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Chemistry

Undergraduate

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 cannot 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 cannot 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.

Spotlight on Chemistry, Biochemistry & Biology Students and Alums

View All News

Maya McCabe '27 presents research at the New England Science Symposium, held at Harvard Medical School.

3+2 Engineering Student Researches Ultrasound Technology

Maya McCabe ’27 is a biochemistry major and physics minor in the dual degree (3+2) engineering program. She spoke with us about her research funded by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation and the hands-on STEM training she is receiving at Simmons.

The six Simmons students who received the 2026 Senior Scholar Award

Six Students Selected for the 2026 Senior Scholar Award

Six graduating seniors have been selected for the prestigious Senior Scholar Award at Simmons University. Sponsored by the Provost’s Office and the Office of Research and Fellowships, the Senior Scholar Award recognizes outstanding scholarly research and creative works across a variety of disciplinary fields.

A collage of the 2026 Bonner Leaders: Ammy A. Cardenes Santana ’29, Gulsah Cayan ’29, Lily-Rose O’Brien ’29, and Mackenzie Oprea ’29

Meet Our 2025–26 Bonner Community Leaders

The Bonner Community Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. This academic year, Simmons announced a new cohort of Bonner Leaders including Ammy A. Cardenes Santana ’29, Gulsah Cayan ’29, Lily-Rose O’Brien ’29, and Mackenzie Oprea ’29.

Pre-Dentistry Students Doing Ultrasound Research at Simmons

Biochemistry majors and pre-dental students Aseya Mahamed ’27 and Kamryn Sanborn ’28 are researching the use of high-intensity ultrasound for the non-invasive treatment of endodontic infections at the Biomedical Ultrasound Lab.

Alive Caenorhabditis elegans worms with GFP (green fluorescent protein) inserted into their neurons to visualize neural development in a living worm. Image by Heiti Paves, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Creative Commons.

Dix Scholar Studies Parkinson’s Disease

Dix Scholar and biology major Ann Paim ’26 came back to school to cultivate her love of science. We spoke with her about her research on Parkinson’s Disease and the faculty support she receives at Simmons.

The six students in the 2025-26 Passionate Leaders cohort

Celebrating the 2025-26 Passionate Leaders Scholars

Six undergraduate scholars from different disciplines have been selected for a $3,000 grant that supports student-driven initiatives focused on advancing scientific research and improving communities, and represents unique voices through the arts and humanities.

Exploring Internships, Locally and Abroad

Maryona Vicente '25, a biochemistry major on the pre-med track with minors in business and health care management, engaged in unique internship opportunities while at Simmons, locally and abroad.

Congratulations to the 2025 SURPASs Scholars

Eight undergraduate scholars from disciplines across Simmons have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). SURPASs students receive the necessary funding and mentorship to execute an independent research project of their own design.

Chemistry

Hands-on science for diverse careers

Why study Chemistry at Simmons?