Chemistry

  • BS
  • Major
  • Minor
A professor and a student smiling while checking observations in a chemistry lab

The BS in Chemistry builds your foundation in chemical principles, experimental techniques, and analytical thinking—skills essential for success in science, industry, and health professions. You’ll gain hands-on experience in modern teaching labs, using instrumentation for organic, physical, analytical, and inorganic chemistry. All instruction follows green chemistry principles and emphasizes safety, sustainability, and real-world application.

You’ll also have opportunities to participate in faculty-mentored research, collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, and apply for internships in New Jersey’s vibrant life sciences and pharmaceutical industries. By completing the appropriate sequence of courses, you can earn American Chemical Society (ACS) Certification—a valuable credential for your resume or graduate school applications.

Our department is committed to creating a stimulating, supportive environment where you can grow as a scientist and pursue your goals. Whether you’re interested in medicine, pharmacology, education, chemical sales or chemical engineering, this program gives you the knowledge and experience to take the next step.

The program is STEM-designated.

Chemistry Program Concentrations & Minor

With concentrations in General Chemistry or Business, you can tailor the degree to your goals—whether pursuing research, teaching, or roles in pharmaceutical or industrial sectors.

This flexible concentration offers a comprehensive education in chemistry, covering core areas such as organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. You’ll be prepared for a career in research, quality control, or laboratory science, and for graduate or professional study.

This concentration integrates chemistry with business principles to prepare you for roles in pharmaceutical sales, product management, operations, or industrial chemistry. Courses include business foundations alongside core chemistry requirements. You are eligible to apply for this program after your freshman year if you have a GPA of 2.7 or higher.

This concentration integrates chemistry with business principles to prepare you for roles in pharmaceutical sales, product management, operations, or industrial chemistry. Courses include business foundations alongside core chemistry requirements. You are eligible to apply for this program after your freshman year if you have a GPA of 2.7 or higher.

Teacher Certification & Dual Degrees

Pursue a pathway to teacher certification or apply for an accelerated combined degree to earn your bachelor’s and master’s in less time.

If you’re interested in becoming a certified chemistry teacher, you’ll need to apply to the Teacher Education Program. Once accepted, you’ll add a second major in Secondary Education. The program includes a sequence of professional education courses, fieldwork, and the required course SASE 402: Methods of Teaching Science in Secondary Schools. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to teach high school level chemistry.

This accelerated five-year program lets you earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. You’ll begin graduate-level coursework during your senior year, giving you a head start on advanced roles in research, industry, or future academic work.

In this combined program, you’ll earn a BS in Chemistry and a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with certification in both general and special education. You’ll complete education courses, fieldwork, and student teaching alongside your chemistry coursework. It’s a great option if you’re passionate about inclusive STEM education.

ACS Certification Option

Our undergraduate programs meet the criteria established by the American Chemical Society (ACS), allowing you to complete the proper sequence of courses to receive ACS Certification.

American Chemical Society

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

For more information about the Chemistry major, advising, or research opportunities, please contact the department or admissions.

Undergraduate Admissions Office

Whether you’re looking to begin an application, have questions about transferring to Montclair or trying to check your application status, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is pleased to help you in any way we can.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is dedicated to teaching in a stimulating environment with ample opportunities for hands-on experimentation and individual research.