Chemistry at NIU
Bachelor of Science
Discover chemical reactions that define our lives.
Chemical processes affect everything, from leaves changing color in the fall to our bodies converting food into energy. As a chemistry major, you'll learn about the elements that make up the world and explore how they combine and react. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to contribute to education, research and products that improve people’s lives.
I'm majoring in chemistry because I found the subject very interesting in high school. I like that there are no definite answers in chemistry and so many new things to learn.
What Can I Do With a Chemistry Degree From NIU?
Chemists generally work in research in settings such as manufacturing, agriculture, education and government/nonprofit organizations. You can also teach chemistry at a junior/senior high school or attend medical or another professional school.
Top skills reported by alumni:
- Chromatography
- New product development
- Quality control
- Research
- Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy
Top fields alumni work in:
- Consumer goods
- Health care
- Information technology
- Life sciences
- Manufacturing
Other Programs to Consider
Career Potential for NIU Chemistry Majors
Average mid-career salary:
$82,070
Top employers include:
- Argonne National Laboratory
- BASF
- Baxter International, Inc.
- Bayer
- Northwestern Medicine
- Pfizer
Job titles include:
- Analytical chemist
- Quality control chemist
- Senior chemist
- Senior scientist
- Software applications specialist
Source: Steppingblocks, 2023
What to Expect as a Chemistry Major at NIU
You'll learn from faculty with research expertise in many areas, such as cancer therapy, drug design and the molecular basis of aging. You can choose the degree emphasis that best meets your goals:
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Chemistry for pre-professionals
- Secondary teaching
How We’ll Help You Succeed
Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.
Earn your bachelor’s degree fast with our affordable tuition and fees. Any credit hours you take over 12 are free (per semester).
Prepare to thrive after graduation with personalized support from Career Services.
With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years, whether you live in Illinois or another state.
Apply to NIU
First-year Students
(Freshman)
High School GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ACT/SAT SCORES
Not considered.
We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.
Transfer Students
ALL COLLEGES GPA
2.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ALL COLLEGES GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship.