Bachelor in Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of the science of matter and it’s transformations from one form to another. At Northwest, students majoring in chemistry will gain practical laboratory experience and foundational knowledge in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry and analytical chemistry. Students can choose a chemistry degree that is certified by the American Chemical Society (A.C.S.) or emphasize in general chemistry, biochemistry or medicinal chemistry.

The A.C.S. certified major in chemistry prepares students with a comprehensive and deep exposure to the many aspects of chemistry. Students are intellectually challenged, and gain an appreciation of how this discipline impacts their daily lives. This nationally recognized degree is designed to prepare up and coming professional chemists for careers in research institutions, industry or the pursuit of graduate studies.

The general chemistry emphasis major allows students to select electives to suit their interests. Many students choose to double major in chemistry and another area such as geology, agronomy, or biology to gain a competitive edge.

Students interested in both biology and chemistry may want to view the biochemistry emphasis.

Students interested in pharmaceuticals may want to view the medicinal chemistry emphasis.

Career Opportunities

100% of students who graduate with a degree in chemistry obtain employment or continue their education within six months after graduation.

• Analytical Chemist
• Laboratory Technician
• Industrial Hygienist
• Pharmaceutical Design
• Food Science
• Quality Assurance
• Quality Control
• Formulation Chemist
• Process Chemist
• Chemical Manufacturing
• Forensics
• Geochemist

*Based on self-reported data in recent years.

Profession-Based Learning Experiences

Northwest’s award-winning Dean L. Hubbard Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship features more than $3 million invested in state-of-the-art instruments that undergraduate students may access to gain profession-based experience.

Garrett-Strong Science Building offers 26 labs where students gain profession-based experience on campus. The building is the home to the synthetic cadaver, aquarium, two museums and living animals that include a hedgehog, rats, iguanas and others kept in labs.

Faculty-led research is an opportunity for undergraduate students to produce original research resulting in publishing their work and gaining valuable professional experience. This is available for students showing interest in furthering their education.

Internships

Although internships are not required with a chemistry major, they are highly encouraged to gain real-world experiences.

Study abroad

Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their academic development. Faculty members provide short-term study programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available: faculty-led and traditional study abroad.

The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.

Requirements

The Northwest Core (48-52 hours) Must include the following:

Collateral Courses (16-17)

Required Courses (49)

Free Electives (10-11)

Established in 1905, Northwest Missouri State University is a state-assisted, comprehensive four-year regional university that also offers a broad range of undergraduate and selected graduate programs on its Maryville campus as well as its Northwest-Kansas City location at the Northland Innovation Center and through Northwest Online.

Northwest offers 127 undergraduate programs and 40 graduate programs. Career Services offers an "Exploring Majors" fair where students may learn about different majors and find a major that is the perfect fit for them. Northwest advocates for profession-based experience in every area of study. At Northwest's Horace Mann Laboratory School, students majoring in education begin observing and practicing in the teaching profession immediately. Other profession-based experiences include work at Northwest's R.T. Wright Farm, radio and television stations, and a variety of internships.