Chemistry

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Chemistry

Our chemistry graduates are solving some of the world’s toughest problems. If that’s the kind of high-impact career you want, then start in a program with small class sizes and large amounts of individual attention. Collaborate with our professors on attention-getting original research that will get you into a top graduate school or renowned research lab.

Major requirements

Chemistry
Why NWC?

Why NWC?

Northwestern’s chemistry major prepares students for careers in research and development, health sciences, teaching and more. Graduates are equipped to work on medical, industry and university research teams and empowered to bring their faith to the complex questions facing today’s scientists.

Major course topics include organic chemistry, physical chemistry, quantitative analysis, and physics. Related study options include a chemistry minor; secondary teaching endorsements in chemistry and basic science; or pre-professional programs in chiropractic, dentistry, medicine, mortuary science, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies and veterinary medicine. 

CONTACT
Dr. Karissa Carlson
Dr. Karissa Carlson
Professor of Chemistry
100% ADMIT RATE All of NWC’s med school applicants in 2024 were accepted.
TOP 10% PRE-MED SCORES 2021 Northwestern grads’ MCAT scores ranked in the top 10% worldwide.
85th PERCENTILE Scores of physical chemistry students on the standardized thermodynamics exam

Outcomes

Northwestern chemistry majors have worked at DuPont and 3M and conducted ground-breaking research “welding” plant fibers into a material that could someday replace plastic. They have enrolled in research and health sciences graduate programs at universities around the country, including:

Iowa State University
Vanderbilt University
University of Chicago
University of Iowa
University of Michigan

Experience

Research + publications

Research + publications

As a chemistry major at Northwestern, you’ll partner with professors in their research and may even be mentioned when they publish or present research findings.

Paid fellowships

Paid fellowships

Conduct paid summer research through Northwestern or land a fellowship doing research funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Facilities

Facilities

Opened in 2019, the $24 million DeWitt Family Science Center includes five research labs and equipment that set the stage for science success, including a Fourier transform infrared instrument, gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy.

Science clubs

Science clubs

Prep for the MCAT and find out more about the medical field in Pre-Health Professions Club.

Bachelor’s + beyond

Bachelor’s + beyond

If your interest in chemistry extends to the medical field, Northwestern offers an accredited Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. Our faith-based program will prepare you to provide compassionate medical care in a variety of settings, including primary care and family medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry, surgery and other sub-specialties. 

Compass Center for Career & Calling

Compass Center for Career & Calling

The Compass Center for Career & Calling offers job shadowing, internships in a variety of locations, help writing resumes and cover letters, practice interview sessions, and more.

Research + publications

As a chemistry major at Northwestern, you’ll partner with professors in their research and may even be mentioned when they publish or present research findings.

Paid fellowships

Conduct paid summer research through Northwestern or land a fellowship doing research funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Facilities

Opened in 2019, the $24 million DeWitt Family Science Center includes five research labs and equipment that set the stage for science success, including a Fourier transform infrared instrument, gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy.

Science clubs

Prep for the MCAT and find out more about the medical field in Pre-Health Professions Club.

Bachelor’s + beyond

If your interest in chemistry extends to the medical field, Northwestern offers an accredited Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. Our faith-based program will prepare you to provide compassionate medical care in a variety of settings, including primary care and family medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry, surgery and other sub-specialties. 

Compass Center for Career & Calling

The Compass Center for Career & Calling offers job shadowing, internships in a variety of locations, help writing resumes and cover letters, practice interview sessions, and more.