Chemistry (B.S.)
Chemistry

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree provides a strong background in chemistry that's attractive to employers and graduate schools. This degree merits distinction as an American Chemical Society approved program, incorporating courses in all the major areas of chemistry along with supporting courses in math, physics, and general education. At Bethel, courses in organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemistry are taught by professors who have doctoral degrees and ongoing research in each specific area.
Why should I study chemistry?
Chemistry is the central science, built on the fundamentals of mathematics and physics and applied in biology and biochemistry. Students learn how to think independently, solve problems, and gain a broad understanding of the principles that underlie the natural world.
Students have the opportunity for an education that is second-to-none, working alongside professors focused on teaching courses for and research with undergraduate students. This challenging degree is pursued within a supportive, Christian environment.
What can I do with this degree?
Recent Bethel graduates earning the B.S. degree have gone on to doctoral programs in:
- Materials science and engineering
- Analytical chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Law
They attended graduate schools such as:
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- William Mitchell College of Law
- Vanderbilt
- Stanford
- Purdue
- University of Georgia
- Virginia Tech
- Pennsylvania State University
After earning their B.S. or their graduate degrees, recent graduates gain employment at companies including:
- R&D Systems
- Medtronic
- 3M
- Pace Analytical
- General Mills
- Vision Ease
- Boston Scientific
- Ecolab
What skills will I develop?
- Real-world research skills in a broad range of areas
- Hands-on experience using research-grade instruments
- Quantitative and analytical skills to understand data and solve problems
- Experiment design and interpretation
- Critical and creative thinking
- Reading, writing, and presentation of scientific ideas and experimental results
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
All chemistry majors participate in both a junior and senior research project in collaboration with one of our skilled and experienced faculty, including presenting their results at regional and national conferences. Many students participate in full-time paid summer research at Bethel or are accepted into research and internship positions across the country. Students will use state-of-the-art instrumentation (including a high-field NMR spectrometer) in their courses and research. The Chemistry Department also offers a History of Science study-abroad course in Europe every January.97%
of recent chemistry grads are employed or in graduate/medical school
#5
best research university in Minnesota
- Academic InfluenceRecent News
The Story of Quadruple—maybe Quintuple—Major Michael Opheim ’24
June 01, 2023 | 12:45 p.m.
Upcoming Events
OCT 10 2023
6 p.m. Boardroom
Come to learn about STEM job and internship opportunities!
OCT 16 2023
Chemistry Student-Alumni Mixer
5:30 p.m. The Underground
Come share your educational/career journey with our current chemistry students in an informal small-group setting!

Bethel chemistry students not only receive a world-class education, but also training that incorporates the beauty of God's creation in every aspect of learning.
Brent Kobielush, Ph.D. '04Current job: U.S. Regulatory Affairs Manager at Cargill, Inc.

I’m not doing this because I want to save the world one heart valve at a time, but because I get to impact students who then impact others.
Angela Stoeckman ’97Associate Professor of Chemistry

I’m going to graduate from Bethel having done things that I would have never thought I could do, and research was a big one.
Maria Pecoraro ’19University of Minnesota Medical Center