Science, Mathematics and Engineering Scholarships
St. Thomas will offer two full-tuition scholarships and two $8,000 scholarships to top candidates who intend to pursue degrees in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.
Chemistry BA and BS
Chemistry is the fundamental makeup of the world around us. Chemistry at the ¸»¶þ´úÊÓƵ prepares you for a variety of careers after graduation with a rigorous American Chemical Society-certified curriculum.
Why Study Chemistry at St. Thomas?
Our talented and creative faculty will engage with you in the classroom, research, clubs and professional development. We encourage you to ask questions and get involved within our supportive ¸»¶þ´úÊÓƵ. Chemistry is the foundation for so many other disciplines—by choosing it as your primary focus, you will become a strong candidate for a variety of jobs. Our alumni have gone on to successful careers in medicine, the health sciences, the computer and electronics industry, the food industry and more.
Understanding the Makeup of the World
Course Requirements
You start in foundational courses focusing on chemical bonding, change and analysis, then proceed to classes discussing chemical synthesis, the chemistry of living systems and the physics of chemistry. The best part? You can collaborate with faculty on research, and we will support your professional development with various programs throughout your ¸»¶þ´úÊÓƵ career.
Four-Year Plan
Your four-year plan will vary depending on if you choose the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or minor in chemistry. We recommend connecting with a faculty member in our department to discuss your options.
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (ACS Certified)
- Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
- Minor in Chemistry
Collaborative Research
Fun fact: Our program is one of the largest undergraduate research programs in Minnesota. Over the last five years, over 250 students have performed paid, full-time research with faculty over the summer. You will have numerous opportunities to conduct research with your professors.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
You start in foundational courses focusing on chemical bonding, change and analysis, then proceed to classes discussing chemical synthesis, the chemistry of living systems and the physics of chemistry. The best part? You can collaborate with faculty on research, and we will support your professional development with various programs throughout your ¸»¶þ´úÊÓƵ career.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
Your four-year plan will vary depending on if you choose the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or minor in chemistry. We recommend connecting with a faculty member in our department to discuss your options.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (ACS Certified)
- Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
- Minor in Chemistry
Collaborative Research
Collaborative Research
Fun fact: Our program is one of the largest undergraduate research programs in Minnesota. Over the last five years, over 250 students have performed paid, full-time research with faculty over the summer. You will have numerous opportunities to conduct research with your professors.
A Community of Scholars
Faculty are your teachers. Alumni are here to help you connect with the world outside of St. Thomas. Your peers? They will push you to make a difference in the world.
Dr. Kris Wammer
Dr. Wammer is interested in the chemical and microbiological processes affecting the fate of organic contaminants in the environment. Students in her lab are involved with several projects, all of which explore potential impacts of biologically active organic molecules. Dr. Wammer was named in 2017.
Charles Watts, MD, PhD ‘91
After graduating from St. Thomas with his degree in chemistry, Dr. Watts pursued a medical degree at the Creighton University ¸»¶þ´úÊÓƵ of Medicine. His residency was in the University of Minnesota hospital system, followed by a fellowship in the surgery and critical care unit. He is a practicing neurosurgeon at Fairview Southdale Hospital and the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
Cecelia Kinane ‘19
Cecelia attributes her success in the chemistry program to how well she has gotten to know her professors throughout her career at St. Thomas. She has been able to connect with them inside and outside of the classroom, and has collaborated on research with them as well.
Career Paths
Our program prepares you for a fulfilling career with academic knowledge and practical skills desired by a diverse array of industries.
- Medicine (including medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, etc.)
- Materials (plastics, semiconductors)
- Energy (solar power, batteries, fuel cells, LEDs)
- Agriculture and food (food storage, flavor design)
- Biotechnology (medical devices, drug design, diagnostics)
- Environment (develop instruments to clean and protect the environment)
Scholarships
Chemistry students have multiple scholarship opportunities available to them as incoming and current students.
William D. Larson Scholarship
We award these scholarships to juniors who display exceptional achievement in the field of chemistry and intend to pursue careers in chemistry, medicine or related fields. The awards have historically exceeded $5,000.
Henry M. Neumann Scholarship
This scholarship historically exceeds $4,000 and it is awarded to students with a declared chemistry major based on their merit inside and outside of the classroom, as well as financial need.
Faculty with Real Experience
Dr. Lisa Prevette
Dr. Prevette studies how DNA binding can improve personalized medicine, as well as drug delivery.
Dr. Justin Donato
Dr. Donato studies bacterial metagenomics, exploring how chemical processes used by bacteria survive in diverse habitats.
Dr. Josh Layfield
Dr. Layfield uses an on-site supercomputer to predict molecular behavior and molecules in interstellar space.
Solid Academic Knowledge. Practical Experiences.
85
Eighty-five students have co-authored and published 38 research papers with faculty.
250
Two-hundred and fifty students have presented research at national conferences.
Top
The ¸»¶þ´úÊÓƵ is one of the best schools in Minnesota for hands-on research with faculty.
Schoenecker Center
The Schoenecker Center — the university's new central home for STEAM education — is home to several new Chemistry spaces, including the Nachstein Chemistry Suite.
Get Out and Explore
We encourage you to get out of the classroom and explore the world around you. Whether you are here in the Twin Cities or studying abroad, we have the resources you need for success.
- We have a large and active research program employing nearly 50 students every summer.
- You can study organic chemistry in Rome through the Rome Empower program.
- We want you to spread the word about the great work you are doing here. Our students have completed 250 presentations at national conferences.
- Faculty teach every class and lab, fostering a vibrant ¸»¶þ´úÊÓƵ of scholars with our students.
Prepared for What's Next
Chemistry students at St. Thomas are prepared for the next chapter because of individualized attention inside and outside of the classroom, as well as opportunities for collaborative research with faculty.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value ¸»¶þ´úÊÓƵ by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.