Chemistry

Gain a strong foundation in the major fields of chemistry.

UC Berkeley offers two degree options in Chemistry: a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts degree through the College of Letters and Science. The Chemistry BS is intended for students interested in careers as professional chemists or wish a thorough grounding in chemistry in preparation for professional or graduate school in chemistry and related disciplines.

The Chemistry BA includes a greater number of humanities and social science courses than the Chemistry BS, and is intended for those interested in careers in teaching, medicine, or other sciences in which a basic understanding of chemical processes is necessary. Students interested in subsequent graduate studies in chemistry will receive better preparation by pursuing the Chemistry BS.

Highlights

I’m really proud of the grounding I got at Berkeley, followed by working for a Berkeley alum in a lab and ultimately inventing therapeutics through small-molecule drug discovery for devastating diseases.
Margaret Chu-Moyer, Chemistry alumna

Undergraduate Program

Curriculum 

The Chemistry BS curriculum offers a thorough fundamental knowledge of the major fields of chemistry, covering the general areas of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, plus many more specialized courses including analytical, nuclear, and biophysical chemistry and chemical biology. Students gain laboratory experience in inorganic and organic synthesis, analytical methods, physical chemical measurements, spectroscopy, biochemical engineering, and chemical methods in nuclear technology. Undergraduates are encouraged to take full advantage of the scientific opportunities available in the department by joining a research group. Students can also undertake a concentration in Computational Chemistry or Materials Chemistry.

Learn more at chemistry.berkeley.edu/ugrad/degrees/chem

Study Options

The College of Chemistry offers major programs in Chemical Biology, Chemical Engineering, and Chemistry leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, as well as minor programs in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. A Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry is offered through the College of Letters & Science.

Additionally, the College of Chemistry offers two joint majors with the College of Engineering: Chemical Engineering / Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical Engineering / Nuclear Engineering.

Admission to the Major

First-year and transfer students accepted to UC Berkeley and who selected Chemistry BS on their undergraduate admissions application will be admitted directly to the College of Chemistry and the major. Students from other schools/colleges may apply for on-campus transfer to the Chemistry BS after completing course requirements.

Students pursuing the Chemistry BA in the College of Letters & Science must submit a major declaration form after completing major prerequisites. Transfer students should select Chemistry BA on their undergraduate admissions application and declare the major during their first semester at UC Berkeley. For additional information, visit chemistry.berkeley.edu/ugrad/prospective-students/admission.

What Can I Do With My Major?

The Chemistry BS prepares students for careers as professional chemists and serves as a foundation for careers in other fields such as biology and medicine. Graduates find research or technical positions in a variety of industries such as oil, chemical, food processing, agriculture, photography, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and mining. Alumni also work in sales and plant development, quality control, customer relations, and many other aspects of modern business. Many students combine their bachelor's degree with a higher degree in another field, while those who earn a PhD in chemistry pursue careers in academics, private industry, and government research laboratories where chemistry research is a primary occupation.

UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying Chemistry. The College of Chemistry offers career counseling to help you explore career options and assist you in achieving your professional and educational goals. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career counseling, professional and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.

Employment

Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after graduation. Examples include:

  • Associate Scientist
  • Chemical Laboratory Technician
  • Chemistry Researcher
  • Lab Analyst
  • Lab Manager
  • Software Engineer
  • Systems Administrator

Graduate Study

Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:

  • Chemical Biology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Materials Science
  • Organic Chemistry

Spotlight

Alexandra, class of 2017

Alexandra Brown earned her bachelor’s in Chemistry while contributing to graduate student research, authoring several research papers, and playing rugby for UC Berkeley. She later earned a PhD in Chemistry at MIT where she was a Hertz Fellow, and is completing a postdoc at Princeton University.

“I prefer the fundamental questions in chemistry over applied questions. In industry you focus on applying chemistry to bring products to the consumer whereas in academic chemistry you investigate interesting questions that may not have applicability for 20-30 years. There is a lot to be done in fundamental chemistry.”

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Second Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Third Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Fourth Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Summer

Transfer Student Timeline

First Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Second Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Third Semester

Plan Your Studies

  • Continue with upper division requirements.
  • Enroll in CHEM H194 or CHEM 196 if conducting undergraduate research.
  • Review your degree progress with your COC Advisor.

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Fourth Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Summer

Learn More

Undergraduate Advising

Have questions about Chemistry or the College of Chemistry?

The College of Chemistry offers undergraduate advising to students in the Chemical Biology, Chemical Engineering, and Chemistry majors. College Advisors are available to guide you in course selection, completion of degree requirements, and other academic decision-making. Peer Advisors offer advice regarding selecting courses, designing a balanced workload, how to obtain research, and support with developing an academic plan. 

In addition to staff and peer advising, you are encouraged to meet with a Faculty Mentor. Your Faculty Mentor is an expert in their academic discipline in research and teaching, and is available to talk with you about career planning, research, internships, graduate school, and many other questions related to becoming a scientist or engineer. For Faculty Mentor as well as College and Peer Advisor contacts, visit chemistry.berkeley.edu.

Related Programs

Looking for programs similar to Chemistry? UC Berkeley also offers the following major, minor, and certificate programs:

Topics

Major Maps topic page, College of Chemistry topic page, College of Letters & Science topic page

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