Undergraduate Chemistry Programs
Discover God’s phenomena in natural sciences
Chemistry impacts the world’s understanding and adapting of new drugs and vaccines, synthesis of new materials, alternative energy sources, environmental protection, climate change, and more. You’ll study a physical science that helps us better take care of God’s creation.
Our chemistry program gives you access to modern laboratory technology and experienced faculty, giving you hands-on learning experiences from your first day. Our faculty, rather than Teacher Assistants like other programs, lead the intentionally small and personal classes to give you and your peers personalized attention. Our student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1 means our professors will know your name and your goals. You’ll sharpen your skills in your courses, labs, and out in the field while completing highly-desired undergraduate research.
Gardner-Webb’s emphasis on instrumentation and a fundamental understanding of chemical science grounded in Christian principles prepares you for your calling, whether that’s graduate studies, professional school, or a chemistry-related career.
Curriculum
What You’ll Learn
Your classes, labs, and hands-on learning experiences will help you:
- Balance your scientific knowledge with the Christian values of faith, stewardship, ethics, and social responsibility
- Assess sources and make informed decisions about issues such as healthcare, public policy, and stewardship of creation
- Develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
- Own research projects from start to finish
- Gain fundamental lab practices and field research methods, including documentation and safety
- Master laboratory and chemical instrumentation techniques
- Apply the scientific method to chemical phenomena and data
- Identify, analyze, and apply key chemical terms and concepts in order to solve chemistry problems
- Analyze and communicate chemical information in written, visual, and oral formats
Evan Drake, a 2012 graduate of Gardner-Webb University with a B.S. in Chemistry
Evan shares how her time at Gardner-Webb shaped her career and influenced her journey in the sciences. Discover the lasting impact of a Gardner-Webb education through the stories of our alumni.
Available Programs
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
You can add a pre-medical, pharmacy, or dental professional concentration to specialize your degree in chemistry.
In addition to the Gardner-Webb University general education requirements, the student must complete a minimum of 34 hours of chemistry coursework in the major.
For a more in-depth look at program requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.
Second Major in Chemistry
A student seeking a second major in any field of study offered by the Department of Natural Sciences must meet all of the criteria for the primary major.
Minor in Chemistry
Students pursuing a Minor in Chemistry will take a general chemistry course, as well as a 2 organic chemistry courses, and 2 chemistry electives, for a total of 20 credit hours.
For a more in-depth look at minor requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.
Additional Minors
Additional minors available in the Department of Natural Sciences include the Biology Minor (16 hours), the Environmental Science Minor (20 hours), the Forensic Science Minor (15 hours), the Health Science Minor (16–17 hours), the Physical Science Minor (16 hours), and the General Science Minor (20 hours).
Outcomes
What You’ll Do
Whether you pursue professional or graduate studies or directly enter a chemistry-related career, our program will prepare you for making a positive impact on science and technology. Chemistry program alumni have found their passions in research, development, analysis and testing, consulting, forensics, and more.
Depending on additional education and career goals, you may pursue a wide range of health- and science-related professions including the following:
- Medical Doctor
- Physician’s Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Biomedical Research
- Research Scientist
- University Professor
- Industrial Chemist
- Veterinarian
You’ll also be able to go directly into entry-level positions including the following:
- Lab Coordinator
- Research Assistant
- Product Testing or Analysis
- Technical Sales
- Service Representative
Chemistry alumnus, Dr. Jacob Walley, ‘17, received his Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. While there, Walley’s research was published in one of the most prestigious chemistry journals in the world (Angewandte Chemie), and he has been recognized with several awards and published 11 papers. His interest in research was developed in the GWU chemistry lab and through internships. “All the chemistry professors at GWU are excellent teachers/mentors who genuinely care about their students’ future,” Walley said. “My professors giving me the right expectations prepared me the most for graduate school.”
Additional Opportunities
Preparing for the Future.
As a chemistry major, you will have opportunities to complete research, internships, or other activities that will prepare you for your next steps. If you will continue your studies with a graduate or professional program, discuss your goals with your advisor and see what opportunities will best meet those future requirements.
Internships
Work at a hospital, medical office, veterinary clinic, pharmacy, or other care provider. Find a role in business, academic research, and environmental science. You also may serve as a lab assistant, gaining valuable experience that other schools typically reserve for graduate-level students!
Research Projects
Conduct one-on-one research with your professor. Under the guidance of your faculty mentor, you’ll select a research topic and learn the scientific process of discovery. Become a subject matter expert and present your work through research posters or oral presentations at local and regional science conferences.
Career Preparation
We mentor our students at every step of the way, from course selection to applications for internships and undergraduate research experiences to searching and applying for graduate and professional schools. Your professors will provide assistance and advice with mock interviews to help you prepare for graduate and professional school interviews or job interviews.
Start your college career. Once you've found the program that's right for you, learn how to apply and become one of the approximately 96% of our students that receive financial aid.