The chemical mysteries of the universe, right at your fingertips.

Explore the things that matter, interact with those who share your passion, and be challenged by knowledgeable teachers who put you first. It all starts with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from University of the Cumberlands. Endless career opportunities open for you post-graduation when you major in chemistry, all certain to lead to success and a fulfilling professional life. From continuing your research as a chemist to passing on your knowledge to the next generation as teacher, a degree in chemistry ensures that you will make an impact on the world like no one else can. With high-end laboratories, a close-knit faculty, and small class sizes, your educational experience will be personal and tailored to your goals and interests. You want to succeed, and Cumberlands wants to help. The time has come for you to use your chemistry skills to make the world a better place! Are you ready? 

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$79,760

Average Salary

6%

Industry Growth

1 in 5

Students Make Dean's List

96%

Receive Financial Aid
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog

General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

This is your chance to focus on becoming a better chemist and exceptional student. As a chemistry major at Cumberlands, you will spend your time between the lab and the classroom, where you will personalize your learning experience and explore the scientific subject you love. Uncover the power of chemistry and what it means for the world, then use your new knowledge and skills to make an impact in a way only you can! 

Course Requirements

We recommend this option for students planning to attend graduate school in chemistry or those going directly into employment as an industrial chemist.  

CHEM 132     General College Chemistry I   

CHEM 111     General Chemistry Laboratory I    

CHEM 232     General College Chemistry II     

CHEM 211     General Chemistry Laboratory II   

CHEM 331     Organic Chemistry I   

CHEM 321     Organic Chemistry Laboratory I   

CHEM 332     Organic Chemistry II   

CHEM 322     Organic Chemistry Laboratory II   

CHEM 336     Analytical Chemistry   

CHEM 328     Analytical Chemistry Laboratory   

CHEM 441     Physical Chemistry with Laboratory 

CHEM 434     Inorganic Chemistry   

CHEM 490     Senior Research Project, Capstone in Chemistry (2 hours required)   

 

If you choose Option I, you are strongly encouraged to take other advanced courses, especially Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 436). Other Selected Topics courses include Biochemistry (BIOL 434), and special topics such as those listed in the course description of CHEM 491.  
 
NOTE: MATH 140, MATH 240, PHYS 241, and PHYS 242 are prerequisites for some upper-level chemistry courses.  

We recommend this option for students entering a “blended” area such as pre-professional medically related areas (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapist, etc.), chemistry/business, and chemistry/biology.  

CHEM 132     General College Chemistry I   

CHEM 111     General Chemistry Laboratory I   

CHEM 232     General College Chemistry II   

CHEM 211     General Chemistry Laboratory II   

CHEM 331     Organic Chemistry I   

CHEM 321     Organic Chemistry Laboratory I   

CHEM 332     Organic Chemistry II   

CHEM 322     Organic Chemistry Laboratory II   

CHEM 336     Analytical Chemistry   

CHEM 328     Analytical Chemistry Laboratory   

CHEM 441 Physical Chemistry I with Physical Chemistry Laboratory  

CHEM 434     Inorganic Chemistry   

CHEM 490     Senior Research Project, Capstone in Chemistry (2 hours required)   

 

Students choosing Option I are strongly encouraged to take other advanced courses, especially Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 436). Other Selected Topics courses include Biochemistry (BIOL 346), and special topics such as those listed in the course description of CHEM 491. 

NOTE: MATH 140, MATH 240, PHYS 241, and PHYS 242 are prerequisites for some upper-level chemistry courses.

This option is for students majoring in chemistry and pursuing secondary education certification. 

CHEM 132     General College Chemistry I   

CHEM 111     General Chemistry Laboratory I   

CHEM 232     General College Chemistry II   

CHEM 211     General Chemistry Laboratory II   

CHEM 331     Organic Chemistry I    

CHEM 321     Organic Chemistry Laboratory I   

CHEM 332     Organic Chemistry II   

CHEM 322     Organic Chemistry Laboratory II   

CHEM 336     Analytical Chemistry   

CHEM 328     Analytical Chemistry Laboratory  

CHEM 441     Physical Chemistry I lab included (4 hours)  

CHEM 413     Teaching Practicum in Chemistry  

CHEM 434     Inorganic Chemistry  

CHEM 490     Senior Research Project, Capstone in Chemistry (2 hours required)  

CHEM 491     Selected Topics or BIOL 346 Biochemistry (3 hours required if CHEM 345 is chosen above) 

 

NOTE: MATH 140, MATH 240, PHYS 241, and PHYS 242 are prerequisites for some upper-level chemistry courses.

In addition to these course requirements, 42 hours of professional education courses are required as defined by the Department of Education. 

