Overview
A chemistry degree is a natural bridge to a wide range of careers. Certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), the chemistry curriculum at UMN Morris is designed to ensure that you gain a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of chemistry. The curriculum is also geared toward meeting your individual chemistry-related interests and goals. Numerous courses cover several areas of chemistry, incorporating state-of-the-art instrumentation and modern techniques.
Chemistry lectures and labs at UMN Morris are always taught by faculty members who are active in research and dedicated to teaching. All classes emphasize hands-on learning, and because classes are small, you’ll receive individual attention from professors.
As a chemistry major, you can choose a subplan in a focused field, such as biochemistry or green sustainable chemistry. Forensic science is also available as a subplan.
Degree Requirements
Graduation Requirements
If you’re interested in pursuing a degree in chemistry, there are certain requirements you must meet to ensure that you graduate. If minoring in chemistry, a different set of requirements apply.
Student Learning Outcomes
By completing a degree in chemistry you will be able to
- demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of chemistry, including green chemistry principles;
- solve problems using critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills and knowledge from other disciplines;
- conduct an experiment using the appropriate techniques and equipment in a safe, ethical, and sustainable manner;
- identify the objective, interpret the results, discuss the data, and draw conclusions about an experiment;
- effectively communicate chemistry concepts and experiment results orally and in writing; and
- recognize hazards, consider greener laboratory alternatives, and manage chemicals.
General Education Requirements (Morris Core)
The University of Minnesota and its faculty are committed to providing an education that invites you to investigate the world from new perspectives, learn new ways of thinking, and grow as an active citizen and lifelong learner. The University’s general education requirements (Morris Core) are designed to be integrated throughout your four-year undergraduate experience. These courses provide you an opportunity to explore fields outside your major and complement your major curriculum with a multidisciplinary perspective.
Learn more about UMN Morris General Education Requirements (Morris Core)
Transferring Credit
Put your credits to work for you at UMN Morris, where you’ll earn a degree from a highly ranked public liberal arts university.
Careers and Graduate School
Careers
From biochemistry to environmental science and materials synthesis to computational chemistry, UMN Morris chemistry graduates go on to have productive careers in a wide variety of areas. Some include:
- Teaching at the high school or college level
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Research and development in the chemical industry
- Law
- Instrumentation sales
- Quality control chemist
- Lab tech
UMN Morris alumni hold positions at:
- 3M
- Mayo Clinic
- Waters
- Boston Scientific
- Beckman
- McKesson Scientific
- Pace Analytical
The American Chemical Society (ACS) website also provides helpful information and advice about chemistry and biochemistry careers.
UMN Morris graduates have a well-deserved reputation for being prepared for a successful career in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other health professions. They also have an excellent track record of being admitted to medical schools at both the University of Minnesota Duluth, and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. UMN Morris pre-med graduates have been admitted to medical schools all over the United States.
Graduate School
Approximately two-thirds of UMN Morris chemistry graduates pursue post-graduate studies in graduate or professional school in areas like:
- Research and development
- Teaching
- Health care—medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy
- Materials science
- Toxicology
- Public health
- Immunology
- Geology
- Forensic science
- Chemical engineering
- Molecular biology
As a chemistry student at UMN Morris, you have the option to take advantage of pre-professional early assurance agreements between UMN Morris and UMN Twin Cities. These agreements provide clear pathways from Morris to Twin Cities graduate programs. Those related to the UMN Morris chemistry major are:
In addition to the University of Minnesota, UMN Morris chemistry alumni have completed graduate degrees at many other universities in the United States, including:
- Duke
- Iowa State University
- Kansas State University
- North Dakota State University
- Stanford
- University of California Riverside
- University of Iowa
- University of North Dakota
The ACS website provides more information for graduate students.
Costs and Scholarships
Costs at a Glance
The University of Minnesota Morris is a national public liberal arts college committed to making a high-quality education available to students from across the country. Expenses for housing, meals, books and supplies, transportation, loan fees, and personal expenditures can vary.
