Why Chemistry at Lehigh?

Chemistry is often called the "central science" because a strong knowledge of the material world is paramount to  advancements in all areas of science. Chemistry Undergrads at Lehigh University take courses in each of the five sub-disciplines of chemistry: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry.  

Special points of interest:

  • ACS certified BS Chemistry major
  • Course flexibility allows a wide range of specialized interests within the BS/BA Chemistry major
  • 25% of seniors are in the exclusive College Scholars program
  • 70% of undergraduates get involved in research
  • Students enjoy social events with professional groups like ACS and AXE
  • Students graduating from our program earn an above average salary in industry

What will I learn? (from the American Chemical Society)

General Chemistry: Molecular structure, bonding, chemical reactions, periodic trends, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics
Organic Chemistry: Structure, bonding, and reactions involving organic compounds, organic mechanisms, organic synthesis, spectroscopy
Physical Chemistry: States of matter, thermodynamics, phase diagrams and phase equilibria, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, quantum mechanics
Analytical Chemistry: Making accurate and precise measurements, scientific statistics, laboratory instrument operation, quantitative analysis
Inorganic Chemistry: Structure and bonding of inorganic compounds, coordination compounds, organometallics, group theory, spectroscopy, molecular orbital theory
Biochemistry: Chemistry of amino acids, proteins, polymers, enzymes, nucleic acids, lipids, cholesterol; metabolic pathways, phosphorylation

What can I do with a Bachelors Chemistry degree?

  • Analytical Chemist
  • Medical Doctor
  • Chemical Instrumentation Developer
  • Patent Law
  • Dentist
  • Petroleum Research
  • Drug Development and Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical Chemist
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Pharmacist
  • Environmental Protection
  • Physician's Assistant
  • Food Researcher
  • Quality Control & Assurance
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Research & Development
  • Formulation Chemist
  • Research Assistant
  • Industrial Chemist
  • Synthetic Chemist
  • Materials Scientist
  • Teaching