Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees

Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees

The best chemistry research universities are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best chemistry degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding chemistry faculty.

Top 10 Research Universities Chemistry Programs

Sort by:

A bachelor’s degree in chemistry is an excellent starting point for a career in engineering, pharmacology, environmental science, food science, forensics, and a host of other promising fields. As a chemistry major, you’ll study the matter and processes that make up the universe and everything within, living and nonliving. Your chemistry degree will incorporate major life sciences like biology and physics as well as foundational courses in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and molecular chemistry. The best schools for chemistry are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of chemistry concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Degree popularity: Chemistry bachelor’s degrees are among the top 50 most popular undergraduate degrees across all student demographics. It’s slightly more popular among men, and ranks the 23th most popular degree among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, according to the number of degree earners reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics.

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Chemistry Bachelor’s Degrees

Earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry can open numerous professionals doors. You could work with advanced microscopic technology in a laboratory setting, travel the globe in search of solutions to major ecological threats, or join a team of brilliant pharmacologists working on cures to our greatest medical challenges. Learning, discovery, and experimentation are a regular part of the job for chemistry majors. The best schools for chemistry will put you in a position to become an innovator and a leader in this exciting field.

Indeed, the leading chemists help us better understand our own world, advancing our ability to face major global challenges like food scarcity, disease, and climate change. Today, top influencers in chemistry are breaking new ground in biochemistry, nanotechnology, molecular chemistry, and much more.

Back to Top

Chemistry is a popular major because it can provide a pathway into countless fields and career opportunities. If you’re looking for a well-paying and secure job, a chemistry degree is a great place to start. Chemists study the elements that make up the universe and everything within, including humans, animals, synthetic materials, the Earth, and even other planets. Chemistry majors bring strong analytical skills, research experience, and technical knowledge to a wide range of employment settings.

Chemistry majors can work in numerous specialized fields, many of which are focused on solving the greatest problems of our times. Chemists can pioneer efficient and inexpensive ways to produce life-saving medications, develop alternative textiles that reduce our negative environmental impact and make housing more available and affordable, or analyze and improve the nutritional content of processed foods. Though often working “behind the scenes,” chemistry professionals have a great effect on how we live.

Back to Top

Once you’ve declared your major in chemistry, you will likely be required to complete a set of core courses in STEM-related subject areas. While your concentration will give you a chance to choose from a wide range of highly-specialized chemistry electives, there are a number of common courses that most chemistry majors will be required to take, including:

  • Biochemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Experimental Chemistry
  • Thermodynamics
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Calculus

Back to Top

Earning a degree in chemistry can qualify you for a number of well-paying jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs for chemistry majors is expected to grow at a rate of 5 percent between now and 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. And earnings are far higher than the average for all occupations, with chemists earning a median annual wage of $77,630 in 2019 and materials scientists earning a median pay of $96,810. The following are among the most popular jobs for chemistry majors:

Back to Top
Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degree Programs

If you think a liberal arts college may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for a bachelor’s in chemistry.

Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Harvard Univesity Chemistry Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • Chemistry and Physics
    • Chemical and Physical Biology (CPB)

    Source

  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/35

    MIT Chemistry Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • Chemistry and Biology

    Chemistry/Flex Concentrations

    • Biophysics
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Chemical Physics
    • Climate Science
    • Computational Chemistry
    • Energy
    • Environmental Chemistry
    • Materials Chemistry
    • Physical Chemistry
    • Neuroscience
    • Science Policy
    • Synthesis

    Source

  3. #3

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Stanford University Chemistry Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • Coterminal Masters Chemistry

    Source

  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1420/32

    UC Berkeley Chemistry Majors:

    • BS Chemistry
    • BS Chemical Engineering
    • BS Chemical Biology
    • BA Chemistry

    Source

  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    CalTech Chemistry Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • Chemical Engineering

    Source

  6. #6

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    Columbia University Chemistry Majors:

    BS Chemistry Research Fields:

    • Biological
    • Experimental Physical
    • Inorganic
    • Materials
    • Organic
    • Theoretical

    Source

  7. #7

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Yale University Chemistry Majors:

    • BA Chemistry
    • BS Chemistry
    • BS/MS Chemistry (4 years)

    Source

  8. #8

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Cornell University Chemistry Major Concentrations:

    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Chemical Biology
    • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical Chemistry

    Source

  9. #9

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    UPenn Chemistry Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry

    Source

  10. #10

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/33

  11. #11

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    University of Chicago Chemistry Majors:

    • BA and BS Chemistry
    • BS and MS Concurrent Degree Chemistry (4 year)

    Source

  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    46K

    UCLA Chemistry Majors and Concentrations:

