Chemistry

Requirements

Want to start right away? Here are some basic requirements for students wanting to major in chemistry. Keep in mind this isn’t the complete list of formal requirements — that list can be found on the Courses of Study page.

Earning the chemistry degree involves completing 60 credits of required courses:

• Core courses cover:
  • Introductory Chemistry (combined lecture and laboratory),
  • Organic Chemistry (lecture and one core laboratory course),
  • Inorganic Chemistry (lecture course),
  • Physical Chemistry (lecture and one core laboratory course),
  • Calculus (lecture), and
  • Physics (combined lecture and laboratory);
• Upper-level laboratory courses; and
• Upper-level electives in chemistry, chemical biology, and related areas

Sample classes

Outcomes

All information below is based on the 2022 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey. Lists are not exhaustive; rather, they are a sampling of the data. If you would like more information, please email as_careers@cornell.edu

What can you do with a degree in Chemistry & Chemical Biology?

Graduate school:

In 2022, 46% of chemistry & chemical biology majors embarked on graduate school journeys. They pursued various advanced degrees, with 64% focusing on their PhD, 20% working towards an MD, 6% dedicated to an MS, and more. Their graduate field interest ranges from chemistry/chemical biology (47%) to medicine (22%) and biochemistry, molecular & cell biology (4%).

These ambitious individuals have chosen to continue their education at prestigious institutions like the University of Oxford,  Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, Stanford University, and Princeton University.

Employment: 

43% of chemistry & chemical biology graduates secured employment, and the majority entered sectors in human healthcare services (26%), education (26%), and manufacturing (10%). Meta and Google were the top 2022 employers.

Where 2022 Chemistry & Chemical Biology Graduates Work