Chemistry - Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Chemistry explores the properties, composition and structure of matter—and how matter changes and affects the world around us.

Chemists contribute to advances in medicine, energy, advanced materials, environmental science, biotechnology, manufacturing and many other fields.

A bachelor's degree in Chemistry from UToledo provides a strong foundation in analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. It prepares students for employment in scientific laboratories or continued study in chemistry and related fields.

The B.S. Degree in Chemistry

Provides hands-on laboratory and research experience
Prepares students for careers in chemistry and related industries
Offers concentrations aligned with professional chemistry, medicine and materials science
Provides strong preparation for graduate and professional school
Offers a combined B.S.-to-M.S. pathway for qualified students

Chemistry Degree Options:

ACS-Certified Concentration - The ACS-Certified Concentration is designed for students pursuing careers as professional chemists or advanced study in chemistry and related sciences. This rigorous concentration meets the standards established by the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Professional Training. Students receive broad training across the major chemistry disciplines and extensive hands-on laboratory experience.
Pre-Medical Professions Concentration - The Pre-Medical Professions Concentration combines a strong chemistry foundation with coursework relevant to medical school and other health-professions programs.
- Students can also receive support from UToledo’s Pre-Health Success and Engagement and explore the BACC2MD pathway to the UToledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. Learn about BACC2MD.

Materials Chemistry Concentration - The Materials Chemistry Concentration focuses on the design, synthesis and characterization of useful materials. It prepares students for careers and graduate study related to energy, electronics, nanomaterials, manufacturing and other materials-focused fields.

Chemistry with a Business Focus - The Business Focus combines chemistry training with a business minor. It prepares students for careers in scientific sales, technical management, product development, regulatory work and other positions connecting science and business.
Combined B.S.-to-M.S. Pathway - Qualified chemistry majors may begin graduate coursework while completing their bachelor’s degree. This means you’ll start taking graduate classes while still an undergraduate student and can earn both your undergraduate and graduate degrees more quickly. Launch your career sooner in the B.S. + M.S. Degree Program. Students may continue into:
- The M.S. in Chemistry, non-thesis option
- The M.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in Green Chemistry and Engineering

Explore chemistry degree options.

Top Reasons to Study Chemistry at UToledo

Conduct research with faculty mentors in a wide variety of subdisciplines.
- Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry
- Biological and medicinal chemistry
- Energy and environmental applications
- Green and sustainable chemistry
- Inorganic and organometallic chemistry
- Materials and nanomaterials chemistry
- Organic synthesis
- Physical and computational chemistry
Undergraduates can join faculty research groups, present their work at conferences and contribute to scientific publications. Paid research positions may also be available.

Explore faculty research.
Develop practical laboratory skills.
Chemistry students receive hands-on training in the synthesis, separation, characterization and analysis of chemical substances.

Laboratory training includes techniques such as:
- Chemical synthesis
- Chromatographic separation
- Electrochemical methods
- Laboratory safety and documentation
- Mass spectrometry
- Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- Preparation of solutions and quantitative measurements
- Recrystallization, extraction and distillation
- Scientific data analysis
- Titration and gravimetric analysis
- UV-visible, infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy
- X-ray diffraction
Students who participate in faculty research may receive additional training with specialized instruments and techniques.
Study green chemistry and advanced materials.

UToledo’s School of Green Chemistry and Engineering gives students opportunities to study sustainable chemical processes, environmental challenges and safer approaches to chemical design.

Students interested in materials can pursue a concentration or certificate focused on materials used in energy, electronics, medicine and manufacturing.
Prepare for medical or professional school.

Chemistry provides an excellent preparation for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other health professions.

Students in the new Pre-Medical Professions Concentration will combine rigorous chemistry training with coursework relevant to medical-school preparation. UToledo’s Pre-Health Success and Engagement assists with course planning and professional-school applications.

Explore Pre-Health Success and Engagement.
Build a professional network.

UToledo’s student chapter of the American Chemical Society offers educational and professional development programs, outreach and social activities.

Students can meet visiting scientists, tour local companies, participate in science outreach, attend conferences and develop leadership experience.

Meet Meet Mary Eby

Spring 2025, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

“The best thing I ever did for myself was to build connections. Taking time to email professors and talk to them after class allowed me to build connections with faculty, which opened up future opportunities. Joining a lab and conducting undergraduate research helped me to refine my skills from the very beginning while receiving support from faculty and graduate students.”

What jobs can I get with a Chemistry degree?

Chemistry graduates work in:

Biotechnology
Chemical manufacturing
Energy and advanced materials
Environmental testing
Forensic science
Government laboratories
Healthcare and medicine
Pharmaceuticals
Quality assurance and quality control
Research and development
Scientific instrumentation
Technical sales

They work as:

Analytical chemists
Formulation chemists
Laboratory analysts
Materials chemists
Process chemists
Quality-control chemists
Research assistants
Research scientists
Safety and regulatory specialists
Technical sales representatives

Many graduates continue into chemistry graduate programs or professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or law. Careers such as professor, physician, pharmacist, patent attorney or research director require additional education.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Chemistry students learn beyond the classroom through research, internships, professional organizations and specialized laboratory experiences.

Internships

Internships help students apply their chemistry knowledge, explore careers and develop professional connections.

Students may pursue opportunities with:

Chemical manufacturers
Environmental laboratories
Government agencies
Healthcare and clinical organizations
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
Research institutions

The Rocket Career Center helps students identify internship and employment opportunities. Students may also be able to receive academic credit for an internship or related employment.

Research

Chemistry students may begin research as early as their first year and work directly with faculty mentors. The Office of Undergraduate Research helps students find projects, funding and opportunities to present their work.

Study Abroad

Travel, experience new cultures and meet new people — all while earning college credit.

UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.

Semester at Sea
Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
Direct exchange programs with other universities
Teach English abroad
Global health program (med student clerkships)
Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)

Rocket Kids Semester

The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.

Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.

Learn more

On-campus and Part-time Jobs

Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
Build your resume.
Earn money.

If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.

Student Organizations

Students can participate in:

- The UToledo student chapter of the American Chemical Society
- Undergraduate research programs
- Departmental seminars and events
- Pre-health organizations
- Green chemistry activities
- Science outreach and community service.

Our most successful students get involved.

UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you: