Undergradute Degrees

Chemistry - the study of the materials that make up the universe - is the most central of sciences. A major in chemistry at SMU is appropriate preparation for a wide variety of careers, including scientific research, medicine, dentistry, teaching, and many areas of business and technology.

The traditional degree program is the B.S. in Chemistry, and this remains the most versatile option. For students with more specialized interests, we offer the B.S. in Biochemistry, B.S. in Environmental Chemistry, and B.S. in Environmental Science. The B.A. in Chemistry is a flexible alternative to the B.S., designed for students who wish to combine study of chemistry with training in another science, business, engineering, or liberal arts. Its reduced course requirements make it especially suitable as part of a double major, such as chemistry and biology, chemistry and business administration, etc. (Note however, only the B.S. satisfies the certification requirements of the American Chemical Society and is therefore appropriate preparation for graduate school or for employment in the chemical industry.)

All chemistry majors are encouraged to join a faculty research group. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research as part of a team with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral scientists.

The Department has a consistent record for placing graduate students into top graduate programs. Our graduates have completed or are currently enrolled in Ph.D. programs at Scripps Institute, Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, Cal Tech, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Rice, UT Austin, Texas A&M, University of Michigan, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, and the M.D./Ph.D. program at Baylor Medical School, UT Southwestern Medical School, and the University of Wisconsin.

Recent SMU Chemistry graduates are currently employed by Merck, Momenta Pharmaceuticals, IBM, the Environmental Protection Agency, Tyco Electronics, and on faculty at Case Western Reserve University.

Students with majors in other departments can obtain a minor in chemistry by completing CHEM 1303, 1113, 1304, 1114 plus three additional 3- or 4-hour courses at 3000 level or higher, chosen in consultation with the Chemistry Department Faculty Advisor. The usual choices are CHEM 3351, 3371, and 3372.

The SMU Chemistry Society is a student-run organization whose purpose is to encourage the understanding of chemistry. Students studying chemistry, biochemistry, or environmental chemistry are encouraged to join. For information on how to join and any upcoming events, please visit the official SMU Chemistry Society website.


Faculty Spotlight

Work in Patty Wisian-Neilson's labs is aimed at controlling the behavior of unique inorganic polymers and basket-shaped molecules (phosphazenes) on nanoscale dimensions for potential applications such as nanoelectronic circuits, biological and thermal nanosensors, and fuel cells membranes.

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