Chemistry
Chemistry is the core science — the study of the properties, composition and changes that occur in matter.
When you study chemistry, you analyze issues that influence every aspect of life on earth.
Utilize cutting-edge lab equipment
Throughout your courses in the chemistry program, you will regularly work with the modern instruments in our campus laboratories. This equipment includes infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and atomic absorption spectrophotometers.
Separations equipment includes capillary electrophoresis, gas chromatography, high pressure liquid chromatography, and fast protein liquid chromatography equipment. Detectors range from mass spectrometers, electron capture, and flame ionization to rapid-scan UV-Vis spectrometers. You will also learn skills in computation and presentation of data.
Participate in research that gets published
Our research labs are entirely staffed with student researchers to generate data that is published in international journals and presented at national conferences. Talk to us about whether there is an open project in our labs!
Choose your preferred degree path
We offer two degrees, each backed by a strong curriculum that will give you the knowledge base you need to successfully pursue the discipline.
- Bachelor of Science – If you are targeting a career in industry or planning to attend a graduate program.
- Bachelor of Arts – If you are seeking work in medicine, dentistry, or secondary school teaching.
At a Glance
Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Department
School/College
College of Arts and Sciences
Next Steps
Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:
With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the chemistry program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.
Degree requirements
Find out what it takes to earn a degree in chemistry and explore the courses.
Highlighted Courses
Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.
CHEM 305: Quantitative Analysis
Covers the principles and techniques of gravimetric and volumetric analysis.
See descriptionCHEM 306: Chemical Instrumentation
Covers the theories and application of instrumentation in chemistry.
See descriptionCHEM 332: Organic Chemistry II
Covers the structure, nomenclature, reactions and synthesis of organic compounds, plus the theory and mechanism of organic reactions.
See descriptionCHEM 405: Physical Chemistry
The study of kinetic theory, structure of condensed phases, thermodynamics, equilibria, electrochemistry, quantum chemistry and chemical kinetics.
See descriptionCHEM 411: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
The advanced treatment of special topics in inorganic chemistry, including atomic structure, classification of elements and inorganic reactions in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions.
See descriptionCHEM 485: Capstone Seminar
Introduces students to the skills and practices required of professional scientists. Students will gain experience with conducting literature searches, conducting and presenting scientific work, reviewing the work of others and writing research proposals.
See descriptionView all required courses:
Recommended Minors
Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.
Check out the spaces and tools you'll have access to in this major. Explore the entire Cal Lutheran campus with our virtual tour
Swenson Science Center, opened in 2020.
Quantitative chemistry lab
Organic chemistry lab
Chemistry research lab
Chemistry lab
Biochemistry and virology lab
We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.
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Conference Presentations
Many of our students have the opportunity to perform independent research with faculty advisors on campus and present their findings at research consortiums, such as our annual Festival of Scholars or off-campus conferences.
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Research Opportunities
We offer numerous hands-on research experiences, including summer research fellowships. Students have also garnered recognition through California Heart Association grants, National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation summer research posts, and internships at local biotechnology firms such as Amgen and Baxter — among the nation’s top biopharmaceutical corporations.
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Learning in Action
We emphasize “doing” science and an active approach to learning. Throughout your classes, you’ll gain a lot of research experience by working side-by-side with your professors in state-of-the-art facilities. You’ll design experiments, collect scientific data, perform statistical analysis and share your conclusions through research papers and presentations.
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Internships
You will have the opportunity to do an internship with organizations such as Ventura County Crime Lab and Amgen, or pursue an off-campus research experience.
Chemistry major Jazmine Tranin ’ explores her research through first-hand experience with Dr. Grady Hanrahan in the brand new Swenson Science Center. While preparing for their next experiment, they give a preview into the lab and the equipment used for Tranin’s research project.
Jazmine Tranin '22
Read their storyOur chemistry program has a 100% placement record into graduate schools, many of them among the most respected in the nation. Students not going on to graduate programs in chemistry often opt for health-related programs such as medical or pharmacy school, physician’s assistant programs, and teaching credentials. Chemistry majors who enter the workplace after graduation begin their careers in fields such as environmental controls management, consumer product research, drug discovery, toxicology and forensic chemistry.
Potential Careers
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
See descriptionPharmacists
Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.
See descriptionForensic Science Technicians
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
See descriptionChemists
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
See descriptionMaterials Scientists
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
See descriptionBiochemists and Biophysicists
Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.
See descriptionRegulatory Affairs Specialists
Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.
See descriptionNatural Sciences Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
See descriptionLooking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.
Employers
Some of the organizations our graduates work for include:
- Baxter International Inc.
- BioSource International
- Cosmetic Technologies
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Fruit Growers Laboratory
- Gilead Sciences
- Los Angeles County Crime Lab
- NuSil Technology
- South Coast Air Quality Mgnt. Dist.
- Unity Lab Services
Graduate Schools
Our alumni have pursued advanced degrees at:
- Boston University
- Cornell University
- Emory University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Colorado Health Sciences
- University of Maryland
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Oregon
- University of Rochester
- University of Southern California
I was able to explore many subfields in the biological sciences — from ecology to molecular biology to infectious disease — and discover my love for microbiology and host-pathogen interactions.
Emily Armbruster '19
Graduate Student, PhD in Biological Sciences Student, UC San Diego
This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.
How We Prepare You for Success
We have 20,000+ employer contacts for jobs and internships, with over 200 listings posted each week.
Our excellent career counselors in the Career Services center will get in touch with you during your very first term on campus. They offer over 50 workshops each year on resume writing, interviewing, salary negotiations, applying to graduate schools, and other critical skills to help you begin your career successfully.
After you graduate from Cal Lutheran, you receive free access to Career Services for life, as a valued member of our alumni family.
of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months
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