Chemistry

Chemists detect pollutants, study how chemicals interact in different settings, develop new ways to break down and recycle used batteries and plastics, and design new chemicals that are better for the environment. Chemists design more efficient and reliable catalysts and batteries. Our B.S. with a concentration in Environmental Chemistry can prepare you for a career in this area. You may also consider a dual degree in Chemistry (B.S.) and Sustainability Analytics and Management (M.S.), which can be earned in a total of five years.

Chemists design new flavors and ensure that food is safe. Illinois Tech is part of the Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH), a one-of-a-kind applied food science research consortium comprising Illinois Tech, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the food industry. This uniquely positions us to offer a dual degree in Chemistry (B.S.) and Food Safety and Technology (M.S.), which can be earned in a total of five years.

Chemists apply analytical techniques to determine what things are made of and where they could come from. This helps solve crimes and track down counterfeiters. Our B.S. with a concentration in Forensic Chemistry can prepare you for a career in this area.

A degree in chemistry is a strong foundation for professional degrees in pharmacy and medicine. Our programs specifically supporting this career path include the B.S. with a concentration in Medicinal Chemistry, the dual degree in Chemistry (B.S.) and Biology for the Health Professions (M.S.), pre-health and pre-medicine programs, and dual enrollment in Chicago pharmacy schools.

A combination of degrees in chemistry and law can lead to career opportunities in environmental law, patent law, intellectual property management, or as in-house counsel for the chemical industry. Illinois Tech is one of the few tech-focused universities with a law school. Through our Honors Law program, you can earn a B.S. from Illinois Tech and a J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law in six instead of seven years.

Chemists design new materials to maintain and improve our standard of living in a sustainable way. New materials can capture carbon dioxide, extract lithium for batteries, separate radioactive isotopes, create phosphors for night vision goggles, make light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and catalyze industrial reactions more reliably and with less energy. Moreover, our M.A.S. in Materials Chemistry can prepare you for a career in this area.

Chemists design drugs as new treatments for diseases. Our B.S. with a concentration in Medicinal Chemistry can help you prepare for a career in this area.

A degree in chemistry can lead to a career in health care. Lean more about the B.S. in Medicinal Chemistry, the Chemistry (B.S.)/Biology for the Health Professions (M.S.), Illinois Tech’s pre-health and pre-medicine programs, and dual enrollment in Chicago pharmacy schools.

Earn an undergraduate degree in chemistry and a graduate degree in food safety in as few as five years with Illinois Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Master of Food Safety and Technology Accelerated Master’s Program.

Illinois Tech is one of the few tech-focused universities with a law school. A combination of degrees in chemistry and law can lead to careers opportunities in environmental law, patent law, intellectual property management, or as in-house counsel for the chemical industry. Learn more about Illinois Tech’s Honors Law program.

Chemistry undergraduates interested in career options within the field of chemical engineering may wish to pursue Illinois Tech’s accelerated Chemistry (B.S.)/Chemical Engineering (M.A.S.), offered in partnership with Armour College of Engineering.

Complementing our new bachelor's degree program in environmental chemistry, we also offer the accelerated the Chemistry (B.S.)/Sustainability Analytics and Management (M.S.) in partnership with Illinois Tech’s Stuart School of Business.