Chemistry

Hands-on science for diverse careers

Many people call chemistry "the central science" because it connects physics, biology, medicine, engineering, and environmental science. At Simmons, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry gives you a rich understanding of the world, down to the molecular level. The field is a great entry to careers in education, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health sciences.

A BS degree in chemistry at Simmons brings many benefits:

Individual attention in a small, selective program
Cutting-edge resources with your own reserved lab space
A world-class location in Boston, a hub of innovation and scientific industry

You’ll join a community committed to advancing women and gender equity. At Simmons, we believe in helping every student build confidence and reach their potential in the sciences.

Why Study Chemistry at Simmons?

In our rigorous chemistry program, you’ll explore a wide range of topics. Courses cover general chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics, quantum mechanics, and more.

Along the way, you’ll benefit from:

Green chemistry leadership: Simmons is nationally recognized for advancing safer, more sustainable scientific practices.
Dedicated lab access: Use the latest technology in state-of-the-art labs, and receive a strong research experience.
Exceptional faculty: Our professors are widely-known for their contributions to science education.
Top-tier resources: Grants have given our department instrumentation that rivals (and sometimes exceeds) what’s available at larger universities.
ACS-certified program: American Chemical Society certification guarantees a broad-based chemistry education that emphasizes lab experience, professional development, and real-world readiness.

By graduation, you’ll have mastered the experimental, analytical, and communication skills employers and graduate schools seek.

What Can You Do with a Chemistry Degree?

A chemistry degree is one of the most versatile you can earn. Our students find positions in fields including:

Health sciences and medicine (eg, medical school)
Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
Education and training
Environmental and green chemistry
Engineering and applied research

No matter which path you choose, you’ll be equipped with the skills to make an impact on the world through science.

Program Requirements

First Year

CHEM113	General & Quantitative Chemistry I	4
CHEM224	Organic Chemistry I	4
MATH120	Calculus I	4
MATH121	Calculus II	4

Sophomore Year

CHEM225	Organic Chemistry II	4
PHYS114	Fundamentals of Physics I	4
PHYS115	Fundamentals of Physics II	4
CHEM226	Quantitative Analysis	4
CHEM248	Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry	4

Junior Year

CHEM331	Thermodynamics & Kinetics	4
CHEM332	Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Structure	4
MATH220	Multivariable Calculus	4

Senior Year

Chemistry majors complete 8 credits of their independent study research or internship with an option to write a thesis and complete an oral defense in the Spring term. Chemistry majors need to take two semesters of CHEM 390 for a total of 2 credits, 1 credit per term, to fulfill degree requirements.

CHEM350	Independent Study	4
	OR
CHEM370	Internship	1
	OR
CHEM355	Independent Study with Thesis	0
	AND

CHEM390	Chemistry Seminar	1
CHEM345	Biochemistry	4
	OR
CHEM223	Principles of Biochemistry	4

300-level electives in chemistry include:

CHEM320	Inorganic Chemical Biology: Metals in Life	4
CHEM343	Advanced Topics in Modern Chemistry	4
CHEM345	Biochemistry	4
CHEM347	Advanced Topics in Biochemistry	4
CHEM354	Research Methods	2

For a transferred course to count as equivalent to a Simmons course with a laboratory component - for the purposes of meeting the requirements of a Chemistry major - the transferred laboratory can not be completed online.

Minor Requirements

Minors typically consist of 5 courses (20 credits). Please consult with the department chair to discuss course selection. Chemistry minors can be designed to meet the special interests of a variety of students.

Students in majors constructed from the offerings of two departments (biochemistry) do not obtain a minor in either department. No more than one course in the minor should be taken pass/fail. For a transferred course to count as equivalent to a Simmons course with a laboratory component - for the purposes of meeting the requirements of a Chemistry minor - the transferred laboratory can not be completed online.

Required Courses (8 credits)

CHEM111	Principles of General Chemistry	4
	OR
CHEM113	General & Quantitative Chemistry I	4
	AND
CHEM112	Principles of Organic Chemistry	4
	OR
CHEM224	Organic Chemistry I	4

Elective Courses (12 credits)

Complete three additional CHEM courses at or above 200-level. At least one of these courses must be at the 300-level.

The required courses for the Pre-Health track: CHEM 113, CHEM 224, CHEM 225, CHEM 226 & CHEM 345 meet the requirements of a Minor in Chemistry.

Undergraduate Chemistry Research Opportunities

At Simmons, research is built into your science education. You can get started as early as your first year and complete a year-long Independent Learning project as a senior.

In chemistry, Independent Learning means conducting real research — at Simmons or in one of Boston’s many labs. You’ll design and run experiments with a faculty advisor, analyze results, and write and defend a senior thesis. Graduates say this experience gives them a strong edge for jobs and graduate school.

Experience with Modern Equipment
From your first chemistry course, you’ll use up-to-date laboratory instruments and continue building skills throughout the program. Simmons graduates are known for managing lab projects independently and for their strong technical and computer skills.

Individual Student Carrels
As a chemistry major, you’ll receive your own lab carrel in our Independent Study Laboratory. It’s your space to work independently or with peers, with faculty guidance always available.

Close Faculty Support
Simmons faculty are active researchers, but students come first. You’ll take part in faculty research and meet with professors individually or in small groups for mentorship and support.

Our Faculty

Jennifer Roecklein-Canfield

Professor

Michael Berger

Professor Emeritus

Rich Gurney

Professor and Chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department

Arpita Saha

Professor

Cherie Ramirez

Associate Teaching Professor

Joe Elias

Assistant Professor

Meghan Johnston

Associate Teaching Professor and Lab Instrument Manager

Michael Paul

Associate Teaching Professor

Shreya Bhattacharyya

Associate Teaching Professor, STEMM Education Program Director, and Clare Boothe Luce Professor

Spotlight on Chemistry Students and Alums

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Annabelle Hannah ’25 on the Simmons campus

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Chemistry and Physics double major Annabelle Hannah ’25 discusses her laboratory research experiences and how she found community at Simmons.

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Annabelle Hannah ’25 seated by a waterfall

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STEM Student Attends Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics

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