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Chemistry
The Chemistry department provides cadets who major in chemistry with a strong foundation in chemistry, mastery of modern chemical instrumentation, excellent analytical and mathematical skills, and the ability to think things through and solve problems.
All majors are encouraged to participate in an undergraduate research experience under the guidance of a faculty member either in a 10-week summer program or during the academic year.
The chemistry department's Bachelor of Science is approved by the American Chemical Society, and cadets fulfilling the requirements for a Bachelor of Science are certified as having met the standards of professional training by the society. The B.S. degree has two tracks to choose from: a pre-med option and a research option.
The Bachelor of Arts degree provides cadets with an opportunity to pursue other interests in preparation for a career of their choosing while providing a solid foundation in the basic areas of chemistry. This degree requires cadets to choose another focus area outside of chemistry and complete either a minor, concentration or certification. Faculty members will work closely with B.A. majors to design a program that best meets the cadets’ career goals. Career choices could correspond to the following focus areas:
- Medical, Dental Schools-Concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Military or Intelligence Agencies-International Studies Minor, National Security Minor, Arabic Minor
- Law Enforcement or Forensics-Concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Business/MBA-Business or Economics Minor
- Math/Science Teacher-Teacher Certification Program
Degrees and Programs
Major(s): Chemistry
Degree(s):
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Overview | Requirements & Electives
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Pre-Medical Track - Overview | Requirements & Electives
- Research Track - Overview | Requirements & Electives
Minor(s):
Research Opportunities
The majority of chemistry majors participate in at least one undergraduate research experience. Most of these cadets will present their research at a local or regional professional meeting, and a smaller number will have their results published. Chemistry majors also have the opportunity to work as industrial interns with a company during the summer. Majors who have demonstrated excellence in the study of chemistry are invited to participate in the departmental honors program during their 1st Class year. Cadets who accept the invitation will be engaged in extensive research under the close supervision of a faculty sponsor.
Chemistry in the News
Find out more about the department's cadets and faculty in recent VMI news.
When the Nobel Prize winners were announced recently in Stockholm, Sweden, a cheer went up nearly 7,000 miles away from faculty members at Virginia Military Institute as the world recognized the importance of technology embraced by professors and cadets in classes on post.
VMI Chemistry Professor Published in Science Journals
Maj. Christopher N. Shingledecker, assistant professor of chemistry at Virginia Military Institute, is a member of a research team responsible for discovering three new molecules in space.
