Chemistry

About the Department

As a chemistry student at Elmhurst, you'll learn and grow in an atmosphere of intellectual stimulation, camaraderie with faculty and fellow students, and guidance from dedicated scientists. Here's some of what you'll find:

• A personal learning environment. Our student-faculty ratio of 13 to 1 ensures that you'll develop close relationships with your professors. Beginning with your first courses in freshman chemistry, you will be taught by departmental faculty—never teaching assistants—who will also be your advisors and mentors.
• Strong academic programs. U.S. News & World Report ranks Elmhurst in the top tier in its category. Our chemistry majors graduate as accomplished thinkers with technical mastery, who can analyze complex phenomena, solve problems independently, and think imaginatively about new concepts.
• Modern tools. Throughout the curriculum, students use computers to collect and analyze scientific data, model molecules, do computational research, and present their data. In addition, students get plenty of hands-on experience with the sophisticated instruments they will encounter in their careers.
• Valuable experience. Many chemistry majors jump-start their careers before graduation by taking on internships with local organizations and corporations such as Abbott Laboratories, Argonne National Laboratory, and McCrone Associates. Others gain hands-on experience by participating in demonstration shows at area schools. It's no wonder our chemistry majors are so highly sought after in the professional world.