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Chemistry
BS, BS/MS

Transform the ordinary into the amazing. When you major in chemistry you study matter and its transformation.

Chemists conduct research and experiments to discover new concepts about the universe. They try to solve society's problems, whether by developing a cure for cancer, monitoring the earth's ozone layer, creating new materials to heat our homes, or pursuing countless other challenges.

The knowledge you'll gain through the study of chemistry at UMass Dartmouth will open the door to many different career opportunities within the five divisions of chemistry: analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, or physical. You'll be prepared for chemistry careers in education, forensics, government, law, industry, medicine, or research.

Also see the biochemistry concentration and minor.

The chemistry major prepares you for:

  • employment in many areas of the chemical industry
  • graduate study in most pure and applied chemistry areas, such as organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, polymer, forensic chemistry, pharmacy or the health professional programs

If you're interested in marine chemistry, geochemistry, toxicology, environmental monitoring and analysis, environmental law or other areas of environmental science, consider this interdisciplinary approach. You can customize your studies, choosing electives in departments such as biology, physics, environmental engineering, economics, and political science.

Expand your career and graduate school options by learning the fundamentals of chemistry. You can choose between minors in chemistry or biochemistry.

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.

Student Success

Velho receives the ACS Organic Chemistry Award at the Chemistry Honors & Awards program
Shayne Velho '23: Unlimited possibilities

Chemistry major gains valuable experience as undergraduate research assistant.

Graduate School Placements

  • Brown University
  • MIT
  • Texas A&M
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Rhode Island

Medical School Placements

  • Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
  • Nova Southeastern School of Medicine
  • Tufts University School of Medicine
  • UMass Medical School

Career Placements

  • Bristol-Meyers Squibb
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • Drug Enforcement Agency
  • Fairhaven High School
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Massachusetts Crime Lab
  • New Bedford High School
  • Novartis
  • Pfizer
  • Siemens
  • Waters Corporation

UMassD advantages

  • American Chemical Society certification
  • Research-intensive semester: work with faculty on projects with opportunities to present on campus or at a professional conference
  • Technology: 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
  • Community: join organizations such as the Chemistry Club and the Pre-Health Society
  • Pre-med studies: Both our chemistry and biochemistry curricula also prepare you to continue your studies in medical school or other health professional programs
  • Cranberry Health Research Center: a collaboration among academia, medical institutions, and industry to provide scientific evidence for the cranberry's role in health and nutrition
  • Honors College: take advanced courses, pursue research, and be part of a community of scholars
  • Study Abroad: earn academic credits and gain a global perspective on your field
  • Undergraduate Research: faculty work with students on cutting-edge research projects
  • University Studies: gain the benefit of a broad university education to enhance your knowledge and skills
  • BS/MS Program: The UMassD BS/MS fast-track program enables qualified students to complete both the BS and the MS degrees in chemistry or biochemistry in 5 rather than 6 years.
  • MS in Chemistry: Expand your career options by pursuing a master's degree in Chemistry at UMassD.
  • PhD in Chemistry: Earn an advanced degree through the doctoral program offered by UMass Dartmouth.

Chemistry Faculty

Brian Blanchette
PhD
Catherine Neto
PhD
David Manke
PhD
Emmanuel Ojadi
PhD
Anne Liberty
Olusegun Olubanwo
PhD
Yibin Wei
PhD
Jamie Lawton
PhD
Maolin Guo
PhD
Maricris Mayes
PhD
Melissa Silvia
Patrick Cappillino
PhD
Shuowei Cai
PhD
Sivappa Rasapalli
PhD
Timothy Su
PhD
Christine Piva
PhD
Wei-Shun Chang
PhD
Xiaofei Jia
PhD
Yuegang Zuo
PhD