Chemistry

Chemistry provides answers to questions about the living and material world around us. Knowledge of chemistry is essential to understanding fields ranging from cell biology to materials science.

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Did You Know?

• Four majors certified by the American Chemical Society are offered: (B.S., B.S with concentration in Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Discovery, B.S with concentration in Biochemistry, B.S with concentration in Materials Chemistry) as well as a Bachelor of Arts.
• In the past 13 celebrations of Undergraduate Research Day (2010-19, 2021-23), a total of 142 eventual graduates declaring their primary major in Chemistry have made at least one presentation. That’s the third-highest total of any major; it represents nearly one of every 10 grads in that time.

Courses

Sample courses for students studying Chemistry include:

• Everyday Chemistry
• Theory and Methods of the Quantitative Analysis Lab
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Nanochemistry in Engineering and Medicine

View official major requirements »

Practical Experience & Skills

Chemistry majors develop skills that may lead to a wide variety of occupational tracks. Trained to think both analytically and creatively, chemists solve practical as well as research problems– skills that are readily transferable to many careers.

Students in this program will develop the following skills:

• Ability to make critical observations and appropriate decisions
• Ability to operate scientific equipment
• Ability to organize and maintain accurate records
• Good vision and manual dexterity
• Ability to conduct and clearly explain scientific research
• Strong mathematical background

Clubs & Organizations

Chemistry students participate in the following clubs and organizations:

• American Chemical Society
• Beta Beta Beta
• Bioethics Club
• Women in STEM

Career Outcomes

Careers that often interest Chemistry majors include:

• Astronomer
• Chemical Engineer
• Chemist
• Dentist
• Dietician
• Educator
• Food and Drug Analyst
• Food Technologist
• Forensic Chemist
• Genetic Counselor
• Hospital Administrator
• Laboratory Analyst
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Medical Researcher
• Meteorologist
• Pharmaceuticals Researcher
• Pharmacist
• Physician
• Toxicologist

Kasha Patel (’12) is a former NASA climate-change researcher who has become a reporter and editor on the topic for The Washington Post. For several years, she has managed to do the impossible: stand-up comedy based on science.

In the past 20 years, approximately 62% of Chemistry graduates have pursued further academic degrees in their first post-Wake Forest destination.

In addition to graduate studies at universities including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest, the first few cohorts of graduates have worked as an Emergency Medical Technician and product-development executives, among other industries and jobs.

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