Chemistry, BSCH
Take the lessons of chemistry from the classroom to the lab with our certified Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. This program gives students hands-on experience and a comprehensive education in the foundational disciplines of analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, and polymer chemistry.
Program Overview
The Chemistry BSCH program, certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), builds research and lab skills in the core subdisciplines of chemistry.
As an ACS-certified program, the BSCH in Chemistry has the benefit of meeting national standards for coursework, meaning students will graduate with skills and knowledge that employers highly value. You’ll take a combination of lecture and lab-based courses in analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as chemical biology, equipping you with skills in chemical analysis and experimental design.
This program is a great fit for students hoping to pursue graduate studies or careers as chemists, giving students knowledge that is both deep and wide.
Minors
If you’re interested in supplementing your primary field of study with knowledge of chemistry, our minor would be a great fit!
Our current selection of minors includes:
- Chemistry minor
Honors
If you’re interested in pursuing more advanced, rigorous coursework, the Honors pathway for the Chemistry BSCH would allow you to stand out. You will take Honors-specific courses and complete an Honors thesis under the guidance of a faculty mentor, all while receiving one-on-one mentorship. Students interested in Honors must maintain an overall GPA and a chemistry GPA of 3.25.
What Sets Us Apart
Ranked #1
in Best Universities for Polymer Science
UT has been ranked the top global university for polymer science in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Global Universities.
ACS-approved
chemistry program
Our graduate chemistry programs are approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS)—you’ll have nationally recognized credentials that will help you stand out in the job market.
17,881 +
chemistry hours taught
In the Fall of 2025, over 17,881 chemistry hours were taught at UT, demonstrating our university’s exceptional commitment to building our chemistry workforce.
Why Study Chemistry?
The BSCH in Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville equips students with skills and knowledge that prepare them to be the next generation of chemistry leaders. With cutting-edge facilities and faculty ready to lead and inspire, you’ll find no shortage of exceptional opportunities at UT.
Our program boasts state-of-the-art facilities like the Biological and Small Molecule Mass Spectrometry Core (BSMMSC), the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facilities, the Polymer Characterization Lab (PCL), and so many more.
Plus, UT is currently working on building a new chemistry building that will offer unparalleled opportunities for students to gain hands-on skills and collaborate with peers and leading faculty.
At UT, you’ll hit the ground running and be a part of a passionate community of chemists ready to excel!
New Chemistry Building
On September 5, 2025, UT began construction of what will become the Charles & Julie Wharton Chemistry Building, featuring 162,000 sq. ft. of exceptional spaces for research and teaching. This includes research lab spaces, study rooms, and more, demonstrating UT’s commitment to next-level student experiences.
What Can You Do with a BSCH in Chemistry After Graduation?
The chemistry program at UT is a resourceful, innovative, hands-on program that prepares students with the experience and knowledge they need to be successful in chemistry careers and beyond. Chemistry is a great foundation for scientific or non-scientific careers because of skills you learn such as complex problem-solving, technical communication, research skills, and data analysis. With classes, lectures and labs in many core foundations of chemistry, this program will prepare you for careers in the multitudes of chemistry fields, education, healthcare and more.
In any chemistry discipline, you could work in product or process development, testing, biotechnology, or environmental analyses. In specific disciplines like agricultural chemistry, you could work in agricultural testing, production, or regulation; in another discipline like analytical chemistry, you could go into quantitative analysis, instrumentation design, or chemometrics and statistics. Other possible career paths include biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science. Many chemistry graduates also go on to be chemical technicians, data scientists, environmental science and protection technicians, natural sciences managers, and quality control chemists. With higher education, like a MS or PhD at UT, you could go into even more specialized fields.
Whichever path you choose, the chemistry program at UT will give you the mentorship, research opportunities, and hands-on experience you need to make a real-world impact after graduation.
Featured Courses
CHEM 339 Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
This course includes experiments demonstrating the principles and practice of inorganic chemistry; synthesis, characterization and properties of inorganic complexes.
CHEM 389 Foundations of Chemical Biology Laboratory
Students will conduct experiments illustrating the principles and practices of chemical biology focusing on the analysis, characterization, and detection of biological molecules.
CHEM 300 Introductory Research in Chemistry
This course serves as an introduction to the principles and practice of research in chemistry. Written report required.
CHEM 311 In Depth Analytical Chemistry
Students will learn theory and practical applications of advanced instrumentation in analytical chemistry.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.
- Statistics minor
- Environmental Science minor
Admissions and Aid
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