Chemistry and Biochemistry department is to provide students with an excellent foundation in chemistry, encompassing both theoretical concepts and practical applications, and to prepare them for the next step in their chosen career paths. Chemistry and Biochemistry majors at EIU earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry and choose one of the following concentrations.
This is an American Chemical Society (ACS)-approved program, chosen by many students interested in employment in industry or government, as well as by those students pursuing advanced degrees (M.S. or Ph.D.) in chemistry.
Students in this program take courses in biology in addition to advanced work in biochemistry. This course of study is attractive to students interested in understanding the chemistry of living systems leading to employment in the biotechnology industry or further study in medicine, dentistry, or graduate school.
This concentration prepares students for positions in sales or management within the pharmaceutical or chemical industry where often both chemical and business skills are required. This program includes foundation courses that are required for many MBA programs.
Students interested in teaching high school chemistry earn a Bachelor of Science with Teacher Certification, Chemistry and Biochemistry Specialization. The aim of this program is to train and certify students to be excellent high school science teachers with a specialty in chemistry.
Chemistry and Biochemistry department also offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry. This degree is designed for students who are interested in a career that requires a strong background in Chemistry or Biochemistry but are also seeking professional skills in other programs. The coursework for this degree provides broad but not extensive advanced training. Students with this degree may apply for professional programs in medicinal, dental, pharmaceutical, and other health allied fields.
Students interested in going on to medical, dental, or pharmacy school after obtaining their B.S. in Chemistry should consider either the Chemistry or Biochemistry Concentrations and take appropriate courses from the Biological Sciences department.
Undergraduate Research provides the opportunity to carry out an original investigation under the direct guidance of a faculty member and is one of the most valuable experiences we can offer. It not only allows students to put into practice what they have learned in lectures and teaching labs, but it also plants the seed of solving problems, using their own knowledge in the discovery of new facts or the development of new theories. There are several active research groups, many of which are funded by external grants received by professors from national funding agencies, both federal and private. Qualified students should also consider the department's research based Honors Program.
600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston IL 61920 Physical Science, Room 3150
217-581-5906
emtreadwell@eiu.edu