In the development of science and technology, chemistry has played a vital role. Hence, the subject area continues to grow as research expands across universities worldwide.
Picking a college to study Chemistry is not an easy decision; therefore, let’s identify some of the best colleges for a chemistry major.
According to Study.com, chemicals are everywhere. They’re all around you. You’re sitting on chemicals, breathing in, eating, and sleeping with chemicals.
For this reason, Chemistry has become an area of interest worldwide. Scientists rely on chemistry to create a better future for everyone.
In this article, you’ll learn about the best schools to get a chemistry major. Additionally, you’ll learn the outlook of chemistry and why you should study chemistry. The table of content below clearly outlines all you’ll learn.
What is Chemistry Major?
A chemistry major can be defined as studying chemistry at the bachelor degree level. However, you can rise from this level if you choose.
Scientists who have developed chemical equations and responses all majored in chemistry. To say the least, humanity cannot develop itself to the highest capacity without studying chemistry.
So, to a large extent, this answers many questions regarding chemistry and its study.
Why Do People Major in Chemistry?
Chemistry is a critical subject area. We all need chemical to survie – starting from oxygen. So, there needs to be an excellent understanding of this subject.
Due to the vast nature of Chemistry, many people prominent in certain areas where they delve deeper. This deeper approach is performed through research and seeking answers to unaswered questions.
Indeed, chemistry will forever remain relevant to advancement and growth. So, if you want to major in chemistry, you’re lending a helping hand to this course.
Also Read: 97 Chemistry Scholarships
What Are The Five Major Areas of Chemistry?
Chemistry, like other science subjects has significant branches. These branches have their areas of study peculiar to each branch.So, you can choose a department of chemistry or more, depending on what you want to achieve.
Hence, these branches include;
- Analytical chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Biochemistry
Analytical chemistry
In this branch of chmistry, you use qualitative and quantitative observation to identify and measure substances’ physical and chemical properties. In a line of thought, all chemistry is analytical.
Physical chemistry
In this branch of Chemistry, you merge chemistry with physics. Physical chemists study how matter and energy interact. Thermodynamics and quantum mechanics are two of the essential branches of biological chemistry.
Organic chemistry
This branch of chemistry specifically studies compounds that contain the element carbon. Carbon has many distinct properties that allow it to create complex chemical bonds and huge molecules.
Organic chemistry is known as the “Chemistry of Life” because all of the molecules that make up living tissue have carbon as part of their makeup.
Inorganic chemistry
This branch of chemistry studies materials such as metals and gases that do not have carbon as part of their makeup.
Biochemistry
This branch of chemistry deals with the study of chemical processes that occur within living organisms.
What Can You Do With a Chemistry Major?
A chemistry major is an opening that will give you access to a lot of opportunities. As we have described, the field is vast, and majors can dive into the different branches.
As a chemistry major, you have access to a lot of job opportunities. These opportunities are in different industries. Some of the high-paying jobs include;
- Analytical Chemist
- Biotechnologist
- Chemical Engineer
- Pharmacologist
- Toxicologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Clinical Scientist
- Research Scientist
17 Best Colleges For Chemistry Major
Seeing the impact that chemistry has on society, you should pick a good university for your study. We will list below some of the best universities where you can major in chemistry.
Our list of the best colleges was drawn from our well-taken research. This research focuses on the results these colleges have gained in their chemistry departments.
Additionally, we consider the colleges’ rankings, student-faculty ratio and educational structure.
Hence, the best colleges for chemistry majors include;
17. University of Pennslyvania
Indeed, Penn was given a great description by her leader.
She said, “Penn has a long and proud tradition of intellectual rigour and pursuit of innovative knowledge… Most importantly, that tradition lives today through the creativity, entrepreneurship, and engagement of our faculty, students, and staff”.
Penn has prevailed as an institution with over 4,500 faculty members pursuing its diverse programs.
The Chemistry faculty of Penn gives you the background knowledge of economic systems and policies that keep you in line with the operation patterns.
Conclusively, students from all over the world are eligible for admission into Perelman. To this effect, you only need to apply by visiting the school.
Also Read: 17 Undergraduate Scholarships For Chemistry Students
16. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is a public research university offering many programs. Since their inception, they’ve focused on providing quality education all around. Indeed, this is clearly expressed in their academic structure.
Although they’re located in Minnesota, they’ve made giant strides in the field of Chemistry. Hence, they’re currently listed as one of the best colleges for a chemistry major.
Their acceptance rate of 55% and a graduation rate of 77% show their willingness to admit students and graduate quality students, respectively. They plan on doing this until they sit among the top five schools in the world.