    Chemistry Majors:

    • Biochemistry
    • Chemistry
    • Chemistry – Materials Science
    • General Chemistry

    Chemistry Concentrations & Specializations:

    • Physical Chemistry
    • Chemistry-Materials Science Organic
    • Computing Specialization

    Source

  13. #13

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    University of Michigan Chemistry Majors:

    • BS Chemistry
    • BS Biochemistry
    • BS Biomolecular Sciences
    • BS Chemical Science
    • BS Interdisciplinary Chemical Sciences
    • Accelerated Masters in Chemistry

    Source

  14. #14

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Northwestern University B.S. Chemistry Concentrations:

    • Biochemistry
    • Environmental Chemistry
    • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical Chemistry
    • Materials/Nanotechnology
    • BA/MS Accelerated Masters (4 year)

    Source

  15. #15

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/35

    Johns Hopkins University BA Chemistry Concentrations:

    • Chemical Biology
    • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Materials Research
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical Chemistry
    • Theoretical Chemistry

    Source

  16. #18

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Duke University Chemistry Majors:

    • BS Chemistry
    • AB Chemistry

    Source

  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    45K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/29

    UT Austin Chemistry Majors:

    • BA or BS Chemistry

    Emphasis options

    1. Chemistry
    2. Computation
    3. Teaching
    4. Chemistry Honors

    Source

  18. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    USC Chemistry Majors:

    • BS & BA in Chemistry
    • BS in Chemistry (Chemical Biology)
    • BS in Chemistry (Chemical Nanosciences)
    • BS in Chemistry (Chemical Research)
    • BS in Biochemistry

    Source

  19. #22

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Carnegie Mellon Chemistry Majors:

    • BA Chemistry
    • BS Chemistry
    • BS in Chemistry/Biological Chemistry Track

    Source

  20. #23

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    University of Florida Chemistry Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry

    Source

  21. #24

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/34

    Brown University Chemistry Major Concentrations:

    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry
    • Chemical Physics

    Source

  22. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/30

    What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UNC Chapel Hill Chemistry Majors:

    • BS Chemistry
    • BS Biochemistry
    • BS Polymer Chemistry
    • BA Chemistry

    Source

Go to all Research Universities for Chemistry programs

The Best Chemistry Schools in Your State

Go to the best chemistry schools in Alabama! Go to the best chemistry schools in Alaska! Go to the best chemistry schools in Arizona! Go to the best chemistry schools in Arkansas! Go to the best chemistry schools in California! Go to the best chemistry schools in Colorado! Go to the best chemistry schools in Connecticut! Go to the best chemistry schools in Delaware! Go to the best chemistry schools in District Of Columbia! Go to the best chemistry schools in Florida! Go to the best chemistry schools in Georgia! Go to the best chemistry schools in Hawaii! Go to the best chemistry schools in Idaho! Go to the best chemistry schools in Illinois! Go to the best chemistry schools in Indiana! Go to the best chemistry schools in Iowa! Go to the best chemistry schools in Kansas! Go to the best chemistry schools in Kentucky! Go to the best chemistry schools in Louisiana! Go to the best chemistry schools in Maine! Go to the best chemistry schools in Maryland! Go to the best chemistry schools in Massachusetts! Go to the best chemistry schools in Michigan! Go to the best chemistry schools in Minnesota! Go to the best chemistry schools in Mississippi! Go to the best chemistry schools in Missouri! Go to the best chemistry schools in Montana! Go to the best chemistry schools in Nebraska! Go to the best chemistry schools in Nevada! Go to the best chemistry schools in New Hampshire! Go to the best chemistry schools in New Jersey! Go to the best chemistry schools in New Mexico! Go to the best chemistry schools in New York! Go to the best chemistry schools in North Carolina! Go to the best chemistry schools in North Dakota! Go to the best chemistry schools in Ohio! Go to the best chemistry schools in Oklahoma! Go to the best chemistry schools in Oregon! Go to the best chemistry schools in Pennsylvania! Go to the best chemistry schools in Puerto Rico! Go to the best chemistry schools in Rhode Island! Go to the best chemistry schools in South Carolina! Go to the best chemistry schools in South Dakota! Go to the best chemistry schools in Tennessee! Go to the best chemistry schools in Texas! Go to the best chemistry schools in Utah! Go to the best chemistry schools in Vermont! Go to the best chemistry schools in Virginia! Go to the best chemistry schools in Washington! Go to the best chemistry schools in West Virginia! Go to the best chemistry schools in Wisconsin! Go to the best chemistry schools in Wyoming!
Back to Top

Learn More About Chemistry

If you want to know more about chemistry, then check out our related content: