Chemistry Major or Minor

A chemist is behind most of the products we use to make life easier every day: hair and beauty products, paint, insect repellents, sunscreen, medicines, automobiles, clothing — the list is endless. Students who want to study chemistry choose from four concentrations:

• General Chemistry, which prepares them for a graduate program or employment in the chemical industry
• Biochemistry, which prepares them for a graduate program including medical school, pharmacy, dental or other health professions; or to work in biochemical, organic or pharmaceutical industrial positions
• Forensic Science, which prepares them to enter a graduate program, work in a crime lab or do forensic testing. Olivet is among the first group of Christian universities offering this concentration.
• Earth and Environmental Chemistry, which prepares students for careers involving water, atmosphere, climate, minerals, soils, volcanoes, and natural resource management

Research Opportunities

Students work together with faculty members to explore a topic in chemistry and often have the opportunity to present at prestigious, professional meetings and conferences. Recently, Olivet students have presented their work at national and regional American Chemical Society meetings and the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA) Student Symposium.