As a chemistry major you will gain a broad knowledge in the six major areas of chemistry: chemical education, organic, inorganic, physical, analytical and biochemistry.
Your core curriculum includes fundamental courses in chemistry, math and physics. Beyond that, dive deep and explore your particular interests while you discover the process for scientific inquiry, become proficient in modern laboratory procedures, understand the practical and ethical applications of chemical principles in society, and take part in cutting-edge research projects.
Options
- Professional
- Chemical Biology
Academics + Experience = Opportunities
Complement academic preparation with experiential learning, creating more opportunities after graduation. Talk to an academic advisor and a career coach about making the most of your time at Nebraska.
Four-year success plan
What to do each year
Catalog
Major requirements and courses
Printable summary
With sample four-year schedule
Transferrable Career Skills
- Design and implement research experiments
- Understand and practice proper laboratory safety procedures
- Read, understand, and critically review scientific information
- Define problems and identifying causes
- Comprehend and critically evaluate complex information
- Compose convincing arguments and present logical information
- Confidently navigate complex, ambiguous projects and environments
- Demonstrate ethical conduct in research activities
- Document and replicate processes and procedures
Experience
Experience is valuable and goes beyond the classroom. We strive to help you connect your academics with research, internships, education abroad, service learning and leadership experiences in chemistry, such as:
- Interning with Novartis, a global healthcare company
- Learn more about internships
- Researching the “Development of Organic Radical Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cancer”
- Learn more about undergraduate research
- Studying abroad in Peru with The GREEN Program water resource management
- Learn more about education abroad
- Serving as the UNL Chemistry Club president
- Learn more about getting involved in student organizations
- Volunteering with JDRF International
- Learn more about service learning
Opportunities
A major in chemistry opens the door to many careers. Some may be obvious, including pharmaceutical development, chemical research and manufacturing, analysis, and science education. Environmental science, medicine, pharmacy, forensics, plant science, and law are not as obvious.
Examples of Alumni Careers
- Associate Scientist I, Teva Pharmaceuticals
- Chemical Analyst, Purac America
- Chemical Contractor, Zoetis
- Chemistry Lab Technician, Arkansas State University
- Civilian Scientist, U.S. Navy
- Laboratory Technician, Enthone
- Principle Scientist 1, Novartis
- Product Associate, LI-COR Biosciences
- Scientist, Celerion
- Quality Management Chemist, Cargill
Examples of Graduate Schools Attended by Alumni
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
- Master's Degree, Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Medical Doctor, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, University of California-Riverside
- Doctor of Optometry, Southern College of Optometry
- Master's Degree, Molecular Genetics, Ohio State University
- Ph.D., Analytical Chemistry, Ohio State University
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Missouri State University
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“I really loved my general chemistry course. It was the class for chemistry majors so it was a smaller lecture. Our professor, Dr. Moon was really great—she challenged us to think through problems like actual chemists and we did a few projects that taught us how to read papers in chemistry. I've found these skills to be incredibly helpful.”
Maggie Ramsay
Chemistry at Nebraska
Chemistry is a science major in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Our liberal arts degrees provide a broad education across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, preparing students for a variety of careers.
Let curiosity move you.
Contact Us
Academic and Career Advising Center
107 Oldfather Hall
402-472-4190
casadvising@unl.edu