Program Information

Studies in chemistry and biochemistry at Niagara University are complemented by a full liberal arts program. Courses in liberal arts introduce students to a comprehensive body of knowledge, preparing them for our constantly changing and complex society.

Majors

Our department offers four primary majors to undergraduates. These programs are great for preparing students for careers in research, as well as for students interested in going on to professional school in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, and many other careers. See our careers page for more information on what you can do with a chemistry or biochemistry degree!

For more details, please see our programs page or contact us.

The B.S. in chemistry major is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to provide foundational training in all areas of chemistry. Many B.S. chemistry students continue into research-oriented careers and/or further graduate studies in chemistry, materials science, environmental science, or medicine. A specialized concentration in computational chemistry is available.

The B.S. in biochemistry major emphasizes additional study in biology and the chemistry of biological organisms. This major is particularly popular with pre-health students. A specialized concentration in bioinformatics is available.

The B.A. in chemistry major offers a high level of flexibility in the choice of upper-level courses. This major is popular with students who wish to apply their interest in chemistry to careers in business, law or public policy. Students may choose courses to fulfill a 4+1 B.A. in chemistry/M.B.A in business.  

Chemistry education majors offer the chemistry training needed for educators of students of several age levels.

Niagara University also participates in several combined degree programs with affiliated health professional schools.

ACS-Approved Programs

Our department is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world’s largest scientific professional society. The ACS recommends training criteria to uphold the integrity of the chemistry discipline and students may elect to receive an ACS-certified degree. Our B.S. in chemistry degree fulfills all ACS degree requirements.

Students pursuing other majors may elect to receive an ACS-certified degree by choosing courses that meet ACS recommendations. Students are encouraged to ask their academic advisor for details!

The following is a general summary of ACS-certified degree recommendations.

• One year of general chemistry with lab
• One year of physics
• Calculus 1 and 2
• Five foundational courses, one each within the analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry subdisciplines
• Four in-depth courses in any of these sub-disciplines (research may substitute for one course)
• A total of 400 hours of laboratory experience (research may substitute for up to 180 hours)

Minors

The chemistry minor requires either five courses with five labs in chemistry or six courses with four labs, chosen in conjunction with a faculty advisor. No course numbered below CHE 111 may be used to fulfill the chemistry minor requirements.

The physics minor requires five courses. Two required courses are General Physics 1 & 2 with lab (PHY 121/123L and PHY 122/124L). Three electives must be chosen in conjunction with the physics coordinator from this list:

• Physical Forensics, PHY 108
• Modern Physics, PHY 323
• Special Topics in Physics, PHY 399
• Physical Chemistry III, CHE 441
• Solar System, ESC 174
• Stellar Astronomy, ESC 176
• Any physics course above 200