Solve local and global problems with a major in Chemistry.

Students majoring in Chemistry study how material substances interact, combine and change. With that knowledge, you can find cures for diseases, create new products, develop nutritious food for the world’s growing population, monitor sources of pollution to protect the environment, or analyze evidence to solve crimes.

As a Chemistry major at St. Edward’s, you’ll learn to think both scientifically and creatively. Conduct research in with cutting-edge equipment — St. Edward’s is considered one of the best-equipped and best-funded small college chemistry departments in the country.

Present your work at regional and national conferences, where you’ll rub shoulders with working scientists. Win competitive summer research apprenticeships at universities across the country — funded by the National Science Foundation — where you can get experience studying different subfields of chemistry and focus in on your career direction. And learn in small classes from professors who mentor you every step of the way.

What do our graduates do?

Chemistry majors go on to a variety of careers and graduate schools from St. Edward’s. Here’s a sample.

  • Scientist at Huntsman Corporation
  • Chemist at Quality Chemical Laboratories
  • R&D researcher at Procter & Gamble
  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and PhD candidate at UC Berkeley
  • Postdoctoral associate at the Air Force Research Lab
  • Medicinal Chemistry PhD candidate at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
  • Chemical Biology PhD candidate at the University of Michigan
  • Inorganic Chemistry PhD candidate at the University of California Irvine
  • Graduate students at The University of Texas at Austin, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and the University of California Santa Cruz

Major Roadmap

Explore your options — classes, internships, research and study abroad. Use the Chemistry BA Major Guide or Chemistry BS Major Guide to find what interests you, discover what you love, and create a major experience that jumpstarts your future. 

Young Alumni on the Rise

Chemistry major Chris Jackson ’16 is tackling climate change. Read about how he’s continuing the research he started at St. Edward’s in graduate school.

The Classroom and Beyond

Students majoring in Chemistry can explore career paths and practical application of their studies through research, conferences and interactions with the greater Austin community. The Chemistry faculty have been very successful in securing external funding in support of curricular innovation, modern laboratory instrumentation and undergraduate research.

Departmental and Research Funding

 In addition to an ongoing departmental research grant from the Welch Foundation, the department has secured curricular and equipment grants from the National Science Foundation, the Keck Foundation and the Educational Advancement Foundation. We are funded through the U.S. Dept. of Education under the Title V provision and through a five-year, $2.75 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences as part of a consortium that includes St. Edward’s University, Southwestern University and the University of Texas at Austin. We are proud to be considered one of the best-equipped and best-funded small college chemistry departments in the country.

    Scholarships

    Students in chemistry-related majors at St. Edward’s University may apply for Welch Foundation undergraduate research scholarships — including a summer scholarship that provides a six-week stipend to conduct research.

    Conferences and Presentations

    Students are encouraged to present their results at professional meetings, such as regional and national meetings of the American Chemical Society and the Texas Academy of Science. Students also have the opportunity to present at the annual SOURCE Symposium of undergraduate research on the St. Edward's campus.