College of Science and Health
Chemistry

The rigorous BenU Chemistry Program has been certified by the American Chemical Society for over fifty years

The mission of the Chemistry program at Benedictine University is to cultivate in our students a profound appreciation and unwavering mastery of chemistry, empowering them to embark on successful careers in the chemical sciences, pursue advanced education, and engage in lifelong learning.

Students have hands-on access to a wide array of modern, research-grade instruments. Only a few undergraduate colleges and universities the size of BenU have ready access to a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, fluorescence microscope, spectrofluorometer, flow cytometers, CO2 incubators, laminar flow hoods, and other specialized equipment.

BenU’s strong collaboration with the Chicago Section of the American Chemical Society gives students opportunities to participate in regional career panels, present their research, network with chemistry professionals, and find internships in area industry.

Our faculty members are true teacher-scholars who are strongly invested in mentoring students and also regularly publish in some of the top-tier journals in

Chemistry Education at Benedictine: Building Skills for a Bright Future

Chemistry majors attain skills in all the major areas of chemistry through coursework in organic, analytical, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry. All coursework is conducted in a traditional in-person format with a strong emphasis on laboratory work. Students complete over 400 hours of laboratory coursework prior to graduation.

An undergraduate research project is built into the curriculum for chemistry majors. Many students present their research results at regional or national professional conferences. Financial support for participation in the BenU Natural Sciences Summer Research Program and travel opportunities to conferences is also available.

Chemistry alumni frequently serve as guest lecturers and career advisors to current students.

With our Chemistry degree, you’ll be well-prepared for a variety of careers

• Chemical Engineer: Design, develop, and optimize processes for large-scale production of chemicals and other materials. They work in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, petroleum, and consumer products.
• Medicinal Chemist: Discover and develop new drugs and medications. They apply their knowledge of chemistry and biology to design and synthesize molecules with specific therapeutic effects.
• Analytical Chemist: Identify and quantify the composition of materials using advanced analytical techniques. They work in research laboratories, quality control departments, and environmental agencies.
• Environmental Chemist: Study the chemical processes that occur in the environment and develop solutions for environmental problems. They may work on issues such as air and water pollution, climate change, and green chemistry.
• Research Scientist: Conduct research in various areas of chemistry, including organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry. They may work in academia, government labs, or private companies.

Additional promising careers for chemistry majors include:

• Forensic Chemist: Analyze evidence for criminal investigations.
• Toxicologist: Study the effects of chemicals on human health and the environment.
• Patent Attorney: Specialize in intellectual property law related to chemical inventions.
• Materials Scientist: Develop new materials with specific properties for various applications.
• High School Chemistry Teacher: Share their passion for chemistry with future generations.

This list is not exhaustive, and many other career paths are open to chemistry graduates. The specific career options will depend on the individual’s interests, skills, and educational background.

Graduates can find a wide variety of careers in academia, industry, government work, and in the nonprofit sector, ranging from agriculture and food science to toxicology, forensic chemistry, or patent law. The 2022 average salary for a B.S.-level chemist is $86,150 and unemployment for chemists is currently at its lowest in recorded history.

Our recent graduates have enrolled in top-tier Ph.D. programs at The University of Chicago, The Ohio State University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Northwestern University, The University of Texas — Dallas, and Purdue University — just to name a few. Others have gone on to successful careers at Argonne National Laboratory, AbbVie, Nanophase Technologies Corp. and crime laboratories with the Illinois State Police and DuPage County Sheriff’s Office.

Here is an example of some courses you may take in the Chemistry program:

• Fundamentals of Thermodynamics
• Materials Science
• Quantum and Statistical Mechanics
• Bioanalytical Chemistry and Chemical Sensors
• Molecular Dynamics and Kinetics

Chemistry courses (CHEM)

Lisle Undergraduate course descriptions

Mesa Undergraduate course descriptions

Built-in Research Opportunities for Chemistry Majors

Embark on a personalized research journey with Benedictine University’s chemistry program. Our curriculum seamlessly integrates an undergraduate research project, providing you with invaluable hands-on experience and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge scientific discoveries.

Showcase your research at regional and national professional conferences. Many of our students have the privilege of presenting their research findings to esteemed colleagues, gaining valuable exposure and honing their communication skills.

Financial support empowers your research journey. We offer funding opportunities to help you participate in our summer research program and attend professional conferences. This ensures that financial limitations won’t hinder your pursuit of research excellence.

Become part of a vibrant research community. Collaborate with our dedicated faculty, who are actively involved in diverse research areas. Learn from their expertise and gain valuable insights into the world of scientific inquiry.

At Benedictine University, you’ll have the tools, resources, and support to transform your passion for chemistry into impactful research contributions.

World-Class Internship Opportunities

Benedictine University’s prime location near Chicago opens doors to a wealth of internship opportunities, providing an invaluable bridge between classroom learning and real-world experience. Partnering with prestigious institutions like Argonne National Laboratory, the DuPage County Forensic Science Center, Nalco, BP, and other leading industrial, academic, and government laboratories, we offer students access to cutting-edge research and industry-relevant skills development.