Chemistry, Geology, Physics

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Our graduates are successful

Ashland graduates have secured positions with companies such as Proctor and Gamble, Sherwin Williams, and Ashland Chemical Company, as well as graduate programs in Chemistry and Medical and Professional schools.

Access more information about job opportunities for chemists.

Chemistry & Biochemistry

Enjoy an exciting and challenging scientific career.

As part of the Chemistry, Geology and Physics Department, Chemistry/Biochemistry at Ashland University offers a unique scientific experience. New medicines, materials, cleaner fuels, innovative criminal lab procedures — so much of modern life depends on advancements in the diverse fields of Chemistry. When you study one of the chemistry majors at Ashland University you have the very best scientific equipment at your disposal right from the start.

Jeff Weidenhamer & StudentsEven freshman have access to $100,000 instruments for their laboratory experiments. Use of this equipment increases steadily in upper-level courses, independent research projects and internships. Classes are small with around 20-30 students in most introductory courses and 10-15 students in most upper-division courses, so you really get to know your professors well and have the opportunity to work side by side with them on cutting edge research. If you do well in your studies, you can either obtain employment in industrial laboratories or continue your education in graduate or professional schools. Most of our students who attend graduate school do so with a full tuition scholarship and teaching or research assistantship. Ashland University graduates attend major research institutions for graduate school throughout the United States.

What you will enjoy about chemistry:

  • A strong pre-professional program
  • The opportunity to work with advanced scientific equipment from your first year
  • Exciting internship opportunities
  • External research grants, giving more opportunities for students to conduct hands-on research and present their findings at professional meetings

Quality faculty

All of our faculty members have Ph.D.s and are well respected scientists who are dedicated to working with students. You will have the opportunity to get to know them well as you work with them as the mentor you in the classroom and laboratory and on research projects. Several have been received awards for their teaching, as well as grants from public and private foundations to support their research.

Why Study Chemistry/Biochemistry at Ashland University?

Hands-on training with advanced instrumentation

Advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, atomic absorption, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy are an important part of the practice of modern chemistry. Our labs are well-equipped with the modern instrumentation that today's chemists use, and you will have the opportunity to use this equipment beginning your freshman year.

Opportunities to participate in research

Many of our students undertake research with their professors, co-publish their findings and present them at scientific meetings. Research by undergraduates in our department has identified problems with cadmium contamination of children’s jewelry and has resulted in several recalls as well as legislation to restrict cadmium use.