15. University of California – LA
UCLA is a pure public research university in California, United States. They are precisely one among other campuses under the University of California.
As a very keen research institute, all their programs are research hungry. Research is the most important of the program and takes the greatest attention.
The academic calendar usually allows students to carry out research outside the school premises. In addition, their schedules are flexible enough to accommodate transfer students.
The campus is built in a very impressive and serene environment which supports plant life. Furthermore, the transportation system within the school is very efficient and easily accessible.
In UCLA, students always adhere to a strict value system. This value system revolves around equity, diversity and inclusion while students volunteer.
14. Purdue University
Purdue University is a public research university founded in 1869. Funnily enough, the University started as a research institute.
In the main campus of this school, you have access to over 200 majors for undergraduate students, 69 Master’s and doctoral degree programs. This University has the fourth-largest students body of any university in the United States.
There are five campuses in this school which comprise of; Purdue mall, memorial mall, south campus, west campus and stadium avenue.
Chemistry students at Purdue University access the best tools for research and learning. Hence, they come in as one of the top colleges for a chemistry major.
13. John Hopkins University
John Hopkins University is one of the best universities in the world. Although many people recognize the John Hopkins University – who has frontline the battle against the pandemic – the college offers so much value.
Founded by John Hopkins, this university has one of the biggest hospitals in the world. Their immense dedication to hard work and research has yielded a lot of results. Although they’ve recorded their share of failure, they keep striving.
This continuous push has helped them achieve a status admired by all. So, pick up the university form if you want to gain a strong reputation as a chemistry major.
Check this out: Johns Hopkins University: Admission, Tuition Fee, Scholarships, Courses, Ranking
12. Rutgers University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, also known as RU, is a public research university in New Jersey. Additionally, they are the most prominent institute in the whole of Jersey.
RU has a straightforward mission which involves providing quality education for New Jersey citizens while performing quality research. Additionally, their public service programs help the locals in the state.
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, RU has over 150 undergraduate majors and 400 graduate majors.
Furthermore, the total combination of undergraduate and graduate students amount to over 70,000, while they pose an academic staff strength of over 20,000.
RU’s chemistry program helps students properly combine their research and analytic skills.
Every subject area taught in urban planning at RU is generally focused on helping the student build his eye for detail. This will be very imperative in projections and structural formations.
Their complete dedication and commitment make them part of the best chemistry colleges in the world.
11. University of California – Berkeley
Founded in 1868, the University of California is a public university and is the flagship for ten campuses.
Berkeley’s total enrollment currently stands at 42,519: 30,853 undergraduate and 11,666 graduate students, with women accounting for 52.6% of undergraduates and 46.4% of graduate and professional students.
To get admitted into UC Berkeley, you must pass an entry-level writing requirement before enrollment (typically fulfilled by minimum scores on standardized admissions exams such as the SAT or ACT).
Furthermore, you must complete “American History and Institutions” coursework before or after enrollment by taking an introductory class.
Finally, you’ll need to pass an “American Cultures Breadth” class at Berkeley, as well as requirements for reading and composition and specific requirements declared by the department and school.
When it comes to chemistry, they have shown why they’re a flagship university through their enormous research breakthroughs and innovations.
Indeed, UC Berkeley is one of the best colleges for a chemistry major.
10. Stanford University
Stanford University has a rich history filled with stories of innovations and breakthrough in different subject areas. Although they aren’t the best university in the world, they have created a standard which other schools have recreated.
Whether it is engineering, science, medicine or law, Stanford will immediately present you with a structure that will eventually help you achieve your dreams.
Chemistry is a core area of strength for Stanford, so they rank as one of the best colleges for a chemistry major.
See also: 15 Stanford University Free Online Courses With Certificates in 2022
9. University of Florida
The University of Florida is a place of purpose. Therefore, they remain committed to challenging conventional methods of achieving results.
So they see things not as they are but as they could be. And thereby continuously strive for a more significant impact: one measured in people helped and lived improved.
At one time, they recorded an average 4.3 G.P.A. and an average S.A.T. score of 1918 in their fall 2015 freshman class which is exceptional. And while those numbers are impressive, they claim its the start of their journey.
On the other hand, they consider general achievements above personal achievements.
Also Read: Top 25 Masters Scholarship for Chemistry Students
8. Duke University
Duke University is a university with a solid academic reputation, hard work principle and excellent delivery. Furthermore, they’re popularly known for their collaboration with Coursera in producing short courses.
Duke Chemistry College offers exceptional learning with practical insight on the go. Students have access to the school’s laboratories which are well equipped for research.
Once you become a Duke University student, you’re in one of the best colleges for a chemistry major.
