Chemistry
About Our Program
Chemists are determined to understand matter at all levels. In our program, you’ll discover the basic principles of chemistry through hands-on classroom activities and cutting-edge research in our state-of-the-art labs.
You’ll work side-by-side with dedicated faculty mentors who inspire you to pursue research that contributes to solving problems of substantial social impact and concern.
Whether you’re shooting lasers, making materials, examining microplastics, or synthesizing vitamins, your hands-on experience will prepare you for careers in medicine, dentistry, industrial research, secondary education, or graduate study.
Science in Action
Research is a fundamental element of our program. We believe that chemistry is applicable everywhere-- the research you’ll conduct is proof of that thinking in action.Research
Dig deeper into chemistry or pressing issues through research, either during the semester or as part of a paid summer fellowship. Students in our chemistry program conduct research on the kinetics of DNA, microplastics, aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, renewable energy, and so much more.
You might even get to conduct an independent research project in the Adirondack park like John Hoefler ’20. He took advantage of our North Country location to analyze the mercury level in Church Pond located in the Western Adirondacks to better understand the effects it has on human health.
Summer Research at St. Lawrence
As a summer research fellow, you’ll work alongside your faculty mentor to experience the joy of discovery. You’ll also find your community as you attend weekly barbecues, go on hiking trips, and collaborate with friends in the lab.
Study Abroad
Choose from more than 30 semester-long programs offered in more than 20 international locations, including New Zealand, and Australia.
Short-Term Off-Campus Research Fellowships
In addition to on-campus research opportunities, you’ll have the chance to pursue short-term summer research fellowships at other colleges and universities.
Students have collaborated with chemists off-campus to explore nanotechnology, solar energy, genetics, oceanography, drug discovery, and more.
Connect with Community
Among the 150+ clubs and organizations at St. Lawrence, you’ll find many that involve your passions and interests, including:
- American Chemical Society
- Chemistry Club
- Environmental Action Organization
- Pre-Dental Society
- St. Lawrence University Emergency Medical Services
- Pre-Health Club
- Pre-Veterinary Club
- Saint Lawrence River Alliance
Alumni Network
St. Lawrence graduates are big thinkers, problem solvers, and fearless leaders at companies and organizations across the country and world. Our alumni network is the second-most influential source for recent graduate employment (only behind internships).
Explore the Power of our Alumni Network
Outcomes
For all of our alumni, the quest for evidence and answers doesn’t stop after Commencement. Some choose to make this activity a profession. You can find them in the field or the lab, using their talents to communicate the importance of their research and engage others in their work.
Graduate School Placement
St. Lawrence students who studied chemistry have gone on to study at a number of well-regarded institutions, including:
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Perkin Elmer
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, San Diego
- University of Washington
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of Virginia
- Vanderbilt University
Why St. Lawrence for Chemistry
of St. Lawrence graduates majoring in a science field are employed or continuing their education within a year
Square feet of laboratories, learning spaces, offices, and support spaces in Johnson Hall of Science
Best Science Lab Facilities
The Princeton Review, 2025
laboratory classes taught by teaching assistants-- you’ll conduct research one-on-one with your faculty mentor
Alumni at Work: Searching for Answers
For all of our alumni, the quest for evidence and answers doesn’t stop after Commencement. Some choose to make this activity a profession.
St. Lawrence students who studied chemistry have pursued careers as:
- Physical Therapists
- Associate Scientists
- Biomedical Researchers
- Educators
- Laboratory Technicians
guarantee that you will conduct research before you graduate
The number of modern chemical research instruments at your disposal
The number of scholarships offered to high achieving, Pell grant eligible, first-year underrepresented students interested in pursuing a STEM major
More Program Information
Program Requirements & Courses
Explore chemistry major requirements, as well as electives.
Complementary and Related Programs
If you’re interested in chemistry, you might also like these programs.
Chemistry Faculty
Our faculty use chemistry to discover new medications, forms of renewable energy, and the structure of proteins. They’re also material makers, outdoor enthusiasts, and your biggest supporters.
Jaime Carroll
Emily Dixon
Samantha Glazier
Patrick Lutz
Nadia Marano
“St. Lawrence gave me the opportunity to pursue research for three years and complete full-time research over the summers, allowing me to gain experience that qualified me for graduate admissions.”
Abigail Enders
State-of-the-Art Research Tools
Using this new nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, you’ll get hands-on research experience looking at chemicals on a molecular level.
The Science Shop
If you can imagine it, you can build it. With the help of our on-campus workshop, you’ll have the machinery you need at your disposal to bring innovative lab tools, gadgets, and experiments to life.
Festival of Science
Students regularly co-author and publish research papers with their faculty mentors. Share your findings at this spring event celebrating student research projects across campus.
Liberal Arts Science Scholarship
This program offers scholarships to domestic high-achieving, Pell-grant eligible students interested in pursuing STEM majors, outside of a pre-med track, including mathematics, statistics, computer science, physics, engineering, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, neuroscience, and geology.
Get More Information
We’re excited to learn more about you, tell you more about our interdisciplinary academic programs, show you around our beautiful campus, and help you navigate your college search.
Apply to St. Lawrence
We’re looking for curious students who are eager to make a difference. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and consider all aspects of your application and what we learn about you.