Chemists explore the elements that make up the world and work to make that world even better.
The liberal arts are all about mixing it up. Our students are chemists, but they are also athletes, musicians and part of Greek life.
Students are allowed to work in labs as early as their freshman year. They can also be part of SOFIA and start lab work weeks before the school year starts.
Endowed research opportunities, such as the Keift Scholars, and amazing lab equipment make our chemistry department unlike any others.
Work alongside your professors in the lab, classroom and research opportunities. They are there to support you.
Fun: a lab requirement. See also: safety glasses, notebook, etc.
Our department offers a hands-on curriculum rich in research opportunities and one-on-one student-faculty interactions. Our students get a solid foundation in chemistry, other physical sciences and mathematics. They learn how to use scientific literature and to communicate scientific information effectively.
Our courses encourage critical thinking; sharpen students’ quantitative skills; demonstrate cumulative aspects of chemistry principles; develop students’ analytical skills by using inquiry-based learning; and strengthen students’ scientific writing and presentation skills.
A Monmouth chemistry degree opens doors
With a solid background in chemistry and a liberal arts foundation, our graduates are prepared for a variety of fields. Our department is accredited by the American Chemical Society, and we offer a program to ACS certification upon graduation.
Ben Nelson '20, biology major and chemistry minor, is enrolled in Tuft University's graduate program in public health, focused on biostatistics and epidemiology.
Seth Croslow ’21 was awarded Seeler Industries Scholarship through the Illinois Chemical Education Foundation and the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois.
Graduate school opportunities
Chemistry majors have found success in medical, graduate, and professional schools. Recent graduates are employed by companies including Proctor and Gamble, MilliporeSigma, 3M, and Nanocor.
Biochemistry major Logan Evans ’21 and chemistry professor Brad Sturgeon discuss research advantages available to Monmouth students; educational studies professor Craig Vivian explains how the new open-air classroom at the Educational Farm helps area children learn more about nature and their environment.
How our chemistry degree is different from schools like us.
Kieft Scholars is a prestigious academic and scholarship program offered exclusively to our chemistry and biochemistry students. Beloved professor “Doc” Richard Kieft left his $2.3 million estate to our chemistry department.
This endowment funds chemistry-specific academic scholarships, cutting-edge research opportunities, and travel to the annual National American Chemical Society Meeting for our students to present their work.
Internships put classroom learning into practical use. They give valuable technical and personal skills. They give students an advantage in landing their first job.
The Wackerle Center for Career, Leadership & Fellowships, faculty and our engaged alumni network help place students in internships, as well as advise and mentor them.Students graduate with experience and the knowledge how to achieve success!
