Chemistry. It’s the core science: the study of the properties, composition and changes that occur in matter. When you study chemistry, you analyze issues that influence every aspect of life on Earth. Whether you choose the Bachelor of Science degree (for those targeting careers in industry or planning to pursue a graduate degree) or the Bachelor of Arts degree (appropriate for those seeking work in medicine, dentistry or secondary school teaching), Cal Lutheran’s chemistry curriculum provides the knowledge base required of the discipline. Because of the program’s strong emphasis on laboratory experience, our advanced chemistry students are taught how to design and carry out their own experiments and encouraged to work on independent research projects. They also have the opportunity to do supported research with faculty members during the summer. Many students have been accepted to summer research programs at Ph.D.-granting institutions.

The department possesses modern instruments which students use regularly in their classes and research projects. These include: Fourier transforms infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers; gas chromatographs with several types of detectors; mass spectrometer; electron capture; flame ionization; rapid-scan UV-vis spectrometer. Cal Lutheran chemistry students are encouraged to pursue internships and REU programs during the course of their studies. Recent Cal Lutheran students have interned at Ventura County Crime Lab, Amgen and Rockwell Science Center, and have attended REU programs at Colorado State and SUNY Stoney brook.