Chemistry Students

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Minor 

Chemistry

The Chemistry Department at Bowling Green State University offers a broad-based, rigorous chemistry education that provides students with intellectual, experimental and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals.   

Chemistry majors study matter at the molecular level and apply molecular principles to design and synthesize new materials and characterize and quantify their macroscopic properties.

Graduates go on to further education and careers in environmental research, biochemistry, forensic science, medicine and pharmaceutical industries. 

Small class size and research opportunities

Chemistry students benefit from small class sizes and close faculty attention. The faculty has extensive research experience and are leading experts in their fields.   

There are abundant opportunities for undergraduate chemistry majors to contribute to research projects and work with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

The Moseley Hall building on the BGSU Ohio campus houses an interdisciplinary science complex featuring flexible laboratory and classroom spaces. The chemistry labs were recently upgraded and feature cutting-edge equipment and facilities.

Career – what can you do with a chemistry degree?

Along with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, BGSU offers a M.S. degree in chemistry and a Ph.D. in photochemical sciences.

Chemistry is at the heart of a broad range of modern industries, including 3D printing, product design and development, and art restoration. Regulating and monitoring the chemical industry’s impact on the environment is a vast undertaking that employs thousands and offers rewarding career options.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that all careers for chemistry majors will grow above the national average.

Our graduates have been hired by companies such as NAMSA, Sherwin-Williams, Procter & Gamble, Wacker Chemical Corporation, ProMedica, Charles River Laboratories and the Bureau of Land Management.

Career paths

  • Environmental protection
  • Disease prevention
  • Agricultural research
  • Industrial chemistry
  • Criminal investigation
  • Military research science
  • Applied product development
  • Dentistry

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View Average Salaries

Internships  

Undergraduate chemistry students have the opportunity to conduct internships with faculty members and graduate students on research projects, which often lead to publications in professional journals and presentations at regional or national meetings.

Curriculum

The chemistry curriculum offers foundational chemistry courses designed to meet the needs of chemistry majors planning to focus on such disciplines as the physical sciences, life sciences, health professions and science education.

The BGSU chemistry curriculum includes courses in the major chemistry subdisciplines: analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry. Students in the chemistry major gain experience in these areas and learn to apply their training to solve problems in new situations. Students have the option of choosing a specialization in biochemistry or forensic chemistry.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is the world's largest scientific society and the premier home of chemistry professionals. The bachelor of science in chemistry is eligible for certification by the ACS with appropriate selection of chemistry elective courses.

chemistry ostrowski

Sample courses

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Quantitative Chemical Analysis
  • Biochemistry
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
Specializations
  • Biochemistry
  • Forensic Chemistry

What are good minors for chemistry majors?

If you have a clear idea of where you want to focus your career, you may have already decided on a minor. Many chemistry majors choose a minor in biology or physics. A general science minor is also a good option. A minor in math is applicable to a chemistry career as well.

Depending on your career goals, a non-science minor may be beneficial. A candidate with knowledge in business, economics, or communications may be a good prospect in some industries.

College of Arts and Sciences Admissions

Students planning to study chemistry or biochemistry should have taken a year of high school chemistry. They should also have a strong background in mathematics, including a year of calculus if possible.

Academic Investment in Math and Science (AIMS) scholarships and learning community

The AIMS program has two scholarship packages with distinct requirements. The AIMS Standard scholarship is traditionally awarded to women and students of color with STEM majors. The AIMS BOSEF scholarship targets Ohio residents majoring in the following majors: chemistry, physics, biology, geology, environmental science, applied mathematics, mechanical and manufacturing engineering technology and with career goals related to renewable energy.

There is also an AIMS Learning Community, a place to live and learn alongside peers who share your interest and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Updated: 03/01/2024 01:46PM