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Program Overview

Agnes Scott’s academic program in chemistry, approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS), introduces students to the principles, applications, and communication of chemical knowledge. The major provides practical experience in laboratory courses and through research opportunities.

The study of Chemistry, known as the central science, is particularly appropriate to students interested in medicine, forensics, materials science, teaching, chemical safety, research or industrial applications. Recent graduates have gone on to earn prestigious fellowships: National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship, Goldwater Scholarship, Marshall Fellowship.

Two chemistry major options (ACS approved or non-ACS approved track) and a minor option are available at Agnes Scott. The ACS approved major curriculum is most appropriate for students interested in entering industry or continuing their studies in graduate school. The non-ACS approved major curriculum affords students the flexibility to pursue other academic interests during their time at Agnes Scott.

A chemistry major student wearing a colorful hijab pours a solution into a test tube.

What You'll Learn

Chemistry program courses will help you understand the structure, properties, and reactivity of matter and to apply that understanding to important societal problems that require chemical knowledge. The curriculum for majors requires a strong foundation in all five subdisciplines of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, and biochemistry) while allowing students to tailor upper-level requirements to their individual interests.

  • A thorough and broad understanding of the principles, techniques, and applications of modern chemistry
  • Laboratory procedures and protocols and computational skills necessary to conduct research in chemistry
  • The ability to critically analyze the primary literature in the field and communicate scientific information clearly and persuasively

Program Highlights

Chemical Engineering Dual Degree

Would you like to become an engineer but also want to explore other exciting subjects—ones that illuminate the interconnections of the world—to launch you on a lifetime of learning? Consider our dual-degree programs in engineering—aerospace, biomedical, chemical and biomolecular, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, industrial and systems, materials science, mechanical or polymer, or textile and fiber. You’ll earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Agnes Scott and a Bachelor of Science in engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Your program will begin with a three-year, liberal arts curriculum at Agnes Scott followed by approximately two years of engineering study at Georgia Tech.

Participation in Newly Developing Fields

Recent graduates are undertaking doctoral research in newly developing scientific fields such as material sciences, an area in which research ranges from solar cell design to biomedical devices. Chemistry majors with a broad understanding of how molecular properties determine physical and electronic behavior are ideally prepared to participate in research areas unimagined years ago.

Undergraduate Research Participation

Chemistry majors regularly participate in research resulting in presentations at professional meetings. Working with either research active faculty on campus or through Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) across the country students gain invaluable experiences in exploring chemistry beyond the textbook.

Meet the Faculty

headshot of Brandy Yakini

Yakini S. Brandy

Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Doug Fantz

Douglas A. Fantz

Assoc. V.P. for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, Assoc. Professor of Chemistry

headshot of Jennifer Hill

Jennifer Hill

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

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Mi-Sun Kim

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Ruth Riter

Ruth E. Riter

Professor of Chemistry/Chair

Mary Nell Higley '01

Mary Nell Higley Summey '01

Director for Post-Baccalaureate Programs and Senior Instructor in Chemistry

Sarah Winget

Sarah Winget

Professor of Chemistry

Working in Chemistry

Students graduating with a Chemistry major will be prepared for post-baccalaureate pursuits such as graduate school in chemistry or employment in chemistry or chemistry-related professions.

During your study at Agnes Scott, you’ll enjoy collaborative, in-class discussions, accessible faculty and research of your own choosing. And, you’ll enhance your future career with strong writing, speaking and analytical skills—the true benefits of a liberal arts education. Scotties have interned at a variety of places, from the Center for Disease Control to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The on and off-campus opportunities provided prepare you for further study, or work in a professional setting.

  • Chemistry Teacher
  • Lab Technician
  • Physician Researcher
  • Process Engineer
  • Lab Researcher
  • Forensics Scientist

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