Chemistry (B.S.)

  • Major, Minor
  • 4-year, On Campus

What You’ll learn

La Salle’s Biochemistry and Chemistry bachelor degree programs are approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) in recognition that it offers a “…broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that gives students intellectual, experimental, and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals.” Students are members of a community of curious and knowledgeable lifelong learners. Implicit in our mission is a profound respect for the individual learner and an emphasis on the ethical responsibility of scientific inquiry towards the broader local, national, and global communities.

Why Study Chemistry at La Salle?

La Salle Chemistry has a long tradition of successful alumni. Our graduates have been accepted by Graduate, Ph.D., and Masters programs across the country including: the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, Michigan University, the Ohio State University, Temple University, Drexel University, Villanova University, Delaware University, and the University of Maryland.

Biochemistry and Chemistry students at La Salle are given ample research opportunities as undergraduates. Students are highly encouraged to perform independent research projects, which can include a broad array of topics such as renewable energy, environmental soil remediation, computational simulation of atmospheric chemistry and biomolecules, or syntheses of drug compounds. Students also have opportunities to present their research at conferences, particularly the National Meetings of the American Chemical Society, where they can connect with practicing scientific professionals from around the world.

The La Salle Chemistry and Biochemistry program also provides students hands-on experience with advanced chemical instrumentation, including a 400 MHz NMR, a Scanning Electronic Microscope, an FTIR, and GCMS, that will give them a step up in their future scientific careers.

Curriculum, Courses and Requirements

Highlighted Courses

CHM 201 – Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry is the study of compounds containing carbon. This course is focused on the structure, bonding, and stereochemistry of these compounds together with an introduction to reactions, reaction mechanisms, and synthesis. This course, as well as CHM 202, is intended for students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology as well as those pursuing a career in the health professions. The laboratory introduces techniques used in organic synthesis, separation, purification, and structure elucidation.

CHM 403 – Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

This course covers theoretical and practical aspects of chemical bonding, descriptive periodic trends, and molecular structure and symmetry of molecules. A special emphasis is given to the chemistry of the transition metals, including coordination and organometallic chemistry. 

CHM 331 – Thermodynamics and Kinetics

This course applies the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics to explain the behavior of gases, liquids, solids, and solutions. Topics include the elucidation of chemical equilibria, phase transitions, reaction mechanisms, and statistical ensembles of energy states.

Meet the Faculty

The Chemistry department trains students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. Our curriculum provides students with a solid background in the fundamentals of chemical science coupled with a broad-based education. Students are made aware of the interconnections of chemistry with the other sciences and also with the social sciences, business, and the humanities. Graduates leave La Salle as dynamic, adaptable, and prepared individuals ready for successful and fulfilling careers.

Career Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for chemists was $79,430 in May 2021. Overall, employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for other occupations.

On average, about 8,200 openings for chemists and materials scientists are projected each year over this decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force.

La Salle’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department serves qualified students by offering an unbeatable liberal arts education that sets a strong foundation for graduate studies and successful careers including:
  • Physician
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Biomedical scientist
  • Educator
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Governmental Science Policy
  • Food and Flavor Chemist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Forensic scientist
  • Nanotechnologist
  • Scientific laboratory technician
  • Toxicologist
  • Environmental
  • Health and safety inspector
  • Science journalist

Our chemistry bachelor degree program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) in recognition that it offers a “…broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that gives students intellectual, experimental, and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals.”

Seize opportunities when you get the chance. Sometimes you may even like something you didn’t even know you would like. Do not be afraid to ask for help, or even ask for mentorship. La Salle’s small class size makes it a lot easier to talk to my professors and other students about assignments, internships and references.

Sarah Tse
Class of 2022

I am inspired every day by the contributions our students make to the community. I am energized by how our University—as well as others—are reinventing themselves during challenging times to ensure that future generations can receive a high-quality education that prepares them for a lifetime of success and opportunities.

Metro Philly's Best 2024

La Salle voted the best of Philadelphia three categories in the Metro Philly’s Best 2024.

La Salle's holiday village and Christmas tree lighting

Take a break and celebrate with music, friends, food, and an actual ice-skating rink on campus!