Bachelor of Science in ChemistrySchool of Arts and Sciences

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Study changes in energy and matter

You have a passion and energy to find out the why behind how things interact, combine with, and change to form new substances. From creating a new medicine to developing new energy to improve efficiencies to analyzing plant tissue, individuals who study chemistry are equipped to play an important role in finding new solutions. With a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, you will apply your knowledge and skills to many different aspects of the natural world.

Chemistry is often referred to as the central science as it provides explanations for understanding the nature of life, the earth, and the universe. In today’s ever evolving world, several problems – medicine, agriculture, renewable energy, material development — require chemistry to find new solutions. The chemistry program at Edgewood College fosters critical inquiry and scientific thinking, paired with analytical skills. Upon graduation, you will be well prepared to enter the workforce or continue to graduate school.

Edgewood College provides many flexible options for a chemistry major that can meet students’ needs. Students can readily double major in biology, physics, mathematics, environmental science, Spanish, political science, and art. The ability to double major can fulfill student interests, create a resume that distinguishes you when applying to medical, dental, law, and other professional schools, increase opportunities to start a fulfilling career with upward mobility prospects, and graduate school in an academic discipline. Students typically finish in four years or fewer, and transfer students can obtain their degree in a timely manner.

Concentrations Offered

There are a variety of concentrations that are offered within the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree. These include Professional, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Pre-Engineering, and Renewable Energy.

Professional

The professional concentration in chemistry prepares you for graduate school or work in an industrial or governmental laboratory.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry prepares students for careers or continued education in the health field such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, and physical therapy, in addition to forensics, environmental and conservation science, and cosmetic science.

Pharmacy

As a student enrolled in the Pharmacy concentration, you would be eligible to sit for an admission interview with the School of Pharmacy at Concordia University of Wisconsin (CUW). Students who enter CUW’s Pharmacy program would then transfer their first year of CUW coursework back to Edgewood College to complete their degree.

Pre-Engineering

With a pre-engineering concentration within chemistry, you will build your knowledge with fundamental coursework to advance your educational and professional goals in engineering.

Renewable Energy

By applying chemistry to renewable energy, you will be positioned to pursue pioneering work or education that is advancing toward climate neutrality.

Locations
Madison, WI

Formats
On-campus

Number of Credits
120

Next Start Date
August 25, 2025

Careers within Chemistry

$87,180

Average annual salary for a Chemist

Projected employment growth rate, from 2023-2033

Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry prepares you for a variety of career paths.

Health Care Professional (physician, pharmacist, physician assistant, dentist, etc.)
Laboratory Technician
Museum Conservator
Research Chemist
Science Policymaker
Science Writer
Toxicologist
Water Quality Specialist

Chemistry Student Spotlights

Alex Wedige ’18, DDS

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

The academic environment at Edgewood College is excellent. Undergraduate programs are centered around students succeeding in their coursework and desired career path. Professor accessibility is second to none and it is readily apparent that professors want their students to flourish in their studies. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program at Edgewood College was instrumental in my acceptance to my doctoral program of choice and has created connections that I will cherish for a lifetime. I am beyond grateful for my time at Edgewood College and would highly recommend their programs to prospective students.

Doctor of Dental Surgery, Marquette University ‘22

Gabrielle Grimes ‘15

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Minor in Physics

“Deciding to return to college as a non-traditional student with a family was a difficult decision. I chose Edgewood College because it offered smaller class sizes and greater opportunity to develop relationships with my professors. Not only did I find the personal education and community environment I hoped for, but I found new potential in myself. After completing my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, my Edgewood professors continued to support and encourage me through the graduate school application process. I am currently working on my Ph.D. in chemistry, something I never considered before attending Edgewood.”

