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Department of Chemistry
Undergraduate Programs in Chemistry

Explore the Undergraduate Chemistry Degree Programs

Students interested in chemistry are drawn to ESF because of the department's focus on using our varied specialties to find ways to improve our world:

  • finding better ways to generate energy
  • discovering new, useful natural and synthetic materials
  • making better use of our natural resources
  • finding new medications and ways to deliver medicines
  • understanding natural processes and the impacts of human activities on our environment

ESF Chemistry graduates find outstanding employment opportunities all over the country and right here in Central New York. Many go on to earn advanced degrees in chemistry and related fields, such as medicine or engineering. Our graduates are accepted at top graduate and medical schools such as MIT, Yale, Cal Tech, and Cornell. Many go on to leadership roles in industry, government, and academia, in areas as varied as biotechnology, forensic chemistry, new process development, etc.

Outstanding Faculty and Personal Attention

Chemistry faculty bring their expertise in cutting edge research to the classroom, providing an education that is grounded in the latest knowledge and real-world examples.

Upper-level courses for chemistry majors usually have enrollments of only 5-15 students, so chemistry majors get personal attention from the professors. All courses are taught by professors, not graduate students. All students participate in research projects, some of which leading to co-authorship of papers in major scientific journals.

Scholarship Support

The Department of Chemistry has a long history of providing many need and merit-based scholarships, fellowships and other awards each year.

Additional Options for Undergrads

  • Chemistry Minor
    Open to students who have taken one year of both general chemistry (with lab) and organic chemistry (with lab)
  • The ESF Honors Program
    Open to juniors who have completed at least 60 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.5.
  • Advising for Preprofessional Programs
    Interested in professional careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, or law?
  • The Alchemist Society
    Chemistry students have social events, and travel to schools and museums to show off the magic of chemistry to younger audiences.

Jahn Laboratory

The Chemistry department’s home is the 71,000 square foot, Edwin C. Jahn Laboratory, which was completed in October, 1997.