Undergraduate Overview

Chemistry 101 students.

Chemistry explores the composition and transformation of matter, a science that is central to energy production, health care and environmental protection. Our undergraduate students learn through hands-on or computational experiments in both classroom and laboratory settings.

Undergraduate Teaching Mission

The undergraduate teaching mission reaches a diverse population of undergraduate students with different requirements.

  • The core of the chemistry major consists of five key areas of chemistry: organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biochemistry.
  • The core of the medicinal chemistry major emphasizes chemical principles applied to drug design and chemical biology.

Majors require strong lab skills and proficiency in the core areas in order to pursue advanced careers in the sciences. We determine quality in our undergraduate program based on post-graduate placement outcomes: employment, graduate or professional schools, as well as the success of our graduates in their post-graduate studies and independent careers.

Undergraduate chemistry majors in the lab.

Degree Options

Career Outlook

Majors often pursue graduate study or are employed as bench chemists in industry, hospitals and government labs. An increasingly popular career choice is secondary school teaching by completing a Minor in Teacher Education through the UB Teacher Education Institute.

Undergraduate Program Information

Your Chemistry Education and Beyond at UB

Make your time at UB as rewarding as possible by tapping into the wide array of resources we offer. Whether you're seeking academic support, research opportunities, or ways to connect with your peers, there's something here for everyone.

  • College Central: This is your one-stop shop for all things College of Arts and Sciences, including chemistry. Whether you’re a freshman figuring out your first semester or a senior looking for graduation tips, College Central has the resources to help you navigate your academic path.
  • For Our Continuing Chemists: If you're further along in your chemistry studies and need more tailored support, we’ve got you covered. Our resources for continuing students include advanced advising, specialized group sessions, and easy-to-access drop-in help. Dive deeper into these resources here and continue to excel in your chemistry education.

About the Department

Contact Us

With questions about the undergraduate chemistry programs, please contact mashour@buffalo.edu.