CREATE YOUR FUTURE WITH CHEMISTRY AT MINES
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry program provides undergraduate students a fundamental understanding of the behavior and properties of matter, the reactions and transformations that dictate chemical processes and the creation of new substances.
Our chemistry curriculum provides comprehensive exposure to the field by incorporating various subdisciplines, including:
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Analytical chemistry
- Materials chemistry
- Theoretical/computational chemistry
Together, these subdisciplines are examined for application toward technological problems in a host of fields and industries.
In addition to the standard chemistry degree program, which can be optimized to fit a student’s career goals, the program offers specialized tracks emphasizing environmental chemistry and biochemistry.
Learn more at our Department of Chemistry website
Experiential Major Menus
Uniquely tailored to your undergraduate major of choice, these menus offer a wide array of extra-curricular activities that complement and enrich the traditional classroom experience.
Explore the extra-curricular activities that complement your degree.
CHEMISTRY AT MINES AT A GLANCE
| · Hands-on research opportunities | · Flexible degree track to meet your career goals |
| · Strong ACS club involvement | · New course launch “Engineering Chemistry” for Spring 2024 |
Program Objectives
In addition to contributing toward achieving the educational objectives described in the Mines Graduate Profile and the ABET Accreditation Criteria, the BS curricula in chemistry are designed to:
- Impart mastery of chemistry fundamentals
- Develop ability to apply chemistry fundamentals in solving open-ended problems
- Impart knowledge of and ability to use modern tools of chemical analysis and synthesis
- Develop ability to locate and use pertinent information from the chemical literature
- Develop ability to interpret and use experimental data for chemical systems
- Develop ability to effectively communicate in both written and oral formats
- Prepare students for entry to and success in professional careers
- Prepare students for entry to and success in graduate programs
- Prepare students for responsible contribution to society
Chemistry Curriculum
Chemistry Minor and ASI Programs
No specific course sequences are suggested for students wishing to include chemistry minors or areas of special interest in their programs. Rather, those students should consult with the Chemistry department head (or designated faculty member) to design appropriate sequences. For the purpose of completing a minor in Chemistry, the Organic Chemistry sequence is exempt from the 100-200 level limit.
Suggested careers for chemistry majors:
- Analytical chemist
- Biotechnologist
- Chemical engineer
- Forensic scientist
- Pharmacologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Toxicologist
- Research scientist
WHY STUDY CHEMISTRY AT MINES?
As one of the top applied science universities in the nation (and the #1 Chemistry school in Colorado), there are many reasons to consider Mines for your degree in Chemistry. With hands-on research opportunities, a diverse and experienced faculty, and strong student involvement, Colorado School of Mines offers Chemistry students an opportunity unlike any other.
Why study Chemistry at Mines?
- Integrated field sessions for hands-on learning
- Extensive student involvement with American Chemistry Society (ACS)
- Emphasis on undergraduate research
- Specialized degree tracks, such as Environmental Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Dedicated and passionate faculty
CAREER OUTCOMES
With an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Mines, you’ll be prepared for an exciting and rewarding career in the world of Chemistry. Not only do we provide our students with the qualifications to begin a career in Chemistry, but we also set our students up for success by equipping them with the necessary resources, critical thinking skills and research opportunities to thrive in their future careers.
As a Chemistry major, our graduates have found success in a variety of Chemistry fields, including:
- Toxicologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Chemical engineer
- Biotechnologist
- Analytical chemist
- Forensic scientist
- Pharmacologist
- Research scientist
- Chemical technician
- Water chemist
- Synthetic chemist
- Organic chemist
And more. With our student-centric approach to education, Colorado School of Mines prepares our students for success after graduation. Whether that’s entering a career or a graduate school, a degree from Mines can help get you where you want to be.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
DR. ERIK MENKE
Dr. Erik Menke is one of the newest additions to our Chemistry department. Having recently served as a postdoctoral researcher at UCLA, Dr. Menke joins Mines as an Associate Teaching Professor and the director of the CCUS certification program.
Dr. Menke’s research interests include studying aluminum ion behavior in organic solvents, developing electrolytes for rechargeable aluminum batteries and developing culturally-relevant teaching practices for science courses.
Making Mines
More Affordable.
Mines’ financial assistance program awards more than $60 million per year, and over 82 percent of the student body receives some form of financial aid.
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Ready. Set.
Mines by the Numbers
$78,790
median salary in 2019 for chemists, Bureau of Labor Statistics
No. 1
Chemistry School in Colorado, 2018
A Student Experience Like no Other
At Mines, we inspire students who are driven to be innovators and advance the knowledge of those who want to address today’s greatest challenges.