Use our net price calculator to estimate your cost of attendance
Chemistry Scholarships
Emil and Lois Anderson Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Denise Anderson ‘83 and Laura Newman ’88 to honor their parents. Emil and Lois consistently encouraged the educational aspirations of all of their children, with their two daughters graduating from the University of Minnesota Morris and their son attending the University of Minnesota. Denise and Laura feel that UMM’s environment, where student education is the top priority, allowed them to thrive. This scholarship is their way to perpetuate that in future generations.
Norma and Gary Bradow Agricultural Scholarship
Norma '60 and Gary '59 are proud graduates of the West Central School of Agriculture (WCSA). Norma created the scholarship in memory of Gary, to honor their education and memories at WCSA, and to support students interested in agriculture. This gift also commemorates the Bradow's 60th reunions from WCSA.
All Available Scholarships
Scholarships are a type of financial aid awarded to you and are often based on specific criteria, such as your major, GPA, or financial need.
Research and Engagement
Research
UMN Morris chemistry majors are strongly encouraged to seek answers to real-world problems by doing research. There’s no better way to learn chemistry than to apply it to your own research project. You’ll have a multitude of research opportunities in chemistry, both at UMN Morris and at institutions all over the country and even the world.
At UMN Morris, your undergraduate research career begins by taking Introduction to Research, a two-credit course required of all sophomore chemistry majors. You may choose to continue your research experience by carrying out a directed study, being involved in a Morris Academic Partnership or the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, or by working one-on-one with a faculty member over the summer. Ample opportunities exist for summer undergraduate research in and around Morris and at sites across the United States and abroad.
Once you’ve thought about the general area of research in which you are most interested, you’ll want to speak with a chemistry faculty member whose interests best match yours. Find out what research projects they are currently working on, or describe your own interests.
To search for an off-campus research experience, consider the following resources.
- Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) through the National Science Foundation are scattered all over the United States, and many UMN Morris students have gained great research experience in REU programs during the summer. You can search by location or by the type of science you’re interested in. Current REU opportunities are posted on the bulletin board on the second floor of the science atrium as well.
- The National Institutes of Health provides resources for summer research opportunities in the biomedical field.
Additional informational materials and applications for research opportunities can be found in the file cabinet in Science 3005.
Engagement Opportunities for Students
UMN Morris has a very active ACS chemistry club that students majoring in chemistry are encouraged to join. Students regularly present at ACS national meetings.
An internship is another great way to engage in the field of chemistry while gaining real-world experience. Information about available opportunities is available through Career Services.
Employment
UMN Morris also offers a wide variety of employment opportunities for chemistry majors, on and off campus. On campus, you may be able to work in a variety of capacities, which will allow you to hone your lab skills and put your math and chemistry knowledge to use. A variety of positions open in the chemistry discipline every semester:
Lab Prep Assistant
The lab prep assistant helps prepare solutions, unknowns, etc., for the general, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry laboratories.
Lab Teaching Assistant
Undergraduate teaching assistants work with the lab instructor to ensure that students in lab are adhering to proper safety requirements, to answer questions, and to guide the students.
Lecture Grader
Some chemistry courses use students to help with grading. For students who would like to keep their lecture knowledge sharp, working as a lecture grader is ideal.
In addition, many chemistry students work as tutors for chemistry courses.
Off-campus chemistry related job opportunities may also be available in the Morris area. Examples include:
- Soil Management Research, USDA
- West Wind Village
- Stevens County Ambulance Garage
- Emergency medical technician
Research Opportunities for Students
The Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) offers students an opportunity to present research plus scholarly and creative work. Types of presentations include posters, oral presentations, and short or abbreviated theatrical, dance, or musical performances.
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides University of Minnesota undergraduates from every college, major, and discipline, the opportunity to partner with a faculty member on research or creative projects.
The University of Minnesota Morris offers the Morris Academic Partnership (MAP) program, in which faculty select academically talented, qualified second-year and third-year students to assist them in scholarly and creative projects. Selected MAP students undertake assignments intended to enhance their intellectual competence and increase their interest in graduate or professional study.
