energy, chemistry offers endless ways to make a difference.

Degree: Bachelor of Science; Accelerated degree options
Modality: On-campus

Duration: 4 years
Total Credits: 120
Designated: STEM, STEM-OPT

Average base salary for Chemistry BS degree holders:: $85,000 Average base salary for Chemistry BS degree holders. View career outcomes.

Chem student and athlete Jordan D'Amico working in the computational chemistry lab

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Why study chemistry at UMass Dartmouth?

Chemistry is the science behind countless innovations, from lifesaving medicine and cleaner energy to consumer products and beyond. At UMass Dartmouth, you’ll build skills using modern laboratory technologies and analytical tools, explore research at the forefront of the field, and prepare for careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, and more. Whether you’re ready to enter the workforce or pursue graduate study, a chemistry degree opens doors to opportunities to solve real-world problems.

Chemistry majors may pursue an optional concentration in biochemistry. A concentration in biochemistry lets you explore the chemistry of living systems, from the molecules that drive cellular processes to the science behind disease and new treatments. Build a deeper understanding of how chemistry and biology intersect, with opportunities to prepare for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health-related research, or further study in the biomedical sciences.

Launch your career

Average base salary for Chemistry BS degree holders

Source: Payscale

93%

UMD chemistry majors employed or in grad school within 6mos

Source: AY 2025 NACE Data Collection of Undergraduate Alumni

Job growth for chemists is 2x average for all occupations

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What can I do with a Chemistry BS degree?

A BS in chemistry can lead to careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, research, business, education, forensics, and more. A bachelor's degree in chemistry is a strong foundation for a variety of career paths, as well as graduate study and medical school. Chemistry majors can go on to have careers as:

Chemical analysis and lab testing technicians
Science teachers
Environmental chemists

Water quality specialists
Forensic scientists
Chemical engineers

Research scientists
Community health professionals
Virologists

Top employers

Curriculum

As a chemistry major at UMass Dartmouth, you'll have the opportunity to customize your education based on your interests and career goals, from medicine to geochemistry to environmental science. All chemistry students will learn the skills to:

Apply fundamental concepts of chemistry to solve problems across inorganic, organic, analytical, physical and biochemistry
Conduct laboratory experiments using modern techniques, scientific instruments and analytical methods
Use state-of-the-art equipment including a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, x-ray diffractometer, voltametric analyzer, biosensors, mass spectrometers, electrophoresis systems, and DNA sequencer

Academic catalog

Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.

View the full academic catalog (opens in a new tab)

Student Spotlight

Linh Dan Nguyen '25: HIV research

Hometown: New Bedford, MA
Major: Chemistry - Biochemistry
Research: Elucidating the Structural Bases of HIV-1-Induced CD4 Degradation
Employment: PRISM Postbaccalaureate Researcher at Novartis

Accelerated degree options

Explore accelerated pathways that may help you complete your bachelor’s degree sooner, begin graduate coursework early, or pursue a streamlined path to a master’s, teaching, or law degree. Available options vary by program and eligibility.

4+1 Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option

Qualified students in this program may be eligible to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway at UMass Dartmouth. This option allows you to begin graduate coursework while completing your undergraduate degree and transition directly into a master's program.

Learn more

4+1 BA/BS-MAT: a fast track to teaching

Enrollment in the 4+1 Teacher Preparation program allows undergraduate students to begin the education coursework towards a master’s degree in teaching (MAT) as early as the sophomore year. Half of the degree is completed as an undergraduate, reducing the time and costs of earning a graduate degree.

Learn more

3+3 with UMass Law: a fast track to a law degree

Enrollment in the 3+3 joint degree program with UMass Law offers an accelerated pathway to an undergraduate and law degree, enabling qualifying students to substitute the first year of law school for the final year of their undergraduate program, thereby earning both a bachelor’s degree from UMass Dartmouth and a Juris Doctor from UMass Law in six rather than seven years.

Learn more

Research

Chemistry majors at UMass Dartmouth have numerous opportunities to get practical training and experience through hands-on lab work and research. Research is a required component of the chemistry program, and one of the greatest tools in preparing our graduates for future employment and further education. Chemistry majors can conduct research on topics like pharmaceutical biotechnology, machine learning in chemistry, energy, and the UMass Cranberry Health Research Center (CHRC), a collaboration among academia, medical institutions, and industry to provide scientific evidence for the cranberry's role in health and nutrition.

Accolades

UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.

Nationally ranked discovery across arts and sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences brings together nationally ranked programs, accomplished scholars, and research with measurable impact. Its faculty includes eight Fulbright Scholars and has secured more than $14 million in grants over three years, creating opportunities for students to learn through research, creative inquiry, and community engagement.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about the Chemistry BS program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.

Yes. UMass Dartmouth's Chemistry BS program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS-approved programs offer a rigorous education that prepares students to become effective scientific professionals. According to the ACS, employers find graduates of approved programs to be better prepared for technical employment.

Yes. Both our chemistry and biochemistry programs prepare you to continue your studies in medical school or other health professional programs.

Yes. UMass Dartmouth offers an accelerated 4+1 BS-MAT in chemistry, allowing you to obtain both a chemistry BS degree and a master's in teaching degree (MAT) in just five years. During your junior year as a chemistry major, you can begin earning credits toward a master's degree, saving time and money on your education. You'll graduate the 4+1 program ready to obtain your teaching license.

Yes. The chemistry program allows students interested in environmental science to customize their studies with courses in areas such as marine chemistry, geochemistry, toxicology and environmental monitoring. Students can consult with their academic advisor to select the appropriate courses.

Chemistry degree holders are employed across many different industries including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care, environmental science, energy, advanced materials, manufacturing and government research. The chemistry program prepares students to begin working in their chosen field or to pursue medical school, veterinary school, and other advanced studies.

Chemistry is available as a minor. Contact your academic advisor for more information.

The Chemistry BS program is designated as a STEM degree and may qualify eligible F-1 international students for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension after completing standard post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility for STEM OPT is determined by U.S. immigration regulations and individual student circumstances. To learn about eligibility requirements and the application process, review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) STEM OPT guidance. F-1 students must work with the ISSC to apply for a STEM OPT extension.