Chemistry helps us understand the way life functions, develop pharmaceuticals to cure and treat disease, and create new materials that lead to tomorrow's technology. Modern life depends on chemistry.
Why Study Chemistry?
Chemistry is often called the central science, as it bridges the physical and life sciences. All scientists rely on chemistry: It helps astronomers understand how stars generate heat, biochemists develop new medical treatments, and materials scientists develop materials that lead to smaller microchips.
As a chemist, you'll be an expert at evaluating matter — everything from the world inside us to worlds billions of light years away. By learning about the relationships atoms and molecules have to each other, you'll be able to ask and answer questions that will shape our lives.
Why Study Chemistry at CSUN?
Real Labs. Real Experience.
At CSUN, you'll train on the same state-of-the-art instruments found in the best-equipped laboratories. Employers value that kind of experience.
Because you'll be in small classes, you'll get one-on-one attention from faculty. So when you graduate, you'll be prepared to move on to the next level, whether that's a job or graduate school.
Make Your Mark
Many undergraduates have the chance to work on research projects with faculty. You may have the chance to publish the results of your work in peer-reviewed publications and present at local, national and even international conferences.
Choose Your Path
CSUN offers two different chemistry degrees, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) While the B.S. is geared to students intent on pursuing a Ph.D. or industry positions, the B.A. is better suited for those planning on a career in medicine, sales or another related field.
ACS Certified
CSUN's B.S. in chemistry is one of just 690 American Chemical Society-approved programs in the country. It's an exclusive seal of approval that denotes educational excellence.
What You'll Learn
As a Chemistry major, you'll gain foundational knowledge in several areas of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical. You'll take required courses in chemistry, physics and math, including multiple classes with extensive lab work.
All Chemistry majors choose from one of two tracks:
The B.A. degree provides a strong background in chemistry while providing the flexibility to pursue a career in a related field. If you're interested in pursuing additional training in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine, the B.A. degree is an ideal choice. A B.A. also prepares you to teach or go into a profession such as patent law or technical sales.
If you plan to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry, the B.S. program provides the intensive background necessary to succeed in an advanced program. It's also appropriate if you're interested in a career working in a lab, handling hazardous materials or chemical research and development.
Careers & Outcomes
Graduates of our chemistry programs find opportunities in medicine, industry, government and academia.
Employers of recent alumni include:
- Amgen
- Eli Lilly
- UCLA
- Merck
- Gilead
Our chemistry graduates find jobs in fields including:
- Teaching
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Chemistry
- Research & development
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
We're here to help.
The Chemistry Tutoring Center provides free tutoring for students in several introductory classes every semester. You'll work with faculty and students skilled at the material. And you won't be alone: Every semester, we work with more than 500 students.