Chemistry B.A. B.S. / Minor
Study the science of matter and its transformations, with hands-on lab experience starting your first year.
Chemistry is involved in everything we do, from driving a car to cooking dinner, and a chemistry degree is excellent preparation for hundreds of different industries and careers. At Manhattan University, your courses are taught by faculty members, never graduate students, and small class sizes mean your professors will get to know you and how to best help you succeed. Choose the B.S. or B.A. in this STEM-designated, ACS-approved program, or add chemistry to any major as a minor.
This program is part of Chemistry & Biochemistry
The Manhattan Advantage
Why Study Chemistry at Manhattan University?
At Manhattan University, chemistry students gain rigorous scientific training, hands-on laboratory experience, and the individualized mentorship of faculty who teach exclusively undergraduates. Starting in the first year, students get their hands dirty doing real chemistry, working with research-grade instrumentation and conducting original research alongside faculty mentors. The program prepares graduates to thrive in graduate study, the health professions, and careers across the chemical sciences.
Degree Program Options
Choose the Chemistry Degree That Fits Your Goals
Chemistry B.S.
The B.S. is the most rigorous path and the preferred degree if you plan to pursue graduate study or a research career. You will complete the full sequence of general, organic, analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry, supported by mathematics through differential equations and a full year of physics. The chemistry major is approved by the American Chemical Society, and B.S. students who complete Biochemistry I and one additional 400-level chemistry course graduate with ACS certification, a credential recognized by employers and graduate programs nationwide.
Chemistry B.A.
The B.A. builds the same core foundation in general, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry while leaving room for 24 free elective credits. Use them to pair chemistry with the humanities, social sciences, business, or another science, a strong fit if you are headed toward careers that connect chemistry to other fields, such as teaching, law, or the health professions.
Concentrations
Students in either degree can also add a 10-credit Concentration in Nanoscience, combining Introduction to Materials Chemistry, Solid State Materials, and Characterization of Materials.
Academics
Curriculum & Courses
Explore courses that build deep skills in chemical theory, laboratory technique, and instrumental analysis across every major subdiscipline of chemistry, with co-requisite laboratory courses woven throughout the sequence.
ACS Certification: Students pursuing American Chemical Society certification complete Biochemistry I plus one additional 400-level chemistry course: Advanced Organic Chemistry, Advanced Topics in Chemistry, Advanced Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry of Cellular Processes, or Advanced Inorganic Chemistry.
To view the whole curriculum, please visit Manhattan University's academic catalog.
- General Chemistry & Labs
- Organic Chemistry & Labs
- Physical Chemistry & Labs
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Biochemistry & Labs
- Computers, Structure and Bonding
- Advanced Spectroscopy Lecture
- Analytical Chemistry Lecture
Chemistry Minor
A 15-credit minor built on General Chemistry I and II and Organic Chemistry I and II, plus one additional course chosen from analytical, physical, inorganic, advanced topics, or biochemistry offerings. A minimum grade of C is required for all courses, and at least three of the five courses must be taken at Manhattan University.
Facilities & Technology
Train on the Technology Top Research Labs Use
The Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation that is available for student use, not reserved for faculty. From your first lab courses through senior research, you will work hands-on with research-grade instruments, including:
- Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer
- Fourier-transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectrophotometer
- X-ray crystallography apparatus
- Diode-array UV/visible spectrophotometer
- Atomic absorption unit
- High-performance liquid chromatographs and gas chromatographs
- Molecular modeling laboratory
The Kakos Center for Scientific Computing
The Kakos Center for Scientific Computing gives students access to the same high-performance computing technology used at the world's top universities and research laboratories. Chemistry students and faculty use the Center to develop algorithms, model 3D molecular structures, and solve equations that require high-performance computing.
Research Opportunities
Do Graduate-Level Research as an Undergraduate
As an undergraduate chemistry student, you will have the opportunity to do hands-on research directly with a faculty member, an experience that students at larger institutions may not have until graduate school. Our students present their research at local and national conferences, including the American Chemical Society Conference, where they network with industry professionals.
Recent research projects include (checkmark list):
- Water remediation and applications of green synthetic technologies
- Natural product synthesis
- Solar energy conversion
- Environmentally friendly synthesis of biofuels
- Synthesis of ruthenium(II) and rhodium(III) complexes
- Structure and properties of zeolites
Funded Research Programs
Thanks to expanded research funding, students can also apply to University-wide research programs like Jasper Research Scholars or Summer Fellows, which support student research beyond the classroom.
Learn From Scientists Who Choose to Teach
The chemistry faculty at Manhattan University are active researchers focused exclusively on teaching undergraduate students. Your professors lead the same research projects you can join, mentor you one-on-one in the lab, and guide you through presenting your work at conferences. In small classes, they get to know you, how you learn, and how to best help you succeed.
Why Study in New York City
New York City is one of the world's great centers for the industries that hire chemists. The pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, forensics, and research industries all have a major presence across the metro area, and the city's hospitals and medical centers make it a natural training ground for students headed to medical or dental school or careers in the health professions. Studying chemistry near the heart of New York City puts internships, laboratory experience, and professional networks within reach throughout your four years. And when our students present their research at conferences like the American Chemical Society Conference, they arrive already connected to one of the most demanding scientific job markets in the world.
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences
The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of Manhattan University's three schools, offering 33 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and six combined degrees across the humanities, natural and social sciences, and professional fields. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the School pairs rigorous academics with small classes, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experience throughout the five boroughs and beyond. That foundation delivers: Manhattan University ranks in the top 3% nationally for salary impact (Wall Street Journal, 2026), a measure of how strongly a degree here translates into graduates' career earnings.
Potential Careers
Chemistry is a broad science, making it excellent preparation for numerous different careers. Graduates pursue roles in research and development, forensics, environmental science, education, and the pharmaceutical and health professions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with a median pay of $86,620 per year as of 2024.
- Agricultural Scientist
- Chemical Technician
- Chemist
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist
- Crime Lab Analyst
- Environmental Scientist
- Food Scientist
- Forensic Chemist
- Geneticist
- High School Teacher
- Laboratory Supervisor
- Materials Scientist
- Pharmacologist
- Physician
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Research Associate
- University Professor
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Manhattan University is committed to making a high-quality, career-focused education accessible and affordable. Through a combination of competitive tuition, robust financial aid, and our Jasper Guarantee, students and families can plan their education with confidence. The Jasper Guarantee locks your tuition rate for all four years—ensuring financial stability and eliminating unexpected increases as you work toward your degree.
More than 90% of Manhattan University students receive some form of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, grants, and need-based aid, significantly reducing the overall cost of attendance.
- View Tuition & Fees
- Explore Financial Aid
- Learn More About Scholarships
- Learn About the Jasper Guarantee
A Manhattan University education is an investment in your future, and we are dedicated to helping you access the resources that make it possible.
A Smarter Investment in Your Future
Jasper Guarantee
At Manhattan University, every undergraduate student is protected by the Jasper Guarantee, which locks your tuition rate for all four years, ensuring clarity, stability, and peace of mind as you plan your education. This promise reflects our commitment to affordability and to supporting students and families throughout their academic journey.
Admissions Information for Manhattan University
Start Your Journey in Chemistry
Applying to Manhattan University is designed to be clear and accessible. Review the requirements below to take the next step toward your degree.
Requirements:
- Application & transcript
- SAT/ACT optional
- Personal statement
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Deadlines:
- Early Action: November 15
- Regular Decision: February 1
Admission and Application Process
International Students:
Support available for visas, documentation, and English-language assessments.
Prepare for the Real World
At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.