A Bachelor of Arts requires all the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of four classes (12 hours) in a foreign language.

Choose one foreign language sequence:

FREN 131        Elementary French I

FREN 132        Elementary French II

FREN 231        Intermediate French I

FREN 232        Intermediate French II

 

SPAN 131        Elementary Spanish I

SPAN 132        Elementary Spanish II

SPAN 231        Intermediate Spanish I

SPAN 232        Intermediate Spanish II

Minor in Chemistry

Fuel your passion for science by minoring in chemistry. You can spend time in the laboratory and chemistry classes while pursuing a different major. In other words, you get the best of both worlds! Supplement your bachelor's degree with a useful minor that will make you more marketable to future employers.

Course Requirements

CHEM 132     General College Chemistry I   

CHEM 111     General Chemistry Laboratory I   

CHEM 232     General College Chemistry II   

CHEM 211     General Chemistry Laboratory II   

CHEM 331     Organic Chemistry I   

CHEM 321     Organic Chemistry Laboratory I   

CHEM 332     Organic Chemistry II   

CHEM 322     Organic Chemistry Laboratory II   

CHEM 336     Analytical Chemistry   

CHEM 328     Analytical Chemistry Laboratory 

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The purpose of the chemistry program at Cumberlands is to prepare you to move directly into a chemistry career in a variety of scientific areas, from education to research, and all fields in between.

Understand chemical principles in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
Develop laboratory skills for proficiency in chemical synthesis, instrumental methods, computer applications, quantitative measurement, and statistical data analysis.
Improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Strengthen your professional and leadership skills.
Complete rigorous coursework and projects, both individually and in a team.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Chemistry Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Chemist: $79,760

Chemist: $79,760

Description: Chemists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge. 

Chemistry Teacher: $62,820

Chemistry Teacher: $62,820

Description: Chemistry teachers teach classes about various topics within chemistry and related fields.  

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural sciences managers supervise other scientists. This can include other chemists, physicists, and biologists. They can vary between being in the laboratory and in an office environment. 

Chemical Researcher: $79,760

Chemical Researcher: $79,760

Chemical researchers spend time researching the elements and chemical materials and properties. They lead the way for research into new and innovative chemical solutions. 

Laboratory Manager: $137,900

Laboratory Manager: $137,900

 Laboratory managers manage other laboratory scientists within a project. 

Pharmacist: $128,570

Pharmacist: $128,570

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and provide information to patients about the drugs and their use. Successful completion of a pharmacy graduate program is required to become a licensed pharmacist.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

With a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, you’ll be well on your way toward qualification for chemistry-related jobs or graduate school in a related program. You'll have numerous careers you will qualify for, such as working as a chemist, a science teacher or professor, a manager within a chemical plant, or a pharmacist. 

In short, yes. In addition to working with knowledgeable and experienced faculty, a chemistry major can be an excellent foundation for further scientific studies and opportunities. You’ll have the opportunity to perform a senior research project in your area of special interest that may be selected for summer programs at research institutions, including MIT, Clemson, Notre Dame, and the Natural History Museum in England. Plus, you’ll have the option of joining the Alchemist Club on field trips and special events that include guest speakers. 

With a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, you’ll be well on your way toward qualification for chemistry-related jobs or graduate school in a related program. You'll have numerous careers you will qualify for, such as working as a chemist, a science teacher or professor, a manager within a chemical plant, or a pharmacist. 

Yes. The chemistry degree requires students to take laboratory classes that involve considerable hands-on learning. Our laboratories are the perfect training ground for talented chemists! 

The difficulty of each course varies depending on several factors, but, in general, the chemistry degree is rigorous and designed to prepare each student for important chemical work after graduation. Each student will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced faculty to conduct research and progress through the courses. Small class sizes allow for more individualized attention to students, which will help you learn the material inside and out. 

Absolutely. Each student at the university can receive tutoring for free, which is a great resource for keeping up with your classes. Also, the low student-to-faculty ratio ensures that many classes are small, so you will be able to work directly with your professors in each class. Many professors have open-door policies for students to ask questions between classes. 

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Chemistry

Get to know your future professors in chemistry before even setting foot on campus!

Jeffrey Schwarz

Jeffrey Schwarz

Associate Professor
Chemistry

Jeffrey Schwarz

Contact Information

jeffrey.schwarz [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex C106
Dr. Sharlene Dzugan

Dr. Sharlene Dzugan

Professor
Chemistry

Dr. Sharlene Dzugan

Contact Information

sharlene.dzugan [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex C107
Dr. Julie Tan

Dr. Julie Tan

Professor, Department Chair
Chemistry

Dr. Julie Tan

Contact Information

julie.tan [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex C104

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