Chemistry at UB
Where curiosity meets real-world impact
In the Department of Chemistry, curiosity turns into discovery, and ideas turn into action. Whether you're diving into hands-on research as an undergraduate, tackling global challenges as a grad student or finding your next step as a current UB student, you’ll find your place here—with the guidance and resources to grow.
On this page:
Professor Diana Aga (left) and her PhD student Mindula Wijayahena working on research to demonstrate a bacteria's biodegradation of a forever chemical.
We’re a lively, collaborative department fueled by a mix of experience, ambition and fresh ideas. With 32 full-time faculty and 14 professional staff, we mentor more than 150 graduate and 200 undergraduate students each year.
What makes us different? Big opportunities with a small-community feel—where you're supported, seen and set up to succeed. We offer degrees in chemistry and medicinal chemistry, and provide foundational courses for students across UB studying health, science and engineering.
Our faculty are leading researchers and dedicated mentors who help connect classroom learning to real-world breakthroughs.
Our research centers on the chemistry of health and sustainability, with impact across medicine, clean energy, sustainable materials and more.
We’re known for strengths in:
You’ll work side-by-side with faculty on high-impact projects that matter. It’s collaborative, hands-on and designed to help you build confidence, expertise and a strong résumé.
And yes, parents—our students graduate with practical experience and career-ready skills.
Chemistry is the engine behind the breakthroughs that shape our world. From clean water and safer medicine to new batteries and smarter materials, chemistry leads the way.
With a UB chemistry degree, you’ll be ready to:
- Teach and inspire future scientists
- Design game-changing materials
- Discover and develop new therapies
- Shape environmental or health policy
- Tackle complex global challenges head-on
Why UB?
UB is a place where you can challenge yourself, find your community and build a future that feels true to you. As New York’s flagship public research university, UB gives you the power of an R1 institution and the support of a campus that feels welcoming from day one.
What you’ll experience at UB
- Affordable excellence: Earn a top-tier education at a cost that keeps your options open.
- Collaborative community: Learn with classmates and faculty who care about your growth and take time to know you.
- Built-in opportunity: Get real-world experience right away through research, internships, creative work and student clubs.
- A vibrant place to live and learn: Buffalo offers friendly neighborhoods, a growing arts and food scene and quick access to Toronto and New York.
The UB difference
UB students get big-university advantages without losing the personal connections that make college meaningful. You’ll join a campus that encourages curiosity, celebrates different perspectives and gives you room to explore your path.
Explore our programs and find the one that fits your goals: