Chemistry (BA/BS)

Explore life’s complexities through skilled problem-solving. 

MBU students can declare a major in Chemistry until August 2024.
Students who have already declared a major or will declare one from the existing course catalog prior to August 2024 will be able to complete their major on schedule through courses offered at Mary Baldwin.

Chemistry is an essential science that touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives. As a chemistry major, you’ll learn about the elements that make up everything we experience on Earth and the ways matter undergoes change.

Studying chemistry prepares you to go directly into the industry or for graduate work in various scientific fields.

Time to finish
4 years
Format
In Person
Degree(s)
Bachelor of Arts,
Bachelor of Science
Minor
Chemistry Education
Chemistry class

Why Study Chemistry at Mary Baldwin?

As a chemistry major at Mary Baldwin, you’ll dive into a challenging curriculum encompassing the organic and inorganic branches of the field. And with access to lab opportunities typically reserved for graduate-level study, our students really learn how chemistry research is done. 

Our curriculum and student experiences are constantly adapting to meet evolving industry standards and marketplace needs. Here are some additional ways we prepare you for an exciting career or continued study:

  • Learn from caring science educators who give plenty of personal attention
  • Embark on a meaningful research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor
  • Complete a teaching and research internship 
  • Attend and/or present at national/regional chemistry conferences
  • Participate in Iota Sigma Pi, the national chemistry honor society for women and the American Chemical Society student affiliate chapter

What You’ll Learn as a Chemistry Major

Chemistry major course requirements include a mix of core and elective courses, most of which have a hands-on lab component.

Your specific classes will depend on whether you choose the BA or BS route, but sample core and elective courses include: 

Unique student support

The McCree Center for Life Success assists current students and alumni in finding the best opportunities throughout their career development. We work closely with both faculty and employers to identify how your valued education best matches the needs of today’s evolving marketplace.

Careers: What Can I Do with a Chemistry Degree?

Chemistry careers are available in a range of fields and settings, from research labs and manufacturing facilities to high schools and environmental education centers. Our alumni started or advanced their careers with positions such as: 

  • Analytical chemist
  • Animal care specialist
  • Pharmaceutical chemist
  • R&D/manufacturing scientist
  • Laboratory assistant 
  • Chemical management engineering technician
  • Product designer (in pharmaceuticals)
  • High school science teacher
  • Neurodegeneration scientist

Graduate Schools and Programs 

Mary Baldwin chemistry majors also continue their education at schools and programs such as: 

  • Alabama A&M University Graduate School (PhD, food science)
  • Johns Hopkins University (MS, biotechnology)
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham (PhD, neuroscience)
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (PhD, analytical chemistry)
  • University of Virginia (PhD, chemistry)

Looking ahead to graduate school, Mary Baldwin’s Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences offers several master’s and doctoral programs. MBU undergraduate students are able to take advantage of a guaranteed interview program at Murphy Deming.

Cost & Financial Aid

A great education is worth it. Here’s how Mary Baldwin helps you pay for it: Generous financial aid packages, a broad range of scholarships, transferring maximum credit hours from previous coursework or relevant work and life experiences — the list goes on. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.

MBU helps you fast-track your path to a bachelor’s degree with the opportunity to transfer up to 18 credits (6 courses) through direct course equivalents from the Virginia Community Colleges System.

  • Cost per credit hour: $486
  • Credits required for a bachelor’s degree: 120

It’s time to level up your career. Apply today!