Chemistry

College ImageThe products of chemistry surround you: fireworks in the sky, drugs to treat illnesses, materials for solar cells, computer chips and airplanes. Chemists play a central role in technology, medicine, public health and safety, and of course, scientific research. As a result, chemists enjoy more career opportunities than any other discipline. Chemists solve problems using everything a broad-based degree provides: scientific knowledge, laboratory and analytic skills, oral and written communication skills, and even a foreign language. As our nation's employment opportunities change and become global, chemists will continue to find new opportunities due to their flexibility.

 

Chemists may provide valuable evidence for criminal and civil courts and other agencies by applying cutting-edge techniques in such areas as:

  • Analytical and instrumental methods
  • Biochemistry
  • Organic synthesis
  • Physical and Inorganic chemistry

The B.A. Chemistry degree provides a solid foundation of chemistry and mathematics, with core courses in analytical, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry Students take advanced courses in instrumental, biochemical, or inorganic chemistry.

The B.A. Chemistry degree is designed for the undergraduate college student who is interested in:

  • Understanding fundamental concepts of the natural world, such as the transformation of matter and energy.
  • Applying these concepts to investigate the natural world and solve problems
  • Developing skills needed to collect and analyze data in laboratories: make accurate and precise measurements, synthesize, separate, and characterize chemical compounds, and handle chemicals and dispose of them safely.
  • Working independently or as part of a team, and communicating your results orally or in writing


The B.A. Chemistry degree is a "hands on" program with many hours spent in laboratories. Because chemistry is an experimental science, students learn how to collect, analyze and communicate their experimental results, which provide evidence for scientific concepts.

Faculty members teaching in the program bring teaching, research and industrial experience to both the classroom and laboratory. Our department boasts a strong cadre of excellent educators, including three professors having received Ferris' Distinguished Teacher Award - the University's highest teaching award.

If you like chemistry and mathematics, and want many career choices, you may be interested in a Ferris State chemistry degree. The Chemistry major provides an excellent background for a wide variety of careers in science or in science-related fields, some involving further education. These include but are not limited to careers in chemistry, medicine, dentistry, education, environmental science, forensic science, polymer materials, pharmaceutical sales, and scientific writing.  Your degree would also be excellent preparation for programs, such as pharmacy, optometry, and medicine. You could also pursue a graduate program in chemistry or related fields. If chemistry is only one interest of many, you could combine chemistry with other interests to enter other careers, such as science writing and law.

Learn more about this program
What can I do with a Chemistry degree?
Ferris Catalog

Contact Information
For more information, please contact Dan Adsmond, 231-591-2551.

You can apply to Ferris State University online at www.ferris.edu/admissions or by calling 1-800-4-FERRIS.