Frequently Asked Questions: Chemistry

What sets Purdue's program apart?
What can I do with a chemistry degree from Purdue?
How should I prepare for the chemistry program in high school?
What courses will I take as a chemistry student?

1. What sets Purdue's program apart? (top)

The Department of Chemistry at Purdue University has earned national and world-wide honors. Purdue's own Dr. Herbert C. Brown, along with Georg Wittig from the University of Hedelberg in Germany, was awarded the 1979 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on boron. Purdue's Analytical Chemistry specialization has been ranked #1 in the nation, and the chemistry department as a whole regularly ranks in the top 20 nationwide. The department has a small undergraduate population, but a very large faculty. This allows major-classes to remain quite small and for students to receive a great deal of individualized attention. It also gives students many more opportunities to be involved in mentoring programs and cutting-edge undergraduate research in a wide range of fields from bioinformatics to nanotechnology.

Chemistry majors can pursue one of three degrees:

B.S. in Chemistry (American Chemical Society (ACS) Accredited), or Chemistry (ACS)
B.S. in Chemistry (Biochemistry) (ACS Accredited), or Biochemistry (ACS)
B.S. in Chemistry

There is also a B. S. Science Education with a Chemistry Concentration (through the College of Science Administration.

For degree plans, see the College of Science Majors page and Purdue's Course Catalog. The department also offers a minor in Chemistry.

2. What can I do with a chemistry degree from Purdue? (top)

With a degree in chemistry, you can choose many different careers. Many graduates work in research & development in a wide variety of fields, while others choose jobs such as becoming a lab supervisor, entering pharmaceutical sales, analytical services, or quality control. Our graduates also go directly to graduate school and professional schools. Average starting salaries are between $55,000 - $60,000.

3. How should I prepare for the chemistry program in high school? (top)

It is very important to take calculus, chemistry, and a wide variety of science courses including physics. Continue taking foreign language and writing courses for as many years as possible.

4. What courses will I take as a chemistry student? (top)

In your first two years, you will take courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry. You will also take physics, English composition, three semesters of calculus, and two semesters of a foreign language. Later in the curriculum, you will also be required to take:

Analytical and Physical Chemistry
general education electives
lab science coursework in another area
additional Chemistry classes
statistics and computer science electives

Typical First-Year Coursework

Semester one:

CHM 12500, General Chemistry I, 5 credit hours

MA 16100 or 16500, Calculus I and Analytical Geometry, 4-5 credit hours

CHM 19400 Freshman Orientation Seminar

3-6 credit hours Science Core classes (General Education, English Composition, Language/Culture)

Total: 14 to 17 credit hours

Semester two:

CHM 12600, General Chemistry II, 5 credit hours

MA 16200 or 16600, Calculus II and Analytical Geometry, 4-5 credit hours

3-4 credit hours Science Core classes (General Education, English Composition, Language/Culture)

PHYS 17200, Physics 1, 4 credit hours or 3-4 credit hours Science Core classes

Total: 16 to 17 credit hours

Contact:
By phone: 765.494.1771 or 800.804.8061
College of Science: www.science.purdue.edu
Department of Chemistry: www.chem.purdue.edu