Chemistry Major & Minor | Luther College

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Study the central science. Master chemical principles and lab operations. Springboard to a world of careers and post-graduate learning.

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Why Study Chemistry?

Chemistry connects the physical sciences with the life sciences. It brings a deeper understanding to the natural world. It illuminates the ways all scientific disciplines interact.

Studying chemistry will give you a variety of career choices: research and development, engineering, the allied health sciences, and business, among others.

Why Study Chemistry at Luther?

Luther’s chemistry department is nationally recognized by the American Chemical Society for our curriculum, faculty, and facilities. Your Luther chemistry degree can be certified by the American Chemical Society. This credential will distinguish you to employers and graduate and professional schools.

With flexible course tracks, you’ll have the opportunity to study abroad for J-Term, a semester, or a full year. You can also pursue a second major—all while graduating in four years.

On top of that, our professors care. Credentialed faculty will not only teach your courses but also be accessible outside the classroom. You’ll also be able to collaborate with these high-caliber scientists on research projects that tackle real-world problems.

Research Opportunities

Explore specific facets of chemistry through research projects and independent study. Luther chemistry students can take part in research programs at the University of Minnesota, University of Iowa, New York University, and many others.

Nationally Recognized Program

Join a chemistry program that is one of only 10 higher education institutes in the state of Iowa approved by the American Chemical Society.

Well-Equipped Facilities

Learn to operate modern research-grade instruments to perform spectroscopy, chromatography, elemental analysis, and microscopy. Luther’s Sampson Hoffland Laboratories offer ample laboratory space and an impressive array of instruments for instruction and research.

What You’ll Learn

As a Luther chemistry major, you’ll build a foundation in chemical principles and laboratory techniques. You will graduate prepared for a variety of careers and for graduate or professional programs in healthcare fields.

Chemistry Major

Chemistry majors must complete required lab and classroom courses, one year of calculus, one year of physics, and at least two advanced lab experiences. The American Chemical Society-certified degree track requires additional upper-level courses. A biochemistry emphasis combines biology and chemistry.

Chemistry Minor

As a chemistry minor, you’ll take chemical principles, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and four credits in advanced chemistry courses.

Whether you choose to major or minor in chemistry, you’ll have a strong core of chemistry knowledge to succeed in the chemistry industry, post-secondary education, the healthcare professions, and public service.

Curriculum

Luther's chemistry program gave me a strong academic foundation and meaningful hands-on experiences in the lab. The faculty are passionate about teaching and mentoring. I got valuable research opportunities where I developed practical lab skills and learned how to approach real scientific questions.

Tia Gonzales '26

Chemistry Major

The community at Luther has a fit for any puzzle piece, no matter who you are and what you are about.

William Benjamin '22

CHEMISTRY MAJOR

Read Will's Story

The most important skill I developed as a chemistry major was the ability to learn quickly and independently.

Cecilia Douma '16

CHEMISTRY MAJOR

Learn more about Cecilia Douma

Careers and Outcomes

Luther chemistry majors have strong placement rates following graduation. Within a year of graduating, 92 percent of graduates either seek advanced degrees or are employed. Luther chemistry majors are heavily recruited.

Career Fields

Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
Education
Energy science
Environmental science
Food science
Industrial chemistry
Medicinal chemistry

Employers

Mayo Clinic
3M
Eurofins
Hormel Foods
Integrated DNA Technologies
Minnesota State Forensics Lab
National Institutes of Health

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is one of the most exciting disciplines in science today. Discoveries by biochemists make advancements in disease prevention, environmental remediation, and more. The field holds important answers to questions about the roles our genetic code and the environment have in shaping our lives.

Are you struggling to decide between biology and chemistry? Do you see yourself working as a scientist in a role that makes a real difference? Biochemistry may be the perfect choice for you.

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