​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Program Description

Do science and math get you fired up? If someone says “Bunsen,” do respond with “burner?” If you do, and you’re fascinated by the idea of creating and characterizing new compounds or researching new drugs to cure disease, look no further. At CMU, you’ll get your goggles on and nurture your inner chemist with opportunities for hands-on, undergraduate research. Our chemistry programs are certified by the American Chemical Society.​​

Points of Pride

  • CMU is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution. Its faculty and students – including undergrads – work elbow-to-elbow to improve lives through research. Their work has included creating a chemical compound that filters cancer-causing perchlorates from water and a method to capture and process mercury from coal-fired power plants.
  • CMU's student chapter of the American Chemical Society has received an outstanding chapter award for eight consecutive years.

Put Your Degree to Work

For More Information

Visit the chemistry website or contact:

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
​Dow Science Complex 268
​Email: chem@cmich.edu
Phone: 989-774-3981
​Fax: 989-774-3883

Program Overview

The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.

(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)

Chemistry Major

Total: 40 semester hours Notes: 11 credit hours must be in laboratory courses. (One credit hour each of CHM 131,132,211 and 331, and two credit hours of CHM 161 count as laboratory credit hours). *CHM 521 (3) and CHM 522 (3) may be substituted for CHM 425 (3). Students are urged to consult their major/pre-professional advisor before enrolling for biochemistry courses. Mathematics and Physics: The following courses are required for students desiring American Chemical Society certification: MTH 132, 133, 223 and 233; PHY 145QR, 146, 175, and 176. Students with inadequate high school preparation may find it necessary to complete additional MTH courses. These MTH and PHY courses are also recommended for students who do not desire ACS certification. The MTH and PHY courses must be completed prior to enrolling in Physical Chemistry.
Chemistry Core I
(5-8 hours)
Select one of the following options:
CR1A-CHM
Option A
(8 hours)
CR1B-CHM
Option B
(5 hours)
Chemistry Core II
(27-29 hours)
Select either CHM 425 or CHM 521/522:
CHM 211QR
Quantitative Analysis
4
CHM 331
Inorganic Chemistry
3
CHM 345
Organic Chemistry I
3
CHM 346
Organic Chemistry II
3
CHM 349
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
2
CHM 351
Physical Chemistry I
3
CHM 352
Physical Chemistry II
3
CHM 357
Physical Chemistry Laboratory
2
CHM 425
Introductory Biochemistry
3
CHM 491WI
Undergraduate Research
1-3
Electives
(3-8 hours)
Sufficient 500-level advanced courses to meet the minimum credit hour requirement. Select from the following:
Note: Other courses may be substituted only with permission of a chemistry major advisor.
CHM 511
Advanced Analytical Chemistry
4
CHM 513
Chemistry of Natural Waters
3
CHM 522
Intermediate Biochemistry
3
CHM 527
Biochemistry Laboratory
1
CHM 528
Bioanalytical Techniques Laboratory
2
CHM 531
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
3
CHM 541
Intermediate Organic Chemistry
3
CHM 547
Advanced Chemistry Laboratory
2
CHM 551
Materials Chemistry: Inorganics and Nanomaterials
3
CHM 555
Advanced Physical Chemistry
3
CHM 561
Polymer Chemistry
3
CHM 562
Industrial Chemistry
3
CHM 564
Polymer Technology
3
CHM 566
Introduction to Biomaterials
3
CHM 567
Polymer Science Laboratory
2
CHM 568
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
3
CHM 571
Topics in Chemistry
1-9
CHM 583
Seminar in Chemistry
1-2
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