Chemical Science Major (BS) at Xavier University

Chemistry lies at the heart of solutions to many modern problems, from developing sustainable materials to discovering new medicines. When you know chemistry, you understand how other sciences—such as physics, biology, geology, and environmental science—work together to explain and transform the world around us. Chemistry helps society.

What is it about Chemistry that makes it worth studying? Chemistry explains things, like how do leaves change color? Why do bananas smell the way they do? Why is life carbon-based and not silicon-based? Chemistry makes things. From soap and toothpaste to aspirin and penicillin, from polystyrene cups and plastic bags to Kevlar body armor and LCD displays. Millions of things that make our life modern are made by chemistry. Chemistry connects things. You can't really understand other sciences on a deep level if you don't know the chemistry behind it. Chemistry is truly a central science.

To complement this strong technical background, students also hone their written and verbal communication skills by writing lab reports, discussing problem-solving in class, and making formal presentations in the Junior and Senior Seminars. Working with classmates in the lab, students gain teamwork skills that are essential to working in successful organizations. Our lab safety training across the curriculum will prepare you for future lab work in research labs or industry.

One of the strengths of our chemistry program is the partnerships you will build with the faculty members. Unlike large, impersonal introductory courses at many colleges and universities, the chemistry classes at Wittenberg have a maximum enrollment of 32, and upper-level courses usually range from five to 10 students. Small classes and labs make certain that you get individualized attention and ensure your success in chemistry.

To complement this strong technical background, students also hone their written and verbal communication skills by writing lab reports, discussing problem-solving in class, and making formal presentations in the Junior and Senior Seminars. Working with classmates in the lab, students gain teamwork skills that are essential to working in successful organizations. Our lab safety training across the curriculum will prepare you for future lab work in research labs or industry.

One of the strengths of our chemistry program is the partnerships you will build with the faculty members. Unlike large, impersonal introductory courses at many colleges and universities, the chemistry classes at Wittenberg have a maximum enrollment of 32, and upper-level courses usually range from five to 10 students. Small classes and labs make certain that you get individualized attention and ensure your success in chemistry.