University of La Verne

What you'll study

The curriculum combines classroom lectures with extensive laboratory work. Typical subject areas include:

• General Chemistry – atomic structure, stoichiometry, bonding and reaction types that form the basis for all other chemistry topics.
• Organic Chemistry – structure, reactivity and mechanisms of carbon-containing compounds and practical synthesis techniques.
• Analytical Chemistry – quantitative methods, instrumentation and techniques for chemical analysis.
• Physical Chemistry – thermodynamics, kinetics and quantum concepts applied to chemical systems.
• Inorganic Chemistry – properties and reactivity of metals, coordination compounds and periodic trends.
• Laboratory Courses and Safety – method development, instrumentation use, data quality, record keeping and chemical safety practices.
• Capstone or Research Experience – a culminating project or senior research that develops experimental design, literature review and scientific reporting skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to have completed secondary coursework in chemistry and mathematics (algebra, geometry and preferably precalculus). Admissions decisions consider high school grades, preparation in the sciences, standardized test scores where applicable, and any relevant laboratory or research experience. Transfer students should review required prerequisite equivalencies and laboratory credit policies.

Career prospects

Graduates can work in quality control, environmental testing, pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, materials science, laboratory technical roles, regulatory compliance, or continue to professional and graduate programmes (e.g., teaching certification, MSc, PhD, or health professions). The degree develops analytical, laboratory and problem-solving skills valued across industry and research settings.

Scholarships & funding angle

Students should investigate institutional scholarships, department awards for science majors, research assistantships, and external scholarships from professional chemistry organizations. Funding options may also include work-study, paid laboratory technician positions, and grants for undergraduate research—seek guidance from the university financial aid and chemistry department early to identify opportunities aligned with research or academic performance.