Sunil Malapati, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry
I am very proud to be part of a department that sets very high standards for student achievement, and our students have risen to the challenge.
Chemistry
Bachelor of Science
Chemistry majors are inquisitive, methodical, and self-starting leaders. They have robust written and verbal communication skills and excel at math, physics, and biology. Chemistry is everywhere in the world around us. It is the fabric of the world woven into everything in what we eat, what we breathe, in how we live, in what we are. Chemistry is a broad, interdisciplinary, and evolving field that shares boundaries with the life sciences, physics, and engineering. The Clarke chemistry major combines rigor with flexibility, allowing you to explore chemistry and related areas while preparing for a wide range of careers and professions. Chemists today are tackling issues such as global climate change, energy resources, genetic manipulation of crops, re-emerging diseases and their treatment, and environmental pollution. If this sounds perfect to you, take a trip to Dubuque, Iowa, and visit Clarke’s campus to see one of the top chemistry schools for yourself.
Our Bachelor Chemistry degree program prepares students for careers as professional chemists and serves as a foundation for careers in other fields such as biology and medicine. The Chemistry degree program teaches a comprehensive fundamental knowledge of the major fields of chemistry, covering the general areas of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, plus many more specialized courses including analytical, nuclear, and biophysical chemistry, and chemical biology. Students experience laboratory involvement in inorganic and organic fusion, analytical methods, physical chemical measurements, spectroscopy, biochemical engineering, and chemical methods in nuclear technology.
The world needs pioneering, ethical science and health care professionals. Are you ready to become one of them? At Clarke University’s College of Chemistry, you’ll get a powerful education that’s infused with liberal arts and housed within a brand new facility. With a Clarke chemistry degree in your hands, you’ll be prepared for some of the most in-demand careers of today and tomorrow.
Cool Classes
Below is a small sampling of the types of classes a Chemistry major would take:
INTRO TO RESEARCH — Get a taste of chemistry research using state-of-the-art instrumentation as early as your freshman year.
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY — You’ll gain insight into the chemistry of pharmaceuticals with in-depth explanation on the molecular mechanisms of drug action.
SEPARATION METHODS — You will separate and analyze chemical mixtures using advanced chromatography techniques and research quality instruments.
Senior Capstone for the Chemistry Major
Senior students are challenged to complete their Capstone Project in the sciences. This is a culmination of their learning experiences, during which they will prepare an extensive scientific report or proposal on a topic in the chemical sciences.
Program Details
All the ways we perceive the world – sight, taste, touch – are driven by chemicals and their reactions. And chemical innovation improves our lives. Understanding chemistry helps us unlock life’s mysteries and makes a positive impact in the world.
As a chemistry major, when you investigate chemical principles, you have the basis to better understand the world and how to function in that world. You’ll build this foundation in a context that helps you become a scientifically responsible citizen with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that will allow you to be successful in scientific and non-scientific professions. Clarke’s use of technology is unmatched – from hand-held data collection to molecular modeling. The ability to visualize is stressed – which is important to learning. You will also become skilled at analyzing the bioethical issues challenging the scientific community.
How You’ll Learn
Want to learn why Clarke is one of the best colleges for Chemistry? As a student studying for a Bachelor in Chemistry, you’ll have the following advantages and opportunities at Clarke University
- New state-of-the-art facility, the Marie Miske Center for Science Inquiry.
- Research opportunities both on campus and through off-campus paid internships.
- Get hands-on experience with the instrumentation suite most commonly used in the chemical industry: GC-MS, NMR, FT-IR, ATR, UV-vis, HPLC, and Fluorescence Spectrometers.
- Small classes and one-on-one interaction with Ph.D.-level faculty.
- On-campus employment opportunities as lab assistants and tutors.
- Community engagement through outreach events, summer camps, and more.
- Opportunity to explore chemical industry with field trips to pharmaceutical or other chemical research companies.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary in 2018 for an individual holding a bachelor in Chemistry is $78,330. In addition, overall employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow four percent from 2018 to 2028.
Admission to Clarke University
Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Apply to Clarke today to begin your journey.
Interesting Internships
Opportunities abound for students interested in college Chemistry in Iowa, the Midwest, and nationwide. Recent Clarke chemistry majors worked paid internships at:
- University of Michigan
- University of Washington
- University of Iowa
- University of Wisconsin
- University of Minnesota
- Marquette University
- San Jose State
What About a Job?
Careers in science and technology present exciting possibilities for today’s students. Career options for a chemistry major include:
- Industrial chemist
- Research chemist
- Teacher or researcher
- Physician
- Pharmacist
- Government regulation agency employee (FDA, EPA)
- Technical or grant writer
- Laboratory manager
- Chemical safety officer
- Patent lawyer
- Pharmaceutical salesperson
- Forensic scientist
- Chemical engineer
- Oceanographer
Program in Pictures
Clarke chemistry major students experimenting in class.
Necla Demir, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry/Food Science
I am passionate about teaching and learning from challenging students.
Karen Glover, Ph.D.
Chair and Associate Professor of Chemistry
The technology-rich environment at Clarke provides students with great hands-on opportunities.
Jason Stecklein, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Physics
Learning is the public and private negotiation of understanding.
Tony Breitbach, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
My goal as an instructor is to facilitate students in realizing their educational goals, and to foster a deeper understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment for the subject.
There’s more to college than going to class.
The Classroom and Beyond
Facilities & Equipment
Clarke’s modern science building and 10-table cadaver lab provide a unique and hands-on learning environment.
Internships
You will learn by observation and participation at off-campus laboratories or field settings through internships and experiential education ventures. Internships often facilitate entrance into the job market and are highly recommended for acceptance into some graduate programs.
Careers in Chemistry
What can I do with a degree in this major?
Clubs & Organizations
Life at Clarke is living traditions, being proud, participating in the campus community, and being an active member of our greater community.
The Clarke Compass
Through your Clarke experience, you will be involved in many different activities that will guide you on your college journey. By your senior year, you will have a résumé of all your awesome involvements packaged and ready for your first interview.
Study Abroad
Clarke University offers several faculty-sponsored study abroad experiences to destinations such as Spain, Scotland, Ireland, and Japan. Study abroad trips encourage you to experience different cultures, broaden your mind, and discover your own passions.
But don’t take our word for it…
Our Students & Alumni
Emily (Rossini) Komoroske
Chemistry ‘09
My chemistry professors at Clarke helped encourage my critical thinking, showed me the benefits of being thorough, and facilitated my personal and professional growth.
Zachary Breitbach
Chemistry ‘05
In my current position, I mentor graduate researchers. I get to know each student personally and become invested in their success, just as my major professors at Clarke did for me.
100
%
Job placement
Percent of Clarke chemistry graduates who secured a job in their chosen field or enrolled in graduate school by August.
85.2
%
Happy people
Chemistry majors rate among the highest in job satisfaction after graduation – 85.2% – according to studentsreview.com.
1:1
Student to faculty ratio
Work one-on-one with faculty on an undergraduate research project – an important criterion for entering graduate school.
Other Programs to Explore
Experience Clarke Chemistry for Yourself