Best Colleges for Chemistry Majors

Chemistry is a core science and at the best colleges for chemistry degrees, students are imbued with a curiosity to develop an understanding of how the world works at its most basic level. Chemistry at its most basic level deals with the properties, internal structure and transformation of different forms of matter at the molecular and atomic level.

Top 160 Best Colleges for Chemistry Ranked

We have analyzed hundreds of colleges and created this RealRank ranking of the top 160 best colleges for Chemistry.

You can find more information on our RealRank^TM analytics used in creating list in the About page. The underlined colleges provide links to the rankings profile specific to that institution. If your college is not profiled as yet, contact us using the contact form.

Have you attended any of these degree programs? What has been your experience?

What is a Chemistry Major?

Chemistry majors at the most basic level dispassionately apply the scientific method in learning and performing lab work. As one of the top universities stated:

Chemists use careful reasoning and trial-and-error experimentation to create new molecules in order to explore new materials, study biological processes, and develop therapeutics, with the common goal of ultimately improving everyday life. Cornell – What is Chemistry

For undergraduate students, a chemistry major typically involves a broad exposure to the major areas of the field, with a concentration in one or more. Coursework may include:

• Organic chemistry – which deals with chemical processes in living things.
• Inorganic chemistry – which deals with chemical processes anywhere in the environment.
• Physical chemistry.
• Quantum Mechanics.
• Thermodynamics.
• Biological chemistry.

Chemistry Careers

Students graduating with degrees in Chemistry qualify for a wide range of career paths. For those wishing to stay in the field, as a pure chemist, typically an advanced degree is required. Examples of careers utilizing chemistry degrees are:

• Chemist
• Chemical Engineer (requiring graduate or undergraduate degree in chemical engineering).
• Medical Doctor – Chemistry provides a good foundational science for many students ultimately pursuing careers in medicine.
• Attorney – Law degree required.
• Geologist – There is a lot of overlap between geosciences and chemistry.
• Materials Scientist
• Teaching
• Environmental management – either for private companies or governmental agencies.

Related Rankings: Best Colleges for Geology; Best Colleges for Chemical Engineering, Best Colleges for Biology.