Chemistry Schools and Programs in The United States, viewing 201-209 of 209 total results

Chemistry Studies in The United States

Chemistry is the study of substances: what they are made of, how they react and how new ones can be made. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chemists and materials scientists research and analyse the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products or knowledge. Chemistry is taught at almost every kind of institution in the United States, from two-year community colleges to research universities. SpainExchange lists 211 schools in the United States that teach chemistry.

How the degree is organised

A bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study, and each institution sets the number of credits needed to graduate. Students take courses in a wide range of subjects alongside their main field, the major, which is usually declared at the end of the second year. BLS notes that undergraduate chemistry programmes require a number of chemistry courses, most of them with a laboratory component, together with mathematics, biological sciences and physics.

Many universities offer two versions of the major: a Bachelor of Arts (BA), with more room for other subjects, and a Bachelor of Science (BS), with more chemistry and laboratory work. Duke University, for example, offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, with concentrations in biochemistry, pharmacology, chemical biology and environmental chemistry. Binghamton University offers BA and BS degrees, with BS emphases in biological and materials chemistry.

A feature of chemistry in the United States is certification by the American Chemical Society (ACS), the professional society for chemists. Binghamton University has a BS option with ACS certification, Northwestern University describes its chemistry major curriculum as ACS-certified, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) states that the ACS has accredited its department for a major in chemistry.

Community colleges, master's degrees and PhDs

Community colleges offer two-year programmes leading to an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree. General and organic chemistry are normally taken in the first two years, so a student can start at a community college and transfer to a university to complete the bachelor's degree. An associate degree is also the usual entry route for chemical technicians, according to BLS.

The two main graduate degrees are the master's degree, which usually takes two years, and the doctorate, a programme of five to eight years. Graduate programmes in chemistry commonly include specialisation in a subfield, such as analytical or inorganic chemistry. Combined programmes that lead to an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree are also available: Stanford University has a coterminal master's programme, and WPI teaches chemistry at bachelor's, master's and PhD level.

Admission, language and costs

Teaching is in English, and U.S. universities require an English proficiency test before admission. Each university sets its own entry requirements and may ask applicants to have foreign records assessed by a credential evaluation agency. EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State's advising network, recommends starting the search 12 to 18 months before the academic year in which the student plans to enrol. For a full degree, international students need a student visa: once accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the school's international student office issues the Form I-20 used in the visa application.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average tuition and fees in 2022-23 were $9,800 at public 4-year institutions, $40,700 at private nonprofit 4-year institutions and $4,000 at public 2-year institutions. The public figures are in-state or in-district rates, so check what each school charges students from outside the state.

Where to study chemistry

Boston has the most schools in this directory (five), followed by Philadelphia and New York (four each) and Denver (three). The list includes large public universities such as The Ohio State University, the University of Michigan, Purdue University and the University of Washington; private universities such as Stanford University, Duke University, Northwestern University and Yale University; technical institutions such as WPI and the Colorado School of Mines; smaller colleges such as Lawrence University and Claremont McKenna College; and community colleges such as Pasadena City College and Seattle Central College. No official ranking of U.S. colleges and universities exists.

Recognition and careers

The recognition of U.S. credits and degrees by other institutions and by employers is linked to the accreditation of the institution, so check that the school is accredited before applying. According to BLS, chemists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field, and a master's degree or PhD for some jobs, such as research positions. Chemists held about 84,900 jobs in 2025; 33% worked in chemical manufacturing, 16% in scientific research and development services and 11% in testing laboratories. BLS projects overall employment of chemists and materials scientists to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035, with about 6,500 openings a year.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a chemistry degree take in the United States?

A bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study. A master's degree adds about two years, and a doctorate is a programme of five to eight years.

What is an ACS-certified chemistry degree?

It is a version of the bachelor's degree that carries American Chemical Society certification. Universities such as Binghamton University and Northwestern University offer one; the department's own page says which of its degrees are certified.

Can I start a chemistry degree at a community college?

Yes. According to EducationUSA, a bachelor's degree can be earned with two years of community college followed by two years of university study, which is usually less expensive.