7. Cornell University
Cornell University is one institution that is a reflection of excellent leadership and diversity. And for this reason, students wish to study at Cornell. As a result, Cornell University continues to remain a top choice for most students.
In research, Cornell is changing the narrative by structuring research centres used in driving innovation. These bold steps have been seen in their Chemistry College.
Cornell University is focused on teaching and making contributions in all areas of knowledge; from theoretical to practical, in addition to research. Their current focus ultimately remains the vision of its founders.
Explore more: Cornell University(CU) Acceptance Rate in 2022 | Admission Requirement
6. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is purely a research university that has introduced new ways of thinking. Indeed, they remain committed to building and promoting excellence in diverse educational fields.
UChicago empowers its students to eliminate conventional thinking given original ideas.
Generally, all students in the College develop critical, analytic, and communication skills through their rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum.
Additionally, their students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, becoming the next generation of leaders in diverse areas of the industry.
UChicago research has gotten breakthroughs, such as finding the link between cancer and genetics, building revolutionary theories of economics, and developing tools to produce reliably excellent urban schooling.
Hence, they generate new insights for the benefit of all generations with their standard laboratories. Besides, as a chemistry student, your career path is clear when you’re in this school.
5. Yale University
Founded in 1701, Yale, despite its challenges, has remained committed to building and sharing knowledge in addition to inspiring innovation.
Consequently, Yale plans on reaching interested individuals in all countries.
This university collaborates with its hometown of New Haven, Connecticut to make stronger the city’s community and economy.
And they have created a process wherein they engage with the people and institutions across the globe in the quest to promote cultural understanding, improve the condition of humans, train leaders and carry out deeper research.
4. Princeton University
Princeton is one of the oldest universities in the world. Previously, they sat in the position of the top five universities in the world next to Harvard, Stanford and MIT.
Chemistry is one of their most popular undergraduate programs in Princeton, drawing a diverse number of students with a wide range of interests.
Specifically, their graduate program trains its students on the techniques and applications of chemistry today.
3. Harvard
Harvard is arguably the best university in the world. As a result, their programs are usually taught by the best of minds and complement the latest practices of the profession.
As an institution, they have alumni who have made giant strides in chemistry. Besides that, they continue to boost their efforts to remain ahead of their competition.
In summary, Harvard eventually stands on top and remains one of the world’s best schools to study chemistry.
Check this out: Harvard Business School Fees in 2023 | How To Pay
2. MIT
Even as a private university, MIT is the best private university in the world and arguably the best university in the world.
This university has recorded a wide range of research breakthroughs that eventually turned out as big solutions.
They have experienced and delved into intense research in chemistry, eventually becoming publications. Two of their stories ranked as the top research breakthroughs in 2019. Hence, they’re part of the best colleges for the chemistry major.
Soon, MIT plans to build core research and education centres worldwide to train its students.
1. California Institute of Technology
Of course, there’s a reason why they top the list of best colleges for a chemistry major. The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a private doctorate-granting research university in Pasadena, California.
They are highly respected for their strength in natural science and engineering and rank as one of the top ten universities in the world.
Initially, CalTech started as a preparatory and vocational school by Amos G. Throop in 1891 and has attracted many scientists. After some time, the vocational school was eliminated, and they immediately assumed college responsibilities.
For over 60 years, CalTech has been at the forefront of pure and applied science research. Hence, they have continually made vast amounts of discoveries while they continue to research.
Caltech has six academic faculties with a strong emphasis on science and engineering, managing $332 million in 2011 in sponsored research.
Probably they currently rank among the best chemistry schools in the world due to their heavy investment in research.
As a first-year student in CalTech, you live on campus. Additionally, your faculty will frequently give you assignments you must complete and submit on time.
Alumni members of CalTech have numerously won Nobel Laureates for different discoveries.
FAQs- Best Colleges For Chemistry Major
Many colleges are known for Chemistry, but the colleges listed above are the best colleges to study Chemistry.
Currently, California Institute of Technology has the best chemistry program. This ranking changes as per time.
College Chemistry is the subject-area or level of chemistry administered to students at the college level.
Indeed, Chemistry is not an easy major. However, it’s both financially and mentally rewarding.
Conclusion
Chemistry is changing the world. In fact, it will continue to change the way we live our lives. You can be part of this contribution if you choose.
These schools listed above offer exceptional chemistry programs to interested candidates. Most of the schools listed here are in the U.S.
So, when choosing among these top universities, check their eligibility requirements to see if you fit in.
References
- science.org.au/curious/chemistry
- collegefactual.com/majors/rankings/top-ranked/
- livescience.com/what-is-chemistry
- usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/chemistry-rankings
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