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About the Program

With a long history dating back to 1772, the Department of Chemistry offers one of the nation's premier undergraduate programs, typically producing more majors every year than any other predominantly undergraduate institution in the country. You will use state-of-the-art instrumentation during labs, courses and in research. Research is a large part of this program. First-year students have the opportunity to join faculty research labs and students are routinely published as co-authors in scientific journals.

What Makes Us Different

  • Holistic Learning Environment

    Develop valuable communication and data interpretation skills to prepare for the workforce.

  • Student Awards

    The Chemistry Department presents several awards and scholarships to students each year.

  • Summer Research Opportunities

    Participate in an on-campus summer research program and have the opportunity to be one of fifty students to receive a stipend.

Rankings

  • 70 %
    Bachelor of Science Degrees

    More than 70% of majors earn a B.S. degree approved by the American Chemical Society

  • Top 30
    Best Colleges for Chemistry in America
    Niche 2025
  • # 14
    Best Science Lab Facilities
    The Princeton Review 2025
  • 85 %
    Faculty Research

    More than 85% of majors engage in faculty-mentored research

Applied Learning

Commencement

Outcomes

Chemistry enjoys one of the lowest unemployment rates of any major job market. Chemistry alumni go directly into professional chemistry in private industry, governmental agencies or educational institutions. Others go to medical school, dental school or graduate school for chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, law or business. 

Alumni Spotlight

Dr. Melissa J. Moore '84 studied chemistry at William & Mary. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Moore was a chief scientific officer of platform research at Moderna Therapeutics, where her team was instrumental in developing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Talk to Us

Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.

Department of Chemistry

Location

Integrated Science Center Room 1039

Map & Directions

Contact Us

Courses Disclaimer

*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.