Department of Chemistry

The UND chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Professional Training. There are degree paths available that can prepare you for employment or graduate study in chemistry, or in health-related fields, or for science teaching. The program is supported by a wide variety of instrumentation. Many opportunities for undergraduate research are available, often leading to co-authorship on professional publications.

Chemistry Programs

Undergraduate Chemistry

• Chemistry (B.S.)
  
  • The B.S. in Chemistry (ACS-certified) provides excellent preparation for graduate or professional work in chemistry. ACS approval signifies that the program provides the breadth and depth of courses that prepare students for careers as modern chemists. Students are ensured diverse coursework, opportunities for a meaningful research experience, and access to facilities that include state-of-the-art chemistry instrumentation. Choose from 7 emphasis tracks based on your interests and goals. Each track includes introductory chemistry courses, as well as essential studies, math and physics requirements. All except the Environmental and Materials tracks have biology course requirements. More information about each track can be found at the links below.
    • Biochemistry At the intersection of biology and chemistry, this track is a great option for students considering professional programs such as medical, pharmacy, or dental school.
    • Biological A biological focused track that offers more flexibility in organic chemistry and biochemistry courses in the curriculum.
    • Computational Interested in both chemistry and computer science? Learn to use computational methods to solve chemical problems, modeling molecular structures, and simulating chemical processes. 
    • Environmental Explore the chemical processes occurring in the environment, assess how human activities impact ecosystems, and develop sustainable solutions. 
    • Materials Pursue your interests in material properties such as strength, conductivity, flexibility, and how these properties relate to the chemical structure. Study electronics, biomaterials, nanotechnology, and sustainable materials.
    • Physical Science Great for students with a wide range of interests in the physical sciences including chemistry, geology, and physics,  this versatile track can lead to various career paths including research, education, and industry.
    • Research Focused Providing breadth and depth of knowledge in all sub-fields of chemistry, this track prepares you for graduate school in chemistry and a career in research and academia.
  • The B.S. with a major in Chemistry includes options for emphasis in Physical Science and Biochemistry, both of which provide flexibility in choosing electives.
• Chemistry Minor

Combined or Accelerated Chemistry Degree

• Chemistry (B.S./M.S.)

Chemistry Graduate Degrees

• Chemistry (M.S.) Thesis or Non-Thesis options
• Chemistry (Ph.D.)

Chemistry Department Mission Statement

Chemistry is the central science, and so the Department plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the University of North Dakota. Our Department occupies a unique niche as one of the smaller Ph.D.-granting programs in the country. As such, this enables us to accomplish nationally and internationally significant research and yet allows us to give individualized graduate education in the context of vibrant, externally supported research. We also provide outstanding chemical education for a large fraction of the UND student body through service courses and for chemistry majors with a variety of emphases.

The active participation of most of our faculty members in research facilitates the transfer of cutting-edge knowledge to the classroom, and the strong commitment of our faculty to teaching produces a solid foundation of learning for both majors and non-majors alike. Implementation of high impact practices such as experiential learning through active participation in research by both undergraduate and graduate students will continue to be a hallmark of our Department. We impact the economic development of the state and region as a direct consequence of grant activity, with our service and community work, and by educating and training students to become successful alumni who assume leadership positions in regional industries. We respect and value the individuality of faculty members with regard to research, teaching, and service contributions while accomplishing the overall mission of the Department.