Chemistry

• Small classes and labs taught by professors
• Hands-on research experience
• Converse’s chemistry and biochemistry curricula recommended by national professional organizations
• BS degree is recommended by the American Chemical Society
• Work in state-of-the-art facilities

Research

Converse is a leader in the state in the number of student/faculty research proposals funded by the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) consortium.

100% of our Chemistry students work with their faculty to complete research projects by the time they graduate.

Some recent topics include:

• Electrochemical biosensor development for diagnosing disease states
• Synthesis and characterization of colorimetric molecules
• Detection of pesticides in soil organisms
• Use of liquid phase microextraction to identify the presence of pesticides in produce

Internships

As a Chemistry major, you can be guided through an intensive training through internships, shadowing, or undergraduate summer research experience.

Our recent students and graduates completed training at:

• Mayo Clinic Summer Research program
• Indiana University School of Medicine
• Virginia Tech Summer Research Program
• National Institute of Standards
• U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
• Department of Homeland Security
• Med Ex Academy
• Greenville County Forensics Lab
• Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office (Forensics Lab)

As a Chemistry major, you will observe processes on the macroscopic level and then learn to explain them on the microscopic level. In courses such as Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, and Biochemistry, you will learn about the structure and reactions of atoms and molecules.

By studying chemistry, you will gain a high level of critical thinking skills and hands-on experience with a variety of instrumentation that will prepare you for career paths in industrial and governmental laboratories as well as for further training in graduate school, pharmacy school, and medical school.

You may receive either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree as a Chemistry major. Both degrees will prepare you to pursue a career in research, teaching or in health professions such as medicine, physical therapy, nursing, veterinary medicine, and many others.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemistry

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, you will understand the fundamental chemical principles and integrate these principles from the major areas of chemistry (analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry). You’ll acquire laboratory skills in chemistry, develop communication skills in written and oral forms that are appropriate for chemists, and engage in the scientific process, demonstrating an advanced understanding of research, methods, and analysis.

BA in Chemistry Major Worksheet

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry

The BS will provide you with a more rigorous science and mathematics background than the BA major. As a Chemistry major, you will receive research experience and give scientific presentations in the Junior and Senior Seminar courses.

BS in Chemistry Major Worksheet

Minor in Chemistry

A Chemistry minor will complement many majors. This versatile minor will expose you to each of the areas in the chemistry curriculum and give you a strong foundation in the major areas of chemistry.

Chemistry Minor Worksheet

For full course requirements, see the academic catalog.

What are common careers in Chemistry?

• Health Professions: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary, Optometry, Chiropractic, Nursing
• Laboratory: Industrial, governmental, environmental, or forensics
• Education: college, middle school, high school
• Sales representative: Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Scientific Supply

What are Chemistry alumni doing?

Our chemistry graduates work in a wide variety of careers. Some are also in graduate school and PhD programs.

Grad Schools

• Medical University of South Carolina
• USC, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
• University of Virginia
• State University of New York at Albany
• Texas A&M University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Vanderbilt University
• North Carolina State University
• University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Jobs

• Quality Control Chemist, Contec, Inc.
• Senior Lab Technician, Contec, Inc.
• Chemist, Ortec, Inc.
• Chemist, IRIX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Chemist, Perrigo Company
• High School Chemistry Teacher, Raleigh, N.C.
• Nuclear Pharmacist, Triad Isotopes, Tallahassee, FL
• Peace Corps
• Serve America
• Forensic Scientist, San Diego, CA