Student Shenwei Wu in chemistry lab.

Discover solutions to complex global problems.

The Department of Chemistry is the largest chemistry and biochemistry undergraduate degree program in the nation. As a student in the department, you’ll be part of a vibrant community that’s committed to training the next generation of scientific leaders in a respectful, inclusive environment. As a central science, chemistry is a gateway degree for students interested in interacting with the manufactured and living world around them.

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Person with glasses looks into large microscope.

Careers

Because modern chemistry intersects with many fields — including science, engineering and medicine — a UW chemistry degree gives our students a wide range of career options. Chemistry alumni have pursued successful career paths in business, academia, government, the nonprofit sector and as entrepreneurs.

Career Paths

A degree in Chemistry can lead to a career in:

  • Academics and Education
  • Biotechnology
  • Cheminformatics
  • Chemistry in the Arts
  • Environmental Protection
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Healthcare and Public Health
  • Manufacturing and Industrial Chemistry
  • Nanotechnology
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Quality Assurance & Control
  • Renewable Energy
  • Technical Consulting and Communication
  • Toxicology
  • Virology
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Research innovations to benefit society.

Research is a fundamental part of the Department of Chemistry — who we are, what we do, and what we contribute to society. Our chemists are fueling innovations in chemical biology, nanotechnology, clean energy and biomedical technology. The department is also home to major research centers whose work ranges from materials design and discovery to disease control and prevention.

More About Our Research 

Find Yourself in Chemistry

Discover critical solutions to our society’s most challenging problems through chemistry.

Department of Chemistry Stories

Ashleigh Therberge and research team members looking at equipment in her UW chemistry lab.

How a Chemistry Lab is Transforming Clinical Research

Ashleigh Theberge's UW lab creates bioanalytical chemistry tools. Some are transforming how clinical studies can be conducted. 

Photos of the three 2021 BlackPast interns

BlackPast Interns Celebrate Black Scientists

Thanks to a UW internship, students are contributing content about Black leaders in the sciences on BlackPast.org. 

Aerial photo of the UW quad in autumn.

Supporting Equity in STEM Research and Teaching

Through PR2ISM, chemistry postdoc Tam'ra-Kay Francis and others are focused on helping STEM students persist and succeed.