Chemistry Major
Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes. It is a major within Natural Sciences & Math.
Chemistry is the study of matter—the substances that make up everything around us—and how those substances interact, change, and combine. At its core, the major explores questions about why materials behave the way they do, what happens when substances mix or react, and how to predict and control those changes. Students develop practical skills in laboratory work alongside theoretical understanding, learning to observe chemical processes carefully, design experiments to test ideas, and interpret results. The discipline bridges the everyday (like how food cooks or why water dissolves salt) and the fundamental (like the structure of atoms and the nature of chemical bonds).
Chemistry tends to attract students who are curious about how things work at a molecular level and who enjoy hands-on problem-solving in a laboratory setting. The major typically begins with foundational courses that establish core principles—such as how atoms bond, how energy flows in reactions, and how to perform basic lab techniques. As students progress, they move toward more specialized areas and gain deeper expertise through upper-level courses and research opportunities. This structure allows learners to build confidence with fundamentals before tackling more complex applications and narrower fields of focus.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Chemistry program commonly includes topics such as:
- General chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Analytical chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Biochemistry
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Chemistry is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Chemistry background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Chemist
- Analytical chemist
- Quality control analyst
- Research scientist
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Chemistry major?
Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes. It is part of natural sciences & math, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Chemistry majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Chemistry major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as chemist, analytical chemist, quality control analyst. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Chemistry offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral level, though availability varies by institution.