Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Investigate, experiment, and uncover the science behind creation.
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Formulate a Career in Chemistry
Take all the matter into your own hands with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Concordia University Irvine. This rigorous chemistry degree program equips you to explore the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter — and apply that knowledge in fields such as medicine, engineering, forensics, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science.
As a chemistry major, you’ll get to take a wide range of chemistry classes, meaning you’ll be able to determine what you’re most passionate about and bring it into the workforce after graduation. You’ll also have the opportunity to work alongside faculty on research projects that prepare you for graduate or professional study.
Career Relevant
Gain real-world skills for a life of service and leadership.
Collaborative Classes
Learn in classes with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Opportunity Awaits
Engage in faculty-led research projects on campus.
Getting Started
The B.S. in Chemistry is designed for students who want to pursue advanced study or careers in research-intensive or health-related fields. You’ll learn how to formulate, investigate, analyze, and articulate solutions to major problems in the natural sciences.
This program includes 15 required courses and four electives, with advanced coursework in calculus, physical chemistry, and calculus-based physics. You’ll also complete a senior thesis, where you’ll conduct original research, write a formal paper, and present your findings to faculty and peers.
Next Start
January 11, 2027
Curriculum
Core Curriculum (Sample Courses):
- CHE222 – Chemistry II
- CHE321 – Organic Chemistry I
- CHE354 – Inorganic Chemistry
- CHE421 – Biochemistry I
- CHE424 – Analytical Chemistry
- CHE496 – Research in Chemistry
- CHE499 – Senior Thesis
- MTH271 – Calculus I
- MTH272 – Calculus II
- MTH373 – Calculus III
- PHY221 – Calculus-based Physics I
- PHY222 – Calculus-based Physics II
- SCI455 – History and Philosophy of Science
- SCI495 – Research Methods
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
With a Concordia chemistry degree, you will:
- Describe and apply key principles and concepts in chemistry.
- Critically read and evaluate peer-reviewed scientific literature.
- Design and conduct experiments using the scientific method.
- Analyze and interpret data using quantitative and logical reasoning.
- Communicate results clearly through scientific writing and presentation.
- Integrate Christian faith with scientific inquiry and vocational purpose.
- Collaborate on chemistry-based service projects and research initiatives.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. In fact, 100% of our students receive some form of financial assistance! View tuition costs and fees for undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
View the Application page for full details on application and admission requirements.
Research Opportunities
All natural sciences majors complete an in-depth capstone project that stretches over multiple semesters. In the first semester in the capstone, students take BIO/CHE 495 and develop an idea for a research project, do a literature survey, and write a proposal, including specific methods, budget, and required materials. In the second (and optional third semester) of the capstone students take BIO/CHE 496, and conduct their planned experiments and collect and analyze data. In the final semester students take BIO/CHE 499, and write a paper and give both poster and oral presentations for their peers and natural science faculty. This final paper and presentation also include reflections on the Great Questions that are at the core of Concordia’s Q & I curriculum. This gives students valuable experience at every step of the research process and helps prepare students for potential graduate research or other careers in the sciences. In addition to this required capstone projects that are opportunities for additional research throughout the school year that many students are able to be involved with. Some students are also able to present their research at scientific conferences.
Students can design projects in any of the five foundational areas of chemistry — analytical, physical, inorganic, organic, and biochemistry — and may present regional conferences, which is valuable experience sharing research and also great networking for future opportunities. Research chemistry projects include studying the effect of electrode size and shape of hydrogen evolution reaction rates, computation work studying enzyme/substrate docking affinity, or measuring lipids and proteins from modified yeast cells using mass spectrometry with training and instrumentation available at the neighboring University of California, Irvine.
Career Outcomes
A B.S. in Chemistry opens doors to research, innovation, and leadership across countless industries. Chemists are in demand in laboratories, healthcare, government, and environmental organizations — and California is one of the top five states for chemistry employment.1
Chemist roles are projected to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, faster than the average rate for all occupations, with about 4,700 openings each year.1 Graduates often continue on to master’s or doctoral programs, while others enter the workforce immediately in scientific or analytical positions.
Academic Opportunities
The chemistry program is designed to encourage collaboration across the sciences. This flexibility allows you to customize your academic path to your goals. Many students pursue interdisciplinary study or a double major in related fields such as:
Extracurricular Activities
Chem majors at Concordia build community and gain leadership experience through clubs and organizations that merge science and service, including:
- American Chemical Society Student Chapter
- MedHeads Medical Club
- Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society (TriBeta)
- President’s Academic Showcase
- Marine Lab Educational Outreach Program
Our students also collaborate on chemistry-themed, community service projects, sponsor special activities, and bring in distinguished guest speakers.
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
-
Lindsay Kane-Barnese
Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Director – Peer Mentoring and Student…
FAQs
What can you do with a degree in chemistry?
A chemistry degree prepares you for diverse careers in science, healthcare, and technology. You might become a chemist, materials scientist, food or cosmetic chemist, environmental consultant, or even a science writer or educator.
In 2024, the chemistry industry supported over 4.1 million jobs and contributed roughly $633 billion to the U.S. economy.2 That means chemistry professionals are essential in both research and industry settings.
How long does it take to get a chemistry degree?
A traditional bachelor’s degree in chemistry typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. Students transferring from other institutions or switching majors may need a different timeline — your academic advisor can help customize your plan.
Is a chemistry BA or BS better?
Neither a B.A. nor B.S. degree in chemistry is better than the other. Both degrees offer valuable preparation for your future career — the better choice depends on your goals.
Concordia offers both programs:
- The B.S. in Chemistry includes about 20 additional units in math and science. It’s ideal for students pursuing graduate school or lab-intensive careers.
- The B.A. in Chemistry offers more flexibility and pairs well with double majors or careers that combine science with communication, business, or law.
Both degrees prepare you for a lifetime of discovery, service, and meaningful work.
Nationally Recognized Q&I Curriculum
Concordia University Irvine is among a distinctive group of universities that offer a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum for all of its students. Our nationally recognized Enduring Questions & Ideas curriculum (Q&I, for short) is carefully crafted so that you discover the purpose of a liberal arts education — to grow intellectually, ethically, and spiritually.
Life at Concordia
Join a community where you’re free to explore your interests and pursuits, make relationships that last a lifetime, and develop your own relationship with God. What will you explore?
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes192031.htm#st (viewed Oct. 22, 2025),
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/chemists-and-materials-scientists.htm (viewed Oct. 22, 2025).
2American Chemistry Council, Economic Elements of Chemistry, on the internet, at:
- https://www.americanchemistry.com/chemistry-in-america/data-industry-statistics/economic-elements-of-chemistry (viewed Jan. 20, 2025).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.