Discover molecules. Design materials. Tackle real‑world problems.
At Carnegie Mellon, you won’t just learn chemistry — you’ll do chemistry. From your first year, you’ll work closely with faculty, join active research groups, and customize your path across disciplines like biology, materials, energy, environment, computation, and health.
WHY CMU CHEMISTRY?
- Hands‑on from day one. Join research early and contribute to real projects — often in your first year.
- Personal mentoring. You’ll have an academic advisor and a research mentor who know your goals.
- Interdisciplinary by design. Connect chemistry with computation, engineering, materials, environmental science and more.
- Outcomes that matter. Graduates head to medical, dental and veterinary schools, Ph.D. programs, and roles in biotech, energy, consulting and industry.
FAST FACT: More than 90% of CMU Chemistry majors participate in research.
DEGREES & PATHWAYS
Degree Comparison (At‑a‑Glance)
|
DEGREE |
BEST FOR |
WHAT YOU WILL EMPHASIZE |
| B.A. in Chemistry | Flexibility to combine with a second major or minor | Broad foundation, room for electives across campus |
| B.S. in Chemistry | Rigorous scientific training | Advanced lab + theory, strong quantitative skills |
| B.S. in Biological Chemistry | Focused interests within chemistry | Targeted courses + research in your chosen area |
| BSA | Combines the strengths of the College of Fine Arts and the Mellon College of Science | Combing studies in fine arts and natural science |
Choose the degree that fits your goals, then add a concentration to go deeper.
| CONCENTRATIONS / OPTIONS (B.S.) | ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS |
|
MENTORING & ADVISING
You’re supported by a dedicated Academic Advisor and an Undergraduate Academic Program Coordinator.Academic Advising (Point Person / Graduation Advisor)
- Gizelle Sherwood, Director of Undergraduate Studies — gsherwoo@andrew.cmu.edu
- Course planning, degree progress, petitions, resources, long‑term goals
- Approves add/drop, transfer credits, summer courses elsewhere
- Guidance for graduate/professional school applications; letters of recommendation
WHERE OUR GRADUATES GO
CMU Chemistry alumni pursue:
- Medical, dental, or veterinary school
- Ph.D. and master’s programs at leading universities
- Industry roles in biotech, pharma, energy, materials, environmental science, and consulting
Please see the Post‑graduation Salaries & Destination Information for details.
RESEARCH: LEARN BY DOING
“I like understanding something I didn't before. There's a lot to enjoy in this field of work, and when I see my ideas work, it's really satisfying.”
— Payton Downey, Class of 2024 (Bernhard Group), Fugassi and Monteverde Award Recipient
“I used to say ‘I got lucky’ a lot, but it's more, like, ‘being ready.’ I use the skills, resources and everything that I've learned from prior experiences to seize opportunities and succeed in them. I definitely try to share this perspective with the first-year students that I'm mentoring.”
— Rafael Guzman-Soriano, Class of 2024 (Bernhard Group), K&L Gates Scholar
“I like knowing that the research I'm doing can be applied directly to solve environmental and social problems.”
— Camden Johnson, Class of 2025 (Collins and McDonough Groups), Gilman Award Recipient
“I started doing research the summer of my first year, and I've been doing it ever since. I'd always been interested in gene expression since DNA is the code for everything, and I saw there were these chemical aspects that I had never heard of before. I wanted to learn more.”
— Mackenzie Riley, Class of 2024 (Armitage Group), Resnik Award Recipient
Undergraduate research is a cornerstone of our program.
As a Chemistry major at Carnegie Mellon, you’ll build technical and analytical skills, contribute meaningfully to research projects, co‑author publications, and present your work at campus or national conferences. Research is open to everyone — no prior experience required.
There is no single path into research. Students get involved in different ways depending on their interests, goals, and comfort level. Whether you’re simply curious about what research looks like or ready to take on your own project, the department offers multiple entry points to help you get started.
Many students begin their journey through our first‑year sequence — 09‑115 in the fall, followed by 09‑116 in the spring — which introduces lab culture, safety, and hands‑on exploration across research groups.
More than 90% of Chemistry majors engage in research during their time at CMU — not because it’s required, but because it’s rewarding. Research helps you develop valuable skills, explore potential career paths, and gain clarity about whether graduate school, industry, or another direction is right for you. Some students join a lab for a single semester to try it out; others stay for years, complete an honors thesis, and present or publish their findings.
Research Mentors Will Help You By
- Advising on lab placement, research design, and next steps
- Supporting graduate school placement and professional growth
Ways to Get Involved
- 09‑115: Intro to Undergraduate Research (Fall). Foundations + lab safety.
- 09‑116: Research Shadowing (Spring). Observe active labs and explore lab life.
- 09‑445: Undergraduate Research (Fall/Spring/Summer). Variable units (3–18) with a faculty mentor; final written report.
- 09‑435: Independent Study. For non‑lab projects (by approval).
- 09‑455: Honors Thesis (Senior Year). Capstone research with written thesis and oral defense.
Note: All students enrolled in 09-445: Undergraduate Research must complete a formal research paper by the last day of classes. You’ll agree on format and deadlines with your faculty mentor and be provided ACS-style templates to help guide your writing.
How to Start (Quick Path)
- Browse research areas and identify 2–3 faculty of interest.
- Email the Director of Undergraduate Studies to discuss openings and fit.
- Enroll in 09‑115/116 or 09‑445/435 based on your background and schedule.
- Set goals with your mentor; present, publish, or pursue honors as you grow.
Research Areas
Atmospheric, Green & Environmental Chemistry • Nucleic Acids, Biological & Bioorganic Chemistry • Catalysis & Energy • Polymers, Materials & Nanoscience • Physical, Analytical & Theoretical Chemistry
RESEARCH FAQ
Can I be paid instead of taking research for credit?
Yes. Some students are hired by faculty as hourly research assistants, especially over the summer. Others pursue credit through 09-445. Many students are paid hourly (especially in summer). You can’t receive pay and credit for the same hours.
How many hours should I plan for research during a semester?
Typically 6–12 hours/week, depending on the units you register for (1 unit ≈ 1 hour/week).
Is research required for the major?
No — but more than 90% of Chemistry majors choose to participate because it’s meaningful, skill‑building and clarifying for next steps.
What’s expected in the final report for 09‑445?
Describe your question, methods, results, and what you learned. We provide ACS‑style templates; details are set with your faculty mentor.