Full scale fume hoods, ample bench space, safety showers and eyewash stations
Bachelor of Arts
Chemistry
Major | Minor
Top 5 reasons to study Chemistry at Goshen College
Hands-on access from day one
Use advanced scientific instrumentation in your first semester and conduct undergraduate research alongside faculty.- Close mentorship from expert professors
Learn in small classes taught by Ph.D.-credentialed faculty who prioritize personal guidance and up-to-date scientific training. - Exceptional outcomes
Students score in the 75th percentile nationally on exit exams, with medical and graduate school acceptance rates far above national averages. - Strong preparation for competitive careers
Graduates move into medical school, graduate programs, chemical industries, government agencies and more, often securing positions before graduation. - Flexible, well-rounded preparation
Tailor your chemistry major or minor to interests ranging from environmental science and materials science to medicine, research and teaching.
Program Overview
As a chemistry major at Goshen College, you’ll build a strong scientific foundation while exploring how chemistry can change the world, whether you’re interested in developing life-saving medications, designing sustainable materials, or inspiring future scientists.
You’ll study in small classes with expert faculty, use professional-grade instrumentation starting in your first year, and grow through research and internships that build your knowledge and your confidence. Through hands-on learning experiences like internships at local research labs, hospitals and companies, you’ll develop practical skills and a standout resume.
Whether your goal is medical school, graduate study, or immediate work in chemistry, biology, healthcare or education — you’ll be ready.
Facilities and Resources
The Schrock Science Annex, in the Science Center, features the chemistry floor, which includes large laboratory facilities utilizing the latest in safety equipment. All chemistry laboratories are fully handicap-accessible. Within the chemistry department there are four different types of laboratories/teaching facilities. Those include lab rooms for general chemistry, organic chemistry, advanced chemistry, and research.
Advanced Chemistry Lab
Organic Chemistry Lab
Full scale fume hoods, individual equipment drawers, individual microscale equipment kits, safety showers and eyewash stations.
General Lab
Individual mini-fume hoods, individual equipment drawers, full scale fume hoods for hazardous reagents, safety showers and eye wash stations.
Research Lab
Full scale fume hoods, ample bench and desk space, individual areas and eyewash stations.
Career Paths
Chemistry offers a wide range of career paths, from roles in laboratory science, to engineering, environmental stewardship, health care, communication, law and education. Chemistry training opens doors across sectors including academia, industry, government and nonprofit. require additional education, allowing graduates to pursue their interests in almost any field.
Many students also go on to graduate school in chemistry, medicine, pharmacy or environmental science.
| Chemist | Materials Scientist | Technical Writer |
| Chemical Engineer | Biochemist | Quality Control Analyst |
| Analytical Chemist | Pharmacist | Research and Development Scientist |
| Environmental Chemist | Toxicologist | Laboratory Technician |
| Forensic Scientist | Patent Attorney | Professor of Chemistry |
Explore more about the program.
As a chemistry graduate from Goshen College, you will build a strong foundation across organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry, learning to apply core principles to real-world problem solving. You will gain hands-on laboratory experience designing, conducting and analyzing experiments while mastering modern scientific instrumentation. Along the way, you will strengthen your written and oral communication skills, practice safe and responsible lab work and learn to navigate scientific literature using advanced research tools. By graduation, you will be well prepared to pursue meaningful employment or continue your education in graduate or professional programs with confidence and clarity.
For a full list of requirements and available courses, refer to the course listing page.
Teacher certification in business is available for grades 5-12. See the above course listing or the education department’s website for more information.
When applying for jobs and graduate programs, experience is key. Through Goshen College’s chemistry program, you’ll get hands-on experience in small classes with top-notch science faculty in a values-based learning environment. For example, even in your first semester, you’ll have access to scientific instrumentation that at large universities is normally restricted to upper-level or graduate students. You’ll be exposed to equipment like: Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR), Fourier-Transform Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer (FT-NMR), Ultraviolet-Visible Diode-array Spectrometers, High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC), and Scanning Fluorometers.
Additionally, all students take part in the Study Service Term, connecting global learning, cultural immersion and service in a real-world, off campus learning environment.
Learn more about our emphasis on experiential learning opportunities.
Scholarships make up a large portion of our financial aid packages, which average almost $26,000 per student (not including work-study or loans).
Please visit our financial aid page for more information on available scholarships and the application process.
Doug Schirch
Professor of Chemistry
Dan Smith
Professor of Chemistry
Department Chair
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