Do you love science? Are you fascinated by complex and interconnected systems? Do you enjoy looking for patterns in the world around you? Do you want to enter a field that only grows in importance over time and where the jobs are plentiful and high-paying?
Consider majoring in Chemistry, the study of materials and the changes that these materials undergo.
Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Minor in Chemistry
Related Program
About Chemistry
Chemistry is an intriguing field that involves five basic areas: organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry. Chemists work to answer basic questions about atoms and molecules–such as why leaves turn colors in the fall and how a battery operates–and then apply this basic knowledge to solving problems. From food science to the creation of new pharmaceuticals, the study of Chemistry will provide you with innumerable career paths.
- Small classes and labs taught by professors
- Hands-on research experience
- 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.
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.
Minor in Chemistry
A Chemistry Minor will complement most any major you choose at Converse. 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.
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 alumnae doing?
Our past chemistry majors are currently 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
NEXT STEPS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Kelsey Barber ’17
“Converse College makes me feel like I belong and that I matter. Professors make a conscious effort to get to know you and often go out of their way to help you when you are struggling in classes or even in life. I feel comfortable going up to my professor after class when I don’t understand something and I know they will take the time to help me. Converse is more than just a school. It is a community filled with people who only want to see you succeed.”
