Chemistry: Chemical Technology
Major
Chemical technology concentration
In our chemistry major's chemical technology focus, you'll build strong lab skills and get ready for jobs in chemical, medicine and biotech industries. You'll learn about how molecules are structured, how new materials are made and how to create and separate compounds.
In a series of hands-on labs, you'll use modern tools to study structures and search complex databases. Your experience working with state-of-the-art equipment and leading research projects means you'll be well-prepared to start your career in chemistry technology.
AT A GLANCE
Why study chemical technology
Our program includes basic courses, research projects, math, physics, electives and advanced courses like analytical chemistry and biochemistry lab.
Your first courses will cover the basics, like how matter behaves, how chemicals react, how molecules bond and other key ideas. You'll also study the structure of matter, the energy used in reactions, how fast some reaction happen and topics like acids and bases.
In organic chemistry, you'll study common reactions with hydrocarbons and how light interacts with molecules. You'll study the reactions of complex molecules, including those found in living things. Then, in biochemistry, you'll focus on the role of proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, fats, amino acids and DNA processing.
All students take part in undergraduate capstone research. Since 1964, this program has paired students with faculty to work on real research projects. Many students have even published their work or presented it at national conferences!
Chemistry technology research capstone
Your capstone project reflects your own interests while showing off skills that are important to employers and graduate schools:
- Research and craft your thesis. You'll work closely with an experienced faculty mentor through the whole process.
- Gain hands-on experience collecting data, performing in-depth analysis and presenting a research poster.
- Work independently and collaboratively to strengthen lab safety skills and your understanding of ethics in research.
What you learn will be valuable in practice, whether you pursue an advanced degree or start working right after graduation.
Highlights of chemical technology
Our American Chemical Society-certified program gives you the opportunity to:
- Get paid to work towards your degree: Count up to six credit hours of work experience in a part-time or co-op job towards your major's elective requirement.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Take advantage of our four-story, 60,000-square-foot Dow Science Complex and its 20 faculty labs. It supports NMR spectrometry, radioactive materials research, mass spectrometry and spectroscopy.
- Get involved: Join the student chapter of the American Chemical Society, recognized for excellence for eight years in a row.
- Work with your professors: Participate in student-faculty projects. Previous projects have resulted in a method to capture and process mercury from coal-fired power plants and developing a chemical compound that filters cancer-causing perchlorates from water.
Careers in chemical technology
Begin a research career, become a chemical technician, pursue an advanced degree or teach with your chemical technology major! Graduates with a degree in chemical technology pursue careers in healthcare, education, environmental science, manufacturing, pharmaceutics and more.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Microbiology Medical Technologist | $50,587 |
| Chemistry Laboratory Supervisor | $60,436 |
| Assay Development Scientist | $65,518 |
| Information Technology Project Manager | $98,740 |
American Chemical Society
CMU's student chapter of the American Chemical Society offers resources and connections to help support your academic and professional goals in the field of chemistry.
Grow your network, build on your leadership skills and gain access to grants and resources available to members. There are also competitions with cash prizes and significant discounts on membership!
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