Dr. Nicole Olson ‘16

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Minor in Biology and Spanish

“I loved my time at Edgewood College. The one-on-one attention and hands-on learning from so many great chemistry professors absolutely helped me learn and get accepted into graduate school. I also loved that I had the flexibility to explore other disciplines within the liberal arts curriculum and pursued minors in both Spanish and biology!”

Featured Courses

Chemistry 200 Green and Sustainable Chemistry

Green Chemistry is the design of products and processes while minimizing or eliminating the use or generation of hazardous materials. This course will introduce topics in green chemistry, including the 12 principles of green chemistry, metrics, toxicology, and alleviation of environmental and ecological problems.

Chemistry 321 Organic Chemistry I

The first semester of a two-semester sequence in the study of the structure (electronic and geometric), properties, and reactions of compounds of carbon. Topics include the structure and physical properties of organic compounds, stereochemistry, reactions and their mechanisms, and structure-reactivity relationships. Lab experiments emphasize lecture concepts while introducing methods in organic synthesis and illustrating techniques such as crystallization, distillation, chromatography, and spectroscopic methods of compound characterization (with emphasis on nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy).

Chemistry 340 Biochemistry

A study of the chemistry of biological systems. Topics include cellular constituents; chemical reactions involved in carbohydrate, protein, lipid, and nucleic acid metabolism; cellular energy metabolism; and enzyme kinetics.

Explore All Courses For This Program

Student Organizations

Achievement in Medicine

Achievement in Medicine (AIM) brings together students who are thinking of pursuing a degree in the medical/health field post-graduation. Guest speakers include doctors, physical therapists, physician assistants, dentists, pharmacists, and other individuals with other medical specialties have presented to members of AIM. Resources for MCAT/GRE as well as volunteer and shadow experiences are available through this organization.

Chemistry Faculty Spotlights

James Goll

Professor of Chemistry

JGoll@edgewood.edu

Louise Stracener

Associate Professor of Chemistry

LStracener@edgewood.edu

Mark Schwalbe

Senior Lecturer of Chemistry

MSchwalbe@edgewood.edu

View All Faculty

Experiential Opportunities

Within your first semester, you will have the opportunity to work with the latest lab instrumentation, including UV-visible, infrared (IR), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Later courses will offer opportunities for hands-on experience with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Pair this experience with opportunities to serve as a laboratory assistant on campus, conduct research with faculty, present your research at national conferences, and serve as a tutor within the College’s academic success program. Find internship opportunities at high-tech and biotech companies that are in Madison.

Related Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I specialize in a particular area or a pre-professional healthcare track with a chemistry major?

Yes! Faculty Advisors in the Chemistry program are skilled in helping students prepare for entry to any graduate program. The pre-health professional pathways program at Edgewood College parallels your academic major while infusing career-focused programing. While not a bachelor’s degree program, pre-health pathways are highly sought after among students of all academic majors. Faculty Advisors help tailor a course plan based on your current major, minor, experience, and professional goals.

Biomedical Sciences (MS and PhD program)
Dental School (Pre-Dental)
Ecology (MS and PhD program)
Medical School (Pre-Med)
Occupational Therapy (Pre-OT)
Pharmacy (Pre-Pharmacy or Pre-Pharm)
Physician’s Assistant (PA) School
Physical Therapy (Pre-PT)
Veterinary School (Pre-Vet)

Explore the Pre-Health Professional Pathways Program at Edgewood College.

Does Edgewood College have any partnership or Dual Degree programs involving chemistry?

Yes, Edgewood College and Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) have a Dual Degree program. Students in this program complete three years at Edgewood College followed by four years at CUW’s School of Pharmacy, allowing them to earn both a bachelor’s degree and PharmD in as few as seven years. This 3+4 pathway includes 56 credits of pre-pharmacy courses along with required courses for the major. Faculty Advisors at Edgewood College support students in selecting a major and a pre-health professional pathway, such as pre-pharmacy in this instance. Learn more about this Dual Degree Pathway by visiting the CUW Dual Degree Partnership Pathways page.