St. Thomas University (FL)

What you'll study

The chemistry degree focuses on core chemical principles alongside practical laboratory skills. You will study foundational courses such as general chemistry and introductory inorganic chemistry, and progress to organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemistry. Coursework emphasises quantitative problem solving, laboratory techniques, chemical safety and data analysis.

• Core modules: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry.
• Laboratory work: Weekly supervised labs that train students in wet chemistry, titration, spectroscopy, chromatography and instrumental methods.
• Advanced topics: Instrumental Analysis, Environmental Chemistry, Materials Chemistry and Chemical Kinetics, depending on elective choices.
• Research and capstone: Opportunities for independent research projects or a senior capstone seminar under faculty supervision to develop experimental design and scientific communication skills.
• Liberal arts integration: General education requirements in mathematics (calculus and statistics), physics, humanities and communication to develop critical thinking and written/oral presentation skills.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants normally hold a secondary-school diploma with strong grades in mathematics and science. Recommended preparatory subjects include high-school chemistry, algebra/trigonometry and ideally calculus; prior laboratory experience is helpful but not always mandatory. Admissions decisions are based on academic record and supporting materials. International applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved test or equivalent documentation when applicable.

Applicants transferring from other institutions should present college transcripts showing completed coursework in introductory chemistry and mathematics; individual transfer credit is assessed on a course-by-course basis.

Career prospects

Graduates with a chemistry bachelor’s from St. Thomas University commonly move into roles in industrial laboratories, environmental monitoring, quality control, chemical manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. The degree also prepares students for graduate study (MSc, PhD) and professional programmes in pharmacy, medicine, or forensic science.

• Chemical laboratory technician or analyst
• Quality assurance/quality control in pharmaceuticals and manufacturing
• Environmental scientist or field analyst with regulatory agencies or consultancies
• Research assistant in academic or industrial research groups
• Secondary-school science teacher (with appropriate certification), or progression to postgraduate teacher training
• Further study in specialised areas such as materials science, medicinal chemistry or forensic science

Why study at St. Thomas University (FL)

St. Thomas University offers a small, student-centred environment where students benefit from close faculty mentoring and accessible laboratory resources. The programme emphasises hands-on learning and undergraduate research, with opportunities to engage in faculty-led projects and local internships that leverage the university’s South Florida location. The liberal-arts framework supports broad communication and critical-thinking skills valued by employers and graduate programmes.

Students can expect personalised academic advising, preparation for postgraduate study or professional pathways, and a community-focused campus that supports experiential learning and professional development.