BA/BS in Chemistry

Chemistry examines how materials are put together, made, and changed, including living matter, engineered substances, and compounds found in nature. Mount Holyoke students work with modern instruments throughout the curriculum and take a broad selection of advanced classes, discussing and collaborating closely with faculty. The program sets three aims: a solid grounding in basic principles and the links among chemistry's subfields, competence in designing, carrying out, and interpreting experiments, and exposure to current research questions and their applications. Every student starts with one of two introductory options, either a general chemistry course focused on structure and reactivity or an integrated introduction that combines biology and chemistry, regardless of earlier preparation. The department offers a major and a minor leading to the Bachelor of Arts. Its website highlights student and alumni stories about research, leadership, and combining chemistry with biology, and faculty research opportunities are available.