Chemistry, B.S.

Chemistry, B.S.

Program Overview

PLNU’s Chemistry B.S. equips you to explore the building blocks of matter and apply that knowledge to solve real-world problems — from renewable energy to disease prevention to environmental restoration. With a lab-rich curriculum, extensive research opportunities, and strong graduate school and pre-health outcomes, this program prepares you for a future in science, medicine, or industry.

Why Choose Chemistry at PLNU? 

90%+ Acceptance Rate to Medical & Graduate Schools

Since 2004, more than 90% of PLNU chemistry graduates who applied have been admitted to medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, and research-focused graduate programs.

Biotech Career-Ready

PLNU has been recognized by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) as a "preferred provider for life science talent" in San Diego, the nation's 3rd largest biotech hub.

Enhanced graphic of copy in the color green. Text reads: “Students get hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools such as UV-vis, ICP-OES, and NMR spectroscopy, x-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry, HPLC, and Gaussian.”

Paid Summer Research

Our 10-week summer research program provides up to 800 hours of advanced lab experience across two summers, with free housing, a stipend, and opportunities to co-author scholarly publications alongside faculty.

Personalized Mentorship

Faculty advisors partner with you one-on-one to help you navigate your academic journey, prepare for entrance exams, and stay on track for graduate school or career success.

What You'll Study 

You’ll begin with foundational courses in general, organic, and analytical chemistry, then move into advanced topics such as physical chemistry, biochemistry, instrumental analysis, and advanced inorganic chemistry.

Through this degree, you’ll be prepared for:

  • Graduate & Ph.D. Programs in Chemistry and Related Sciences
  • Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Veterinary, and Other Health Professions
  • Biotechnology & Biomedicine Careers
  • Environmental & Energy Research
  • Teaching & Science Communication

With access to state-of-the-art labs, computational tools, and active faculty research projects, you’ll graduate ready to apply chemistry in impactful ways across healthcare, industry, and academia.

PLNU Chemistry Highlights

PLNU Chemistry Highlights

Katherine Maloney First in PLNU History to Be Named ACS Fellow 
Dr. Samuel Stoneburner Talks General Chemistry on the Lomacast Podcast
Articles (3)
Katherine Maloney First in PLNU History to Be Named ACS Fellow  Dr. Katherine Maloney became the first science professor in PLNU history to be named a fellow of the American Chemical Society with her 2025 award. Discover
Dr. Samuel Stoneburner Talks General Chemistry on the Lomacast Podcast Dr. Samuel Stoneburner is a computational chemist specializing in electronic structure theory, which means calculating the properties of atoms or molecules based on the quantum mechanical behavior of their electrons. Discover
Dr. Matthieu Rouffet Talks Chemistry on the Lomacast Podcast Dr. Matthieu Rouffet serves as Dean of the School of STEM, Professor, and is a medicinal chemist who was born and raised in France. Discover

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Chemistry, B.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

Apply Now

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

PLNU chemistry students are able to leverage their knowledge of how material is structured, changes, and reacts to make an impact on important real-world problems. Utilize a degree in chemistry to find success in healthcare, research, or even entrepreneurship. 

What can you do with a chemistry degree?

PLNU chemistry alumni are sought after for their ability to confidently combine and apply their passion for science and strong academic foundation within a range of research sectors, including industry, academia, government, nonprofit, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Specifically, many graduates have gone on to work at well-known technology engineering firms and pharmaceutical companies. A chemistry degree also prepares students well for many health professions.

Bachelor-entry jobs:

Chemists & Materials Scientists

Chemists and Materials Scientists study the composition, structure, and properties of substances to develop new materials, products, and processes that improve technology and everyday life. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and apply chemical principles to solve problems in fields like energy, medicine, and manufacturing. Chemists and Materials Scientists can work in research laboratories, chemical and pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, or universities, with opportunities in product development, quality control, and scientific research.

