Undergraduate

The study of Chemistry provides a fascinating and intellectually stimulating foray into the molecular underpinnings of the world around us, and through independent study, an opportunity to participate first hand in cutting edge research that spans a wide range of disciplines in the molecular sciences.

Our department offers paths to help you major in the field, as well as courses to help non-majors meet requirements from other disciplines. In addition, some students may opt to sample our offerings simply for the challenge of discovery that chemistry brings.

Why Duke Chemistry?

undergrad student examining testtube

Beyond the reputation of Duke University and our stature in the field, students choose our department for a variety of reasons, including:

  • The lecture components of our classes give you a solid overview of concepts in biological, analytical, physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry
  • Our undergraduate laboratories provide hands-on experience with an array of instrumentation
  • We offer a wide range of opportunities for undergraduate research in one of our many cutting-edge departmental research groups
  • We offer both a Bachelor of Science AND a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, along with concentrations in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Chemical Biology, and Environmental Chemistry. A minor is also available.
  • You can graduate with distinction in chemistry, by completing research and writing a thesis.

Why Major in Chemistry?

A Chemistry major provides a path to many educational and career opportunities. We've seen our majors advance their academic careers in graduate school in areas such as chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology and more. Many have gone on to achieve professional degrees in medicine, engineering and patent law. And still others, who opted not to continue their academic pursuits, graduated and accepted jobs in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Typically, we see about 40% of our majors enroll in medical school, 25% in graduate school, and the remaining 35% graduating to take professional positions in a variety of industries.

See Majors & Minors

Courses: Where to Start? 

From students with no high school chemistry experience, to those you took the chemistry AP examination, we have created a suggested entry path for you in our Placement Guidelines.

Simply determine your prior years of study, along with your Math SAT, ACT and/or Chem AP scores, to see our recommendation.

See Placement Guidelines

Resources for Students

Student studying in lab

We've compiled information to assist current students working toward their degree, as well as those considering our program:

and more!

Help, Tutoring & Study Groups

Face it, sometimes chemistry can be difficult. But if you need help beyond the classroom, there are a number of opportunities available for you!

Find Help!