CHEMISTRY
▪ College of Humanities and Sciences ▪ Department of Chemistry ▪
▪ 1001 West Main Street ▪ P.O. Box 842006 ▪ Richmond, Virginia 23284-2006 ▪
▪ Phone: (804) 828-1298 ▪ Fax: (804) 828-8599 ▪
Description of Major: The curriculum in chemistry prepares students for graduate study in chemistry and
related fields and for admission to schools of medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. It also equips
students to teach in secondary schools, or to work in chemical and industrial laboratories and in related fields
of business and industry. The department also offers required and elective courses in chemistry to students in
other programs of study. Follow the Curriculum link to find out more about options for Chemistry majors.
(http://www.has.vcu.edu/che/)
Concentrations:
ACS Accredited Programs, Chemistry/Business, General Chemistry
College:
College of Humanities and Sciences
Occupational Choices: The occupations listed below provide a sample of career options one may choose with
this academic background. Keep in mind, however, that some fields will require graduate study or further
schooling of some kind. Many more occupations exist and are worth investigating.
Attorney
Biochemist
Biotechnologist
Cancer Researcher
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Laboratory Chief
Chemist
Chemistry/Science Educator
Computer Analyst
Consumer Safety Officer
Crime Lab Analyst
Criminologist
Environmental Chemist
Environmental Health Specialist
FDA Inspector
Food Scientist/Technologist
Geologist
Immunologist
Industrial Hygienist
Lobbyist
Medical Technologist
Metallurgist
Occupational Safety Specialist
Optometrist
Patent Examiner
Perfumer
Pharmaceutical Chemist
Pharmaceutical Sales Agent
Pharmacy Technician
Physician
Product Tester
Production Chemist
Public Health Educator
Science Lab Technician
Soil Scientist
Systems Analyst
Technical Writer
Technology Consultant
Toxicologist
Professional Organizations: Gain a wealth of information by contacting professional organizations:
American Chemical Society: http://www.acs.org/
Association of Consulting Chemists and Chemical Engineers: http://www.chemconsult.org/index.htm
The Chemical Industry Homepage: http://www.neis.com
The Council for Chemical Research: http://www.ccrhq.org
Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies: http://facss.org/facss/about_index.php
Internet Sites:
Chemists (OOH): http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos049.htm
Career Opportunities in Chemistry: http://www4.nationalacademies.org/osep/cpc.nsf
American Chemical Society: http://www.chemcenter.org/
Chemistry: The Profession: http://www.chemistrycoach.com/chemistryprofession.htm#Chemistry
What Does a Chemist Do?: http://www.chem.mq.edu.au/ugrad/careers.htm
Chemistry: http://infoeagle.bc.edu/bc_org/svp/carct/chemistry.html
Thinking about majoring in Chemistry? Here are some questions you might want
answered:
Tell me more about this field of study.
Chemistry is the science that describes matter, its chemical and physical properties, the chemical and physical changes
matter undergoes, and the energy changes that accompany these processes. Chemistry is concerned with studying the
composition and structure of matter as well as how composition and structure determine the physical, chemical, and
physiological properties of matter. Chemistry is central among the sciences and thus offers excellent opportunities for
interdisciplinary interaction with the other sciences.
Chemists rely heavily on advanced instrumental techniques such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, laser spectroscopy,
X-ray diffraction, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and surface analysis - all using computers for control and data
processing.
Tell me more about specializations in this field.
Specialization in chemistry normally does not occur at the undergraduate major level, but in graduate school. Instead, an
undergraduate program in chemistry provides a thorough preparation in the fundamentals which enables students to pursue a
wide variety of specializations and sub-disciplines after undergraduate college.
Traditionally there are five sub-disciplines in chemistry: analytical, bio-, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. However,
there are a variety of other specializations within, among, and outside of the traditional five areas such as: polymers, natural
products, spectroscopy, materials science, computation chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, and chemical ecology. New
areas are continually emerging. For example, chemists are employed in a wide range of industries working on problems such
as:
 making more efficient pain killers and pharmaceuticals
 helping to solve problems of industrial waste
 finding new sources of energy
 understanding what makes a good diet
 studying the nutrition of plants
 reducing the pollution from automobile exhausts and
 developing new materials with desirable properties
Are there any particular characteristics that successful students in this field have possessed?
In general, the successful chemistry major must be curious, have good mathematics abilities, and genuinely enjoy science.
Often organizational skills, perseverance, judgment, and attitude are as important as intelligence. The amount of time spent
with course related activities such as studying and preparing lab reports is usually substantially greater than that required for
other majors. This requires considerable dedication when friends are seen participating in other non-academic activities.
What common major or minor combinations from other departments complement this major?
The most common is perhaps a minor in Biology. Other combinations could include: Anthropology, Bioinformatics, Computer
Science, Criminal Justice, English, Environmental Studies, Forensic Science, Mathematical Sciences, Physics, Pre-Dentistry,
Pre-Medicine, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Veterinary, and Psychology.
Are there any practicum or internship experiences through the department that are available to this
major?
▪ Rams Recruiting: http://www.students.vcu.edu/careers/campint/index.html
▪ Dept of Chemistry: http://www.has.vcu.edu/che/
▪ Seminars: http://www.has.vcu.edu/che/seminar.html
▪ Special Events: http://www.has.vcu.edu/che/special.html
▪ Undergraduate research is also strongly recommended. This amounts to a one-on-one faculty-student interaction where the
student conducts research on a project of mutual interest under the direction of the faculty member. Students are encouraged
to begin research during their junior year and continue their work as seniors.
▪ Students could also benefit from getting involved in organizations, such as, the American Chemical Society Student Affiliate
Chapter. Go to http://www.students.vcu.edu/commons/activities/directory/index.html to see what other organizations you’d be
interested in.