Why Major in Chemistry?
Studying chemistry gives you tools to explore the building blocks of the world. By studying chemicals and how substances interact, you'll develop an understanding of how the world works. You'll also receive excellent preparation for careers in a variety of industries from medicine and research to engineering and teaching.
At Belmont, you’ll have the freedom to create a chemistry program of study that aligns with your passions and career interests. Whether you’re pursuing a career in forensics, environmental science, teaching or research, you can choose the courses and experiences that will help you reach your goals.
Beyond the classroom, you can build your expertise through independent research, community outreach and other experiential learning. For example, our Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships in the Sciences program immerses you in a focused, six-week research project. You may also be able to receive scholarship support for research with a faculty mentor.
What You'll Learn
The chemistry curriculum gives you a solid grounding in general chemistry, organic chemistry, quantitative analysis and research techniques.
Depending on your interests, you can also explore topics such as peer tutoring, chemistry of the environment, medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical studies.
As a chemistry student at Belmont, you’ll choose from four areas of emphasis:
- Advanced Chemistry is a good choice if you’re considering a career in chemical research.
- Pre-Health Chemistry offers a solid foundation for medical school, dental school or pharmacy school.
- Applied Chemistry leads to careers in quality assurance or control labs, environmental monitoring, forensics or scientific equipment sales.
- Chemistry Education is a great fit if you want to teach at the high school level. If you minor in education, you can apply for admission to Belmont’s accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching program, a specialized 4+1 program that makes you eligible for teaching licensure in your fifth year and earns you both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in just five years.
Whichever path you take, you’ll build the skills you need to launch a career in teaching, research, industry and beyond.
Career Possibilities
A chemistry degree gives you a strong foundation for a fulfilling career in research, industry, pharmacology, medicine, government and much more. Here are just a few of the professions you'll be prepared for:
- Academic researcher
- Analytical chemist
- Forensic scientist
- Chemical engineer
- Pharmacologist
- Medical scientist
- Computational chemist
Program Details
Curriculum
The chemistry major requires a total of 128 credit hours:
BELL core requirements: 53 hours
Chemistry core requirements: 25 hours
Emphasis area: 12-23 hours
Electives: 9-35 hours
Courses You'll Take
- CEM 1050 Freshman Chemistry Seminar
Required of all freshman chemistry majors. This orientation course acquaints students with chemistry programs, with the chemistry faculty, and the university. Topics will include opportunities in the field of chemistry, advising, scheduling, faculty expectations, career planning and networking. The academic component of this course will include current scientific literature, assignments, and discussions. - CEM 1510 General Chemistry I
General Chemistry I is the first course of a two semester introduction to chemistry intended for science majors. During the first semester of General Chemistry, covered topics include: atomic & molecular structure, chemical bonding models, stoichiometry, reactivity patterns and an introduction to the gas laws - CEM 1515 General Chemistry I Lab
General Chemistry I Lab accompanies the first course of a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for science majors. Topics covered in the first semester include: atomic & molecular structure, chemical bonding models, stoichiometry, reactivity patterns, and an introduction to the gas laws. $100 course fee - CEM 1520 General Chemistry II
General Chemistry II is the second course of a two semester introduction to chemistry intended for science majors. Topics covered second semester include: Thermochemistry & Thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, electrochemistry, and an introduction to chemical kinetics - CEM 1525 General Chemistry II Lab
General Chemistry II Lab accompanies the second course of a two semester introduction to chemistry intended for science majors. Topics covered in the second semester include: thermochemistry & thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, electrochemistry, and an introduction to chemical kinetics. $100.00 course fee - CEM 2810 Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry I is the first course of a two semester sequence that examines the chemistry of carbon compounds. In the first semester, the focus is on the properties and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides and alcohols. This course includes a laboratory component. $100.00 course fee. - CEM 2820 Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II is the second course of a two semester sequence that examines the chemistry of carbon compounds. The second course continues the exploration of the properties and reactions of organic compounds through the study of aromatic and carbonyl compounds. This course includes a laboratory component. $100.00 course fee. - CEM 3410 Quantitative Analysis
A modern approach to the subject is taken and includes basic statistical tools, error analysis, and a thorough discussion of equilibrium, including solubility, acid-base, complex formation, and oxidation-reduction reactions. Independent laboratory work is a major portion of the course. $100.00 course fee. - CEM 3700 Research in Chemistry
A discussion of research in Chemistry, including experimental design, data analysis, literature review methods, publications of chemical research, and research presentations. Student will create a proposal for research to be executed in CEM 4700. - CEM 4700 Research in Chemistry II
Students will execute the research project proposed in CEM 3700 or another project agreed upon by the student and the instructor. This course can be taken twice for credit, not to exceed five hours total. $100 course fee. - CEM 4050 Chemistry Senior Capstone
The Chemistry Senior Capstone serves to prepare students for employment or post-graduate education. Practical issues such as career planning and interviewing will be included. Central to this course is the integration of chemical concepts and application to practical, real-world issues. This course will also be utilized for program assessment.
Conduct cutting-edge research, meet new people and explore the world. At Belmont, you’ll have the opportunities of a lifetime.
- Get an international perspective by traveling to Iceland, Ghana, China or beyond. You’ll earn credit while immersing yourself in another part of the world.
- Explore your interests by joining a student group devoted to chemistry, women in science, the environment or another shared passion. You’ll learn new things and build lifelong friendships.
- Immerse yourself in scientific research. Working with a faculty mentor, you’ll develop key skills and make discoveries about the world – and about yourself.
Student Researchers Build Game-Changing Device
A chemistry major contributed to groundbreaking progress on a new device that can detect heavy metal contamination.
Alumni Testimonials
Ryan Gagnon '22
"Belmont’s chemistry program offers significant opportunities to learn from amazing faculty, work hands-on in lab environments and participate in cutting-edge undergraduate research. The tight-knit community that this program has fostered is welcoming and provides an enriching experience to grow as a scientist."
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