Choose the path that meets your goals
You'll have the opportunity to tailor your education to your professional goals by concentrating on biochemistry or graduate school preparation.
Biochemistry
One of the department’s most popular emphasis areas, biochemistry offers students an in-depth look at the chemical processes of living organisms. Students will work to understand the complex chemical properties and the interactions, processes, structures and functions of livings cells.
Graduate preparation
Many students continue on after graduation to pursue higher education at the master’s or PhD level. Students will obtain a broad knowledge of chemistry that will prepare them for entry into graduate school while giving them opportunities to conduct and present their own research.
Why study chemistry at Missouri State?
- Expand your knowledge of the chemical sciences with top-tier faculty
- Get access to state-of-the-art equipment and teaching labs
- Do your own individualized, undergraduate research, which will prepare you for a career in the sciences
- Gain experience to set you apart in a highly competitive job market
- Enjoy smaller class sizes in upper division courses and one-on-one mentoring opportunities with experienced faculty
Prepare for a pre-professional career
A bachelor's degree in chemistry is ideal for a pre-med student or someone interested in a health profession. Medical schools do not require a particular college major, but a chemistry background will be helpful in biochemistry, endocrinology, physiology, microbiology and pharmacology.
Degree information
ACS certification
The chemistry department has been approved to offer a certified program of professional training. The comprehensive major meets all requirements for certification. In addition to the required degree program, approved departments may offer up to six degree options and we have approval for two options. All students who have met the curricular guidelines of the approved programs will receive certification from the ACS. These options are recommended for students who plan graduate work in chemistry, teaching in a secondary school district or employment in the chemical industry after graduation.
Comprehensive and non-comprehensive options
The chemistry major at MSU offers a comprehensive option, which does not require a minor. The non-comprehensive option is available for those who would prefer to add a minor or second major.