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

Recognized by the EDC as a “preferred provider for life science talent,” PLNU places you in San Diego, the nation’s third-largest biotech hub, with direct access to internships and career pathways.

Enhanced graphic of copy in the color green. Text reads: "Over 80% of science courses include labs so students gain real-world skills through an additional 500 hours of lab experience."

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.

Bonded by Science

4 Impactful Research Projects from PLNU Professors
Studying the Sea
Articles (4)
4 Impactful Research Projects from PLNU Professors PLNU is home to a variety of talented and hardworking professors doing important research in San Diego and beyond! Here are 4 professors in the biology and chemistry departments whose projects stand out as creative, fascinating, and impactful. Discover
Studying the Sea Studying the sea and its inhabitants crosses many disciplines and has yielded discoveries that have improved human health. Among the scientists who are conducting ocean-related research are some of PLNU’s own. 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.

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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 alumni are sought after for the ways they are able 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. Not to mention, chemistry is one of the most common degrees chosen by those aspiring for pre-health track or medical school. 

At PLNU, chemistry majors are offered many resources on their educational journey, including references for volunteer/shadowing/research/internship opportunities, first- and second-round mock interviews, and meetings with the pre-health advisor (just to name a few). As a result, 90% of PLNU students who have applied to health professions schools have been admitted!

Chemical Safety Engineer

A Chemical Safety Engineer designs and implements processes and protocols to ensure the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals in laboratories, manufacturing, and industrial settings. They assess risks, develop safety plans, and enforce compliance with environmental and occupational regulations. Chemical Safety Engineers can work in chemical manufacturing companies, research labs, regulatory agencies, or consulting firms, with opportunities in safety management, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment.

  • Median Pay: $121,860/year
  • Number of Jobs: 21,600
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +3%
  • Employment Change: +600 jobs
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Toxicologists

A Toxicologist studies the effects of chemicals, drugs, and other substances on humans, animals, and the environment to assess risks and ensure safety. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop guidelines for safe exposure levels. Toxicologists can work in pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, government agencies, or environmental consulting firms, with opportunities in public health, product safety, and regulatory compliance.

  • Median Pay: $100,590/year
  • Number of Jobs: 165,300
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +9%
  • Employment Change: +14,300 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 (2023–2033): +3%
  • Employment Change: +24,300 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Be at the forefront of innovation, entrepreneurship, and analytical thinking 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 Biologist 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.