Why Choose Chemistry at Bethel University?
Chemistry is the central science, connecting biology, physics, medicine, and materials, and this degree gives you a deep, hands-on command of it. Bethel University's Bachelor of Science in Chemistry takes you through the full sweep of the discipline, from general and organic chemistry into analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemistry, with laboratory work woven through every step. You graduate able to think like a chemist and work like one.
The program is built for what comes next. You develop real instrumentation and analytical skills, learn to interpret spectra and search the chemical literature, and communicate your findings the way working scientists do. Whether you are headed for industry, research, or graduate and professional programs in fields like medicine, pharmacy, or materials science, you leave with the laboratory experience and scientific rigor those paths demand.
What You'll Learn
In this program, you will learn:
- A command of the fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, thermochemistry, and equilibrium
- A foundation in organic chemistry, correlating structure and reactivity through a mechanistic approach
- Analytical chemistry skills, including gravimetric, volumetric, spectroscopic, and chromatographic methods
- An understanding of physical chemistry, including thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics
- A knowledge of inorganic chemistry, including bonding theory, coordination, and organometallic chemistry
- A grounding in biochemistry, including biomolecules, enzymes, metabolism, and cellular regulation
- The ability to evaluate molecular structure using mass, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- The skills to search the chemical literature and prepare technical manuscripts and presentations
- Extensive laboratory experience across every subfield of chemistry
Courses You'll Take
These are the main courses that define the major:
CHE 111, General Chemistry I
CHE 112, General Chemistry II
CHE 311, Organic Chemistry I
CHE 312, Organic Chemistry II
CHE 320, Analytical Chemistry
CHE 330, Survey of Physical Chemistry
CHE 412, Biochemistry
CHE 422, Biochemistry II
CHE 430, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHE, Organic Spectroscopy
CHE 440, Chemical Literature and Seminar II
Beyond these, you will also complete two hours from a chemistry research course (CHE 399/499) or an internship (CHE 460) in a science-oriented environment.
Career Possibilities
Chemist
Studies the composition, structure, and properties of substances and applies that knowledge across research and industry.
Analytical Chemist
Identifies and measures the chemical makeup of materials using instrumentation and laboratory methods.
Quality Control Chemist
Tests products and materials to ensure they meet safety, purity, and quality standards.
Research Scientist
Conducts laboratory research to develop new products, materials, or scientific understanding.
Laboratory Technician
Prepares samples, runs analyses, and maintains equipment in a research, clinical, or industrial lab.
Forensic Chemist
Analyzes physical evidence in a crime laboratory using chemical and instrumental techniques.
Pharmaceutical or Chemical Industry Professional
Works in development, testing, or production within the pharmaceutical, materials, or chemical industries.
Medical or Professional School Candidate
Uses the degree as preparation for medical, dental, pharmacy, or other graduate and professional programs.
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