The Chemistry program at College of DuPage offers courses for liberal arts and health science students, engineers and chemistry, biology and physics majors. The program has several entry-level chemistry courses plus classes in organic chemistry and introductory biochemistry.
Students interested in continuing their education as a chemistry major can follow the Chemistry Transfer Pathway or Biochemistry Transfer Pathway and earn an Associate in Science degree. Chemistry majors should possess good communication, math and computer skills.
Chemists work in the pharmaceutical, paper, oil, biotechnology and consumer product industries and concentrate on specific areas of chemistry including forensic science, genetic engineering, environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or chemical education.
Determine Your Path
Many careers in chemistry require a bachelor's degree while others require a master's degree or a doctorate.
Whether you are completing your general education requirements or planning to transfer and major in chemistry, COD offers:
- Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
- Instruction utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and resources.
- Affordable courses to help you achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining your savings account.
- Small class sizes to ensure you receive personalized attention.
Biochemistry or Chemistry Transfer Pathway
A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule or sequence for a student planning to complete the Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline.
Students can follow the Biochemistry Transfer Pathway or Chemistry Transfer Pathway and earn an Associate in Science degree.
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“Solving applied engineering problems is exciting, meaningful and greatly satisfies my analytical mindset. But in the long term, I thrive on knowing that I’m a part of something bigger that is actively working to improve the world.” - David Bettinardi
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"COD provides an amazing stepping stone to great opportunities in academia and career advancement. I honestly feel that I would not have stuck with this intensive academic route without the amazing professors I had at COD.” - Ellen Briggs
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"College of DuPage was a great choice for me. I learned so much and am extremely grateful for the chances I was granted. All I have done was made possible because of COD." - Marko Ivancevic
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“While most science teachers typically start their teaching career with a strong understanding of a single science subject, I started taking multiple courses in these additional science fields to give me the knowledge I needed to become a better science teacher and also help me become endorsed by the state to teach them." - Daniel Fernandez
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“College of DuPage has so much to offer if you take advantage of the opportunities.” - Kai Libby
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The first step to getting started in chemistry is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Students who complete courses in Chemistry will:
- Recognize, interpret, and critically evaluate scientific information.
- Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data
- Apply chemical principles and concepts, as appropriate for the class level.
Source: 2018 Chemistry Annual Update submission
If you are considering this program as an area of study, consult with a faculty member in this field.
College of DuPage has several chemistry transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.
Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.
Career Information
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