  • Median Pay: $86,620/year
  • Number of Jobs: 95,500
  • Job Outlook (2024–2034): +5%
  • Employment Change: +4,700 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Forensic Science Technicians

Forensic Science Technicians analyze physical evidence from crime scenes using chemical, biological, and analytical techniques to help solve criminal cases. They collect and process evidence, run laboratory tests, and prepare reports that support law enforcement investigations. Forensic Science Technicians can work in crime labs, police departments, government agencies, or medical examiner offices, with opportunities in criminal investigation, laboratory analysis, and forensic research.

  • Median Pay: $67,440/year
  • Number of Jobs: 20,700
  • Job Outlook (2024–2034): +13%
  • Employment Change: +2,600 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Jobs requiring graduate studies:

Pharmacist

A Pharmacist dispenses medications, advises patients on proper usage, and ensures safe and effective pharmaceutical care while collaborating with healthcare teams to support patient health. They review prescriptions for accuracy, counsel patients on side effects, and manage medication therapies. Pharmacists can work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, clinics, research organizations, or pharmaceutical companies, with opportunities in clinical pharmacy, community care, medication management, and pharmaceutical research.

  • Median Pay: $137,480/year
  • Number of Jobs: 335,100
  • Job Outlook (2024–2034): +5%
  • Employment Change: +15,400 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Family Medicine Physicians

A Family Medicine Physician provides comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families, diagnosing and treating a wide range of acute and chronic conditions while promoting overall wellness. They develop long-term patient relationships, coordinate care, and educate patients on preventive health practices. Family Medicine Physicians can work in hospitals, private practices, community health centers, or clinics, with opportunities in primary care, patient advocacy, and healthcare leadership.

  • Median Pay: $239,200/year
  • Number of Jobs: 839,000
  • Job Outlook (2024–2034): +3%
  • Employment Change: +24,300 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Chemistry teachers and professors

Chemistry teachers and professors educate students on chemical principles, laboratory techniques, and scientific inquiry, helping them build strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They develop lesson plans, conduct experiments, grade assignments, and often engage in research or curriculum development. Chemistry educators can work in high schools, colleges, universities, or educational programs, with opportunities in teaching, academic research, curriculum design, and science outreach.

  • Median Pay: $83,980/year
  • Number of Jobs: 1,415,600
  • Job Outlook (2024–2034): +7%
  • Employment Change: +96,700 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Opening doors with a degree in chemistry

The Chemistry B.S. from PLNU prepares you with experience and knowledge to be an innovator in the science or medical industries. Whether you pursue research, healthcare, or other careers within science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) industries, you’ll be ready with the insight gained at PLNU. 

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and to answer any questions you may have.

Curious by Nature, Chemist by Choice

Solutions Begin in the Lab

"Discovery Through Research"
"Science Meets Faith"

Future Chemist in the Making

Videos (8)
Quotes (2)
Pictures (5)
Every summer, more than 50 undergraduate students majoring in Biology and Chemistry carry out original research with their faculty mentors. The experience can have a profound impact on a student's career path.
Discovery Through Research
"I would never have applied for grad school if I hadn’t done summer research at PLNU. Just getting the experience of physically doing the research, gathering results, repeating the experiments, explaining the results...that was huge for me."
Ryan Weiss Chemistry B.S.
Science Meets Faith
"As a science major at Point Loma, I learned to view the natural world not just as unending chemical and biological systems, but truly as God’s creation that He loves and cares for deeply."
Tanner Matthews Biology-Chemistry B.S.

Department Faculty

Get Involved

Two male students experimenting with two liquids during a research lab

Chemistry Undergraduate Research

The chemistry department offers undergraduate research under the direction of experienced faculty in a variety of fields within chemistry and biochemistry.

A chemistry student focuses as she pours a liquid into a test tube.

Chemistry Club

From synthesizing pharmaceutical drugs to discovering new materials, chemistry is everywhere. That's why PLNU's Chemistry Club is here to help you get involved.