Why UMKC?
UMKC’s curriculum and approach help students develop knowledge beyond basic science and theory. The program provides numerous undergraduate research possibilities as well as links to major companies that offer internships and part-time employment opportunities. Excellent resources are available to chemistry students, including state-of-the-art equipment and one of the nation’s best private science and technology libraries, the Linda Hall Library, which is located adjacent to the UMKC campus.
Fast Facts
- The department has approximately 200 undergraduate chemistry majors, 10 master’s students and 30 interdisciplinary Ph.D. students.
- Despite small class sizes, the department boasts over 35,000 square feet of space for chemistry teaching and research. At the graduate level, there are 23 research labs and common areas containing major research and teaching instrumentation.
- A chemistry major pairs perfectly with the prerequisites for dental, medical, law, public health and other professional schools.
- UMKC offers two baccalaureate degrees in chemistry: a B.A. and a American Chemical Society-approved B.S., designed for students who want to pursue graduate studies in chemistry or work in laboratory or research positions.
Student Organizations
Some of the most popular student organizations among chemistry majors include:
- UMKC chapter of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society – members present research at local, state or national conferences.
- Pre-Dental Society – the UMKC School of Dentistry is eager to pair pre-dental students with dental students and community dentists for shadowing experiences.
- Pre-Medical Society – area hospitals and free health clinics welcome pre-medical students as volunteers.
- UMKC Honors Program – select from a wide range of research opportunities and study abroad experiences.
Real World Experience
- UMKC's curriculum and approach help students develop knowledge beyond basic science and theory.
- Excellent resources are available, including one of the nation's best private science and technology libraries, the Linda Hall Library, which is located adjacent to the UMKC campus.
- The American Chemical Society-approved bachelor of science degree is designed for students who want to work in the field of chemistry by pursuing graduate studies in chemistry or entering laboratory or research positions.
- The bachelor of arts degree is an excellent preparation for dental and medical programs or for jobs requiring general knowledge of chemistry, such as pharmaceutical sales or patent law.
- Students have the ability to perform cutting-edge research using state-of-the-art equipment.
- UMKC is located near numerous major companies that offer internship and part-time employment opportunities.
- Chemistry majors who are also pre-health can easily shadow and/or volunteer in a multitude of settings.
- The demand for intellectual property or "patent" attorneys is on the rise; chemistry majors are well-suited to this career field.
- A career in forensic investigation is exciting. Forensic chemists analyze physical evidence collected from crime scenes and evaluate results.
Careers
Possible career paths for chemistry majors:
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Salaries
Average range of salaries for jobs in Kansas City:
- Entry-level laboratory assistant, $29,000-$38,000
- Entry-level chemist, $40,000-$48,000
- Experienced chemist with graduate degree, $48,000-$100,000
Admission Requirements
- There are no special requirements beyond those for admission to the University.
- High school students who are considering chemistry as a major
should pursue courses in science, especially chemistry, physics
and mathematics.
Prerequisite Courses
- There are no prerequisite courses necessary before becoming a
chemistry major.
Major Courses
The B.S. in chemistry requires a minimum of 43 hours taken in chemistry, plus math and physics requirements.
Required chemistry courses for the B.S. degree:
- General Chemistry I and II with labs (211, 211L, 212R, and 212LR)
- Organic Chemistry I and II with labs (321, 321L, 322R, and 322L)
- Inorganic and Organic Synthesis (382)
- Analytical Chemistry I and II (341 and 442R)
- Physical Chemistry I and II (431 and 432)
- Experimental Physical Chemistry (437WI)
- Chemical Literature (410)
- Inorganic Chemistry (451R)
- One of either Bioorganic Chemistry (367) or Biochemisty (Biological Sciences 341 or 365)
B.S. candidates are also required to take:
- Three semesters of calculus (Math 210, 220 and 250)
- Physics for Science and Engineering I and II (240 and 250)
- An advanced course in either chemistry, mathematics, biology,
or physics
The B.A. in Chemistry requires a minimum of 26 hours taken in chemistry, plus math and physics requirements.
- Required chemistry courses for the B.A. degree:
- General Chemistry I and II with labs (211, 211L, 212R, and 212LR)
- Elementary Organic Chemistry with lab (320 and 320L) or the
preferred option of Organic Chemistry I and II with labs (321, 321L, 322R, and 322L) - Analytical Chemistry (341WI) and elective chemistry credits
B.A. candidates are also required to take:
- General Physics I and II (210 and 220)
- College algebra or a higher-level mathematics or statistics course (Math 110 or higher)
Other Programs Available
Chemistry majors frequently elect to complete double majors or minors
in other departments. Some of the most popular have been:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- A foreign language, such as Spanish, French or German
- Biology
- Business
- Psychology
- Healing and the Humanities (minor)
Faculty
- All of the chemistry department’s faculty members are active scholars who have earned their Ph.D.s at major universities across the country and abroad.
- Most are involved in research projects and bring significant grant money to the University, creating a wide range of research opportunities for students in the department.
- Several have earned awards for outstanding teaching and/or research efforts at the University system and state levels.
- Three faculty members have been selected as distinguished Curator's Professors for teaching or research.
Department of Chemistry
816-235-2273
chemdept@umkc.edu
http://cas.umkc.edu/chem/
Contact us
UMKC Office of Admissions
120 Administrative Center
University of Missouri-Kansas City
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499
(816) 235-1111
www.umkc.edu
Individuals with speech or hearing impairments may
call Relay Missouri at:
1-800-735-2966 (TT)
1-800-735-2466 (voice)
Visit us
Contact the UMKC Welcome Center at 816-235-UMKC (8652), or toll-free at 1-800-775-UMKC (8652), and we'll arrange a guided campus tour and a meeting with faculty and staff.
