Fact Sheets

Chemistry @ MSUM

Chemistry has interested people for centuries. Recently, however, chemistry departments across the country have attracted fewer students than in the past. Declining numbers of chemistry graduates have created outstanding opportunities for the chemists. Because of our increasing dependence on technological advances, future chemists will have excellent opportunities for fascinating careers in areas such as medical discoveries in the health technologies, computer technology, clothing and textiles, foods and nutrition research, industrial research and materials sciences.

Minnesota State University Moorhead's Chemistry Department is on the Approved List of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Fewer than half of the nation's chemistry departments meet this rigorous standard, which is set by the ACS Committee on Professional Training for faculty, library resources, laboratory space, equipment, and curriculum. A major strength of the chemistry program is its emphasis on undergraduate research.

Career Opportunities
What do chemists do? Chemists do a lot of interesting things. Chemists have discovered new fibers for paper, improved paints and plastics, they work on fuel production, invent glues, design drugs, improve cosmetics and work with nearly anything you can find in a store or in medicine.

Did you know that almost half of the chemistry graduates get a good job in industry or research, while most of the rest go on to graduate, medical, dental and other professional schools? The job outlook is pretty good for chemists. Demand for chemists will continue to grow especially in drug manufacturing, research, development and testing services. The median salary for chemists with a college degree in chemistry is nearly $49,000.

Program Benefits

  • Our new Science Laboratory Building provides dedicated research space for chemistry faculty and students. Read more about our new science building! Minnesota State University Moorhead's chemistry laboratories are among the best equipped in the region. Most important, all this equipment is available for use by undergraduate students- one of the advantages offered by a university committed to teaching. The department has a number of laboratories specifically designed for research in addition to good computer facilities, a chemistry departmental library and a well-stocked storeroom.

  • Freshman and sophomore courses average 30-70 students and upper- level courses average only 5-15 students. All of the department's professors have a Ph.D. in one of these areas of chemistry specialization: biochemistry, analytical, physical, organic or inorganic. By employing chemistry "specialists," rather than "generalists," the character of MSUM chemistry faculty matches that of large universities.