The chemistry program is one of the largest and most active on the Clemson campus. More than 20 faculty members direct the research of about 100 graduate students, with the assistance of about 15 postdoctoral and visiting scientists. In addition, several faculty members are primarily engaged in undergraduate instruction and chemical education research. Faculty also manage the department’s Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Resource Center, Molecular Structure Center and computing resources.

The research activities of the faculty include projects in the traditional areas of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry as well as a very broad range of interdisciplinary and nontraditional areas — polymer and materials chemistry, solid-state chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, bioorganic and medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, chemical physics, chemical education and other areas.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulation for “Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories”, 29CFR 1910.1450 requires that all facilities engaged in the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals develop and implement a written “Chemical Hygiene Plan” which sets forth procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment, work practices, and policies that when implemented and used properly will protect employees from the health hazards presented by hazardous chemicals used in their workplace.

ABOUT

Have you ever wondered about what makes up our world, down to the smallest particle? Studying chemistry at Clemson won’t just give you a close-up look at atoms, molecules and chemical reactions. It will also prepare you for a career in medicine, research, pharmacy and many other industries. If you find yourself thinking about where the molecules you inhale come from, majoring in chemistry can turn your thoughts into engaging research projects conducted with approachable and knowledgeable faculty members. Chemistry has a hand in almost every part of the scientific process. Our Bachelor of Science degree – which is certified by the American Chemical Society – will prepare you for a professional career in chemistry, while our Bachelor of Arts degree gives you a broad education needed for a career dependent on a basic knowledge of chemistry. 

FAST FACTS

• We offer both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry.
• We are primarily housed in Howard L. Hunter Laboratory on campus, which has more than 50,000 square feet of lab space. Additional research facilities can be found in the Biological Research Center and at the Advanced Materials Research Lab.
• Our alumni are employed across various industries and companies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, Michelin, Pfizer, Sun Chemical and Merck.
• Roughly 70 percent of chemistry graduates pursue a professional or graduate degree after graduation.

WHAT YOU’LL STUDY

Along with general education requirements, chemistry majors will engage in an in-depth, hands-on course of study that takes you from the basics all the way to organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry, just to name a few. You might also take part in Clemson’s undergraduate research program, called Creative Inquiry. 

The Bachelor of Science in chemistry emphasizes the technical and communication skills needed for a professional career in chemistry. You’ll be required to participate in undergraduate research teams on projects such as synthesis of new compounds with materials potential, bioorganic and medicinal chemistry, polymers, thin films and surfaces, electrochemistry and much more. You will work with cutting-edge laboratory tools and instruments and will have the opportunity to do a cooperative education internship where you’ll apply your education in the workplace.

A Bachelor of Arts in chemistry provides you with a broad education and focuses on areas in medicine, pharmacy and law. There are fewer chemistry courses, but a requirement of two years of a foreign language along with a minor. You’ll be prepared for careers dependent on a basic knowledge of chemistry, and a B.A. is an excellent preprofessional curriculum for medicine, pharmacy and law. 

CURRICULUM

• Chemistry, B.A.
• Chemistry, B.S.

POPULAR MINORS

• Business Administration
• Food Science
• Life Sciences Cluster
• Modern Languages
• Music

• SIMILAR MAJORS
• BIOCHEMISTRY (B.S.)
• BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (B.S./B.A.)
• CHEMICAL ENGINEERING (B.S.)
• FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN NUTRITION (B.S.)
• GENETICS (B.S.)
• MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (B.S.)
• PREPROFESSIONAL HEALTH STUDIES (UNDECLARED)
• PREVETERINARY MEDICINE (NON-DEGREE PROGRAM)

EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Majoring in chemistry at Clemson isn’t just about doing the research. It’s about the hands-on experience, inside and outside the walls of the laboratory. Clemson’s state-of-the-art facilities and extensive research equipment provide you with a world outside the classroom and inside the world of intensive research and innovative experimentation. There are also opportunities that allow you to make connections beyond Clemson, be it research institutes, chemistry clubs or simply interacting with highly qualified faculty.

RESEARCH

The chemistry department is one of the largest and most active on campus, with more than 20 faculty members and about 15 postdoctoral and visiting scientists.

FACILITIES

Clemson’s chemistry department holds one of the finest laboratory spaces in the Southeast. With more than 50,000 square feet filled with cutting-edge instruments, you’ll have a world of experimentation tools at your fingertips.

SAACS

The Student Affiliate of the American Chemical Society is Clemson’s chemistry club. Joining SAACS is a great way to meet other chemistry majors and listen to speakers talk about various disciplines of chemistry.

CREATIVE INQUIRY

Our undergraduate research program, called Creative Inquiry, is a unique program that allows you to work alongside professors on all types of research projects. Such experiences in your academic career can put you ahead of your peers.

CONNECT WITH OTHER STUDENTS

• AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
• STUDENT AFFILIATES OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY

AFTER GRADUATION

Your college decision isn’t really about the next four years. We get it. It’s about what doors are opened by your degree and whether those opportunities are what you had envisioned for yourself. About 70 percent of Clemson chemistry graduates pursue a professional or graduate degree after graduation. Here’s a snapshot of what life after graduation looks like for some of our most recent students.