Chemistry Major

About our program

From ensuring safe drinking water to curbing energy shortages, a knowledge of chemistry is at the heart of solving many of the world's problems. Here, you'll start getting the hands-on experience you need to be part of the solution right away.

Work in organic, biochemical, analytical, physical and inorganic chemical research labs, and work directly with professors assisting with cutting-edge research. Plus, with internships and service learning, you'll connect the dots between your studies and the impact you can make in the community and beyond.

Marquette Hall, view from Wisconsin Avenue.

Marquette Hall, College of Arts and Sciences

Benefits you’ll get from Marquette’s College of Arts and Sciences

The ability to make significant positive change in the world requires knowing more than one area well. And since our College of Arts and Sciences is the most academically diverse college on campus, we're the perfect place to prepare for your role as a changemaker. So broaden your expertise by adding at least one additional major or minor to your degree — 73% of our students do. 

What can you do with a major in chemistry from Marquette?

Most of our graduates go on to graduate and professional schools. For those who entered the workforce after graduation, here’s where some of our recent graduates landed.

  • Epic 
  • Molson Coors Beverage Co. 
  • Sterling Pharma Solutions 
  • Synergy Flavors 
  • Walmart

collage of a building and faculty member talking to student

Hands-on learning for career success

While you’re here at Marquette, preparing you for what’s next will be one of our top priorities. So, expect lots of learning by doing, connecting with others who share your passions, and reflecting on how you can Be The Difference.

 

Spaces to learn

As an undergraduate chemistry major, you’ll get hands-on experience working in organic, biochemical, analytical, physical and inorganic chemical research labs, giving you the opportunity not just to test current theories but to make new discoveries in the field of chemistry.

Check out our research lab facilities.

Professional experience

Our location near downtown Milwaukee means lots of options when it comes to on-the-job experience. Explore professional possibilities with an internship or a service-learning experience and build a solid resume long before graduation.

Undergraduate research

Here, you'll have the opportunity to work in a research lab — on your own projects — under the guidance of your faculty mentor. And you can present your findings at regional or national conferences. During the summer, participate in a research fellowship where you’ll work in a real lab and get paid for it. 

Here are some of the areas our undergraduates have researched: 

  • Computational chemistry with next generation supercomputers 
  • New molecules for electroluminescent devices 
  • Applications of molecular recognition for chromatographic applications 
  • Structure, dynamics and ligand interactions of proteins

Learn more about undergraduate research opportunities.

Leadership learning

Become a people-centered leader guided by our Jesuit tradition. Join our E-Lead program sophomore year and you’ll complete a combination of leadership courses and experiences that prepare you to be the driver of innovation for the common good. You’ll develop the skill set to generate innovative solutions and the mindset to reflect on the impact your work has on the world. Bonus: You’ll graduate with a concentration in leadership, too. 

Explore our E-Lead program.

Study abroad

Expand your chemistry education with a semester abroad. Study program course work at prestigious universities around the world. Other international opportunities are available for chemistry students through core courses, summer study, language study, faculty-led programs or research. 

Check out our study abroad programs.

 

What to expect from a Marquette degree

A Marquette education equips students to thrive professionally and personally through overall student support, career preparation and an extended family that can't wait to meet you. But don't just take our word for it. 

#6

#6 Best College in Job Placement /#1 in Wisconsin

Zippia.com

#55

#55 in Student Outcomes

Wall Street Journal

#12

#12 Best Colleges for Internships

The Princeton Review (private universities)

Aerial of campus
 

Take the next step.