Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Chemistry

The Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry at McNeese State University is approved by the American Chemical Society, and offers a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that prepares graduates for technical employment.

Program Highlights

Chemistry Bachelor’s Degree Program Highlights

Chemistry, the science of transformation of matter, is often called central science because it connects life sciences and applied sciences together. With the interdisciplinary curriculum at McNeese, you’ll participate in various labs and use advanced software and instrumentation to study the structure and properties of complex molecules.

Course work includes basic and applied undergraduate research, as well as options to minor in biological science, chemical engineering or physics. You can also add a concentration in biochemistry, chemistry education, forensic chemistry, pre-medicine or pre-pharmacy to focus your field of study and help you achieve your career goals.

The value of a bachelor’s degree in chemistry

McNeese has one of the least expensive chemistry degree programs in Louisiana. The low cost is complemented by the high quality of the education and instruction you’ll receive from the ACS-approved curriculum and award-winning faculty. Plus, connections and partnerships with local industries and businesses in a thriving economy create opportunities for chemistry majors to find jobs immediately after graduation.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Program Length: 4 years (120 credit hours)

Availability: in person

Catalog Overview

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Program overview

Explore More for Chemistry Majors

Here are just a few reasons McNeese’s chemistry degree program is the first choice for hundreds of undergraduate students across Southwest Louisiana, Southeast Texas and the country.

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Chemistry majors can apply for teaching assistantships to help pay for college while gaining practical work experience. The Department of Chemistry and Physics also presents Chem-excellence Awards each year to select undergraduate students. Learn more from the Office of Financial Aid.

Expert Faculty:

Program faculty are world-renowned scientists, leading subject-matter experts, innovative researchers and published authors. Their areas of expertise include atomic clusters and nano systems, catalysis and organometallic systems, alligator immunology, science communications and physics.

Applied Learning:

Gain hands-on experience in research and experimentation through an internship. A variety of opportunities are available for chemistry majors to work in local industries.

Excellence with a Personal Touch:

Small class sizes on the McNeese campus help create a close-knit community of faculty, staff and students. You’ll benefit from personal interactions and regular and individualized advising, which helps ensure you’re getting the most out of your college experience.

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Chemistry Bachelor’s Degree Program Concentrations

General Chemistry

In this concentration, you'll learn the laws and principles of inorganic chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, chemical equations and quantitative problem solving.

General Chemistry Curriculum

Biochemistry

Providing advanced knowledge in chemistry as well as biology, the biochemistry concentration at McNeese is popular for its combined emphasis.

Biochemistry Curriculum

Forensic Chemistry

In forensic chemistry, you will work closely with crime labs and police departments as you study the chemical and biological aspects of crime scene analysis.

Forensic Chemistry Curriculum

Chemistry Education Grades 6–12

If you're interested in becoming a middle or high school science teacher, this concentration allows you to earn initial teacher certification as you pursue your degree.

Chemistry Education Grades 6-12 Curriculum

Pre-Medicine

Uniquely tailored to students who wish to go to medical school, the pre-medicine concentration provides a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills that prepare you for graduate education and a successful career in medicine.

Pre-Medicine Curriculum

Pre-Pharmacy

The 3-in-1 pre-pharmacy concentration allows undergraduate students to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry by completing three years at McNeese and one year in pharmacy school.

Pre-Pharmacy Curriculum

Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do With a Chemistry Degree?

For chemistry majors, jobs vary widely. You could work in criminology and forensic science, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, cosmetics and consumer goods, environmental sciences, petroleum product development and more. McNeese’s undergraduate degree program in chemistry can also provide a pathway to graduate or professional schools, such as medical school or pharmacy school, to become a doctor, manager, researcher or scholar.

Graduate Schools or Programs

Master of Science in Environmental and Chemical Sciences
Medical School
Pharmacy School

Potential Job Titles or Employers

Athlon Solutions
Cameron LNG
CITGO
INVISTA
LyondellBasell
Natural Advantage
PPG Industries
Sasol
The Dow Chemical Company
Westlake Chemical
W.R. Grace & Co.

Take their word for it

My Story, #MyMcNeese

“I appreciate the effort the chemistry department puts into making sure its students receive a quality education. I feel that the faculty and staff try their best to help the students succeed.”

- Kristina Dowers - Senior, McNeese State University B.S. in Chemistry, ’19 (anticipated)

“I love the quality education I have received from the chemistry department. The helpful guidance of the faculty has aided many students, along with me, in setting them up for their future endeavors. I believe more students would benefit from joining the chemistry department.”

- Kyra Sweeney - Senior, McNeese State University B.S. in Chemistry, ’19 (anticipated)

Forensic Chemistry Lab

McNeese was the first state university in Louisiana to offer a concentration in forensic chemistry. To support this undergraduate program, the Department of Chemistry and Physics is home to a state-of-the-art forensic chemistry lab with more than $500,000 in sophisticated forensic instrumentation.

Student Activities

Join McNeese’s student chapter of the American Chemical Society, an award-winning affiliate that offers opportunities for engagement, networking and leadership. You can also participate in social and special events through the student-led Pre-Med and Pre-Pharmacy Societies.

Undergraduate Research

Work with faculty on a project that matches your interests while learning research methodology through the entire discovery process. Many chemistry majors have published their work in peer reviewed journals and presented at regional, national and international scientific conferences.