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This 120 credit program is designed to be completed in four years.
Open to all undergraduate students. Learn how to apply to the University of Nevada, Reno.
The bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno provides strong preparation for careers in chemistry and flexibility to pursue related fields, including allied health sciences and K-12 teaching. Students complete coursework in the physical sciences and mathematics, along with sequences in general, analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Laboratory courses provide hands-on experience with chemical methods and instrumentation, and undergraduates are encouraged to participate in faculty-supervised research. Graduates are prepared to work in laboratory settings, pursue careers in research, teaching or health sciences, and compete for admission to graduate programs in chemistry and related disciplines.
The Department of Chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno provides a rigorous education in the central science that connects medicine, materials and energy. Through a balance of classroom learning and laboratory experience, students develop the analytical and technical skills needed for careers in research, industry and education.
The College of Science offers educational opportunities in pure and applied physical sciences, earth sciences, life sciences, and mathematics. Professors in the College frequently earn statewide teaching excellence awards and are pioneers in their respective fields, with access to high-powered scientific facilities and resources to perform research on all seven continents. The College also encompasses three public museums that offer research and community engagement opportunities: the iconic Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, the Museum of Natural History and the W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum.
The NevadaTeach program at the University of Nevada, Reno provides you with all of the coursework to pursue a teaching license at the middle or high school level, while earning a comprehensive and marketable degree in your STEM discipline. Open the door to a world of career options while helping to improve education in Nevada.
General emphasis chemistry majors complete courses providing a solid background in the physical sciences and mathematics, together with a sequence of courses in general, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.
The environmental chemistry emphasis provides rigorous training in experimental and theoretical chemistry and includes undergraduate research and specialized courses that are chosen according to the student’s interests. This emphasis is recommended for students interested in employment as an environmental chemist or in graduate study in environmental science.
This emphasis has been approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) as satisfying rigorous national standards for ACS certification.
The pre-medical emphasis is especially for students who are planning to continue to medical school, dental school, or other medical professional schools. In addition to a solid background in chemistry, it includes courses in other areas that UNR Med and other medical schools typically require, including courses in biology, biochemistry, and other subjects.
The professional chemistry emphasis provides rigorous training in experimental and theoretical chemistry, and includes undergraduate research and specialized courses chosen according to the student’s interests. The professional chemistry emphasis is designed for students who are interested in a career as a chemist in industry or government, or in graduate school in chemistry or related areas.
This emphasis has been approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) as satisfying rigorous national standards for ACS certification.
From developing life-saving vaccines to inventing a novel adhesive used in the construction of vehicles, even finding solutions for cutting pollutants in our water, chemists solve some of the world's most pressing challenges. There is a wide range of career options within the chemical sciences, all of which start with a degree in chemistry. Career opportunities for chemical scientists include the following jobs:
76% of students receive financial aid
Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.
54% of all students graduate with no debt
That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of Nevada, Reno with no student debt.
At the College of Science, our accomplished faculty, inventive students, leading researchers and scientific pioneers take on complex challenges and unearth groundbreaking solutions for problems we all care about.
Learn more about the College of Science