All Chemistry and Biochemistry majors, particularly BS majors, should consider doing research. Opportunities are available in the areas of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry education, computational chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Generally, several credit hours of your upper division electives can be satisfied by registering for our research course: CHEM 4904. Please click the link below to learn more about research opportunities and the kinds of research going on in our faculty members' labs.

Qualified Chemistry & Biochemistry majors are awarded departmental honors at graduation. As the department values excellence in both academics and research, we have identified the following honors categories:

• Honors in Academics and Research
• Distinction in Academics
• Distinction in Research

If you qualify for recognition, please follow these instructions and use this routing form for signatures.

Requirements for Honors in Academics and Research:

• Perform original research under the mentorship of one or more departmental faculty members such that sufficient research progress and appropriate understanding of the research topic has been achieved, as demonstrated through research mentor support of student consideration for departmental honors or distinction in research.
• Create and submit a complete report of ~15 to 25 pages on their original research.
  • Review by one additional departmental faculty member required.
  • The student candidate must submit their research proposal to their committee members for review ~four weeks prior to the end of the semester, and submit their final (revised) report to their research advisor ~two weeks prior to the end of the semester.
• Present their research in one of two options:
  • As a poster or oral presentation at a local, regional, or national conference or symposium.
  • As a ~15 to 25-minute oral presentation in the Departmental Seminar Series.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.70 in the major.

Requirements for Distinction in Academics:

• Graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.70 in the major.

Requirements for Distinction in Research:

• Perform original research under the mentorship of one or more departmental faculty members such that sufficient research progress and appropriate understanding of the research topic has been achieved, as demonstrated through research mentor support of student consideration for departmental honors or distinction in research.
• Create and submit a complete report of ~15 to 25 pages on their original research.
  • Review by one additional departmental faculty member required.
  • The student candidate must submit their research proposal to their committee members for review ~four weeks prior to the end of the semester, and submit their final (revised) report to their research advisor ~two weeks prior to the end of the semester.
• Present their research in one of two options:
  • As a poster or oral presentation at a local, regional, or national conference or symposium.
  • As a ~15 to 25-minute oral presentation in the Departmental Seminar Series.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the major.

Led by chemistry faculty Dr. Jerry Phillips, and conveniently located in Centennial Hall Room 204, the UCCS Excel Science Center offers a place to study, relax, have a free coffee or tea, and get help with your Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, and Physics classes. There are group study rooms, computers and a printer, tutors, class resources, and more. The Science Center can also help you prepare for graduate school or to seek employment after graduation.

Our graduates go on to careers in chemistry and biochemistry, as well as to graduate programs around the country. Learn more here.

There are many career paths open to those who study chemistry and biochemistry. Here are just some of the positions and industries interested in our graduates:

• Applied Research and Product Development
• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemical Information Management
• Chemical Technology
• Chemistry Professor
• Chemistry and the Law
• Chemistry in the Arts
• Consulting
• Environmental Protection
• Food Chemistry
• Forensic Chemistry
• Formulation Chemistry
• Geochemistry
• Hazardous Waste Management
• Health and Safety
• High School Chemistry Teacher
• Materials Science
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Military Science and Technology
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Oil and Petroleum
• Personal Care Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Process Chemistry
• Project Management
• Quality Assurance
• Quality Control
• Regulatory Affairs
• Science Policy
• Social Impact/Activism
• Technical Communication
• Technical Sales and Marketing
• Technical Support
• Textile Chemistry
• Water Chemistry

For more information:

• American Chemical Society – Careers
• ChemIDP – American Chemical Society's Career Planning Tool
• Chemical & Engineering News – Jobs
• American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – Careers
• American Association for the Advancement of Science – Science Careers
• ChemistryJobs
• Biospace
• Career Cornerstone Center
• LearningPath