Chemistry Degrees at Aquinas College
Explore Chemistry at Aquinas
Beyond balancing chemical equations and memorizing the elements, the study of chemistry
gives you a fundamental understanding of matter and how it interacts. You’ll learn
why medicines work the way they do, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about
products and health, and you’ll develop crucial problem-solving skills that will make
you competitive in various post-baccalaureate careers. At Aquinas, we base our curriculum
on the American Chemical Society guidelines for professional training, so courses
will cover general, inorganic, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry. Additionally,
you’ll have the opportunity to take courses in biochemistry, environmental chemistry,
and many other advanced topics. And to top it all off, you’ll receive the mentorship,
laboratory work, and research opportunities you need to graduate with hands-on experience.
It's Time to Formulate Your Solution
Career Preparation based on leadership
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of chemistry and its major subdisciplines.
- Students will propose and carry out a chemical research project.
- Students will communicate chemical concepts appropriately to a variety of audiences.
Student Research
Check out the current research by Chemistry students at Aquinas.
The STEM Scholars Program
Get settled into Aquinas College before traditional orientation and join a cohort of STEM students, faculty, and professionals.
AQ Chemistry Society
Check out the Aquinas College Chemistry Society, who strive to provide students with more opportunities in the chemistry field.
Analytical Instrumentation
Our facilities provide plenty of cutting-edge technology to work with.
Virtual Tour: Albertus Magnus Hall
Interested in learning where students conduct chemistry research at Aquinas College? Renovated and expanded in 2019-20, the Albertus Magnus Hall of Science is home to Aquinas' science programs, including the chemistry department. It features classroom space, state-of-the-art laboratories, and the largest lecture hall on campus. Take a virtual tour now! Albertus Magnus Hall of Science Virtual Tour
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
| Quick Facts: Chemists and Materials Scientists | |
|---|---|
| 2023 Median Pay | $87,180 per year $41.91 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2023 | 96,400 |
| Job Outlook, 2023-33 | 8% (Faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2023-33 | 7,500 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Accelerated Masters in Chemistry
You don’t have to wait until commencement to start working on your graduate degree. Aquinas College has a fast-track to your advanced degree. Through this program, you can earn credit hours toward a master’s degree from Western Michigan University.Learn how the program works
Careers
There are many opportunities for AQ chemistry majors.
Alumni Profiles
AQ grads are thankful for the small class sizes that allow them to form personal relationships with professors.
| 1 | A chemistry major provides exceptional preparation for medical school and health-related careers. |
| 2 | Internships and summer research programs for chemistry students are typically competitively paid positions, often including travel and housing allowances. |
| 3 | Chemistry majors enjoy nearly 100% employment after graduation. Approximately two-thirds of Aquinas chemistry graduates attend graduate school after leaving Aquinas. The remainder typically find jobs in the chemical industry or related fields within one year of graduation. |
| 4 | The Chemistry capstone course is a two-semester sequence in which students design and implement an independent research project of their choice under the supervision of a professor. Scientific writing, experimental design, and data analysis are emphasized. |
News from the Chemistry Department
Aquinas College recently held the 2024 Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Symposium, a twice-annual event that showcases the quality and diversity of AQ's research. The next stage of the River Narrative Project is underway this summer! Citing increased focus, reduced stress, flexibility, friendships and memorable experiences, students are thriving in the Block Model pilot program, also known as one-class-at-a-time scheduling.
Seven years after its founding, the Juan Olivarez STEM Scholars Program continues to provide participants with the resources, community support and skill building workshops they need to succeed at Aquinas College. These Mohler-Thompson Summer Researchers are studying the genes of anemones to better understand coral bleaching. 
Student Symposium Creates a Space for Significant Contributions to Academia
Monitoring Stream Health with the River Narrative Project
Aquinas Students are Taking College One Class at a Time, Literally
Program Builds Skills, Confidence and Connections among STEM Students
Summer Research at Aquinas: Anemones in Albertus