B.S. in Chemistry
Biola’s chemistry degree offers preparation in all the core areas of chemistry: analytical, biological, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Our program provides rigorous coursework, hands-on-training with the latest chemical instrumentations, as well as a rich independent research experience from a Christian worldview. As a chemistry graduate, you will be fully prepared to pursue professional careers in industry or government, or to continue towards advanced degrees in chemistry and molecular sciences. Our graduates work in a variety of places, including the biomedical field, government agencies, environment and sustainability fields, and the food technology industry.
In addition to its strong curriculum, expert faculty members and biblical integration, Biola’s chemistry program offers several key advantages:
- Green Chemistry training will train you to work with chemicals and materials by applying the 12 principles of green chemistry. Learn more about the Green Chemistry Commitment on the Department of Chemistry website.
- Small class sizes will enable you to benefit from professors who have the time to individualize programs and meet specific needs.
- Biola's location in Southern California — one of the world’s largest and most diverse metropolitan areas — is ideal for finding student employment and internships in local industry.
- Biola offers numerous summer mission projects that allow students to use their technical skills.
- Well-equipped laboratories and state-of-the-art instrumentation at the Lim Center offer hands-on experience and opportunities to put your learning into action.
- Be mentored by expert faculty who integrate their Christian faith into their lives as researchers, teachers and ministers in local or global communities. Students have opportunities to be involved in directed research with faculty, participate in presentations at various conferences and co-author peer-reviewed journal articles. Learn more about our faculty and student research.
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Career Outlook and Preparation
What can you do with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry?
A degree in chemistry provides solid preparation for graduate work and for wide-range of careers in important fields such as medicine, law, biomedical, pharmaceutical, food or forensic science, government, chemical and resource management, environment and sustainability, and education. You can expect to influence and transform the world for Jesus Christ through your life and calling in professions such as:
- Pharmacist
- Educator
- Quality control specialist
- Dentist
- Surgeon
- Laboratory technologist
- Government science writer
- Forensic science technician
- Industrial or chemical engineer
- Biochemical or environmental chemist
In addition, many graduates of Biola's chemistry program pursue graduate studies, while others move into other scientific career-building opportunities. Professional highlights include:
- Food science technician
- Chemist in government laboratory
- Acceptance and matriculation into Ph.D. programs at highly acclaimed universities such as: University of California, Berkeley, Irvine, and Riverside; Texas A&M University; Cal State Long Beach
Explore the Biola Office of Health Professions Advising (BOHPA), a distinctive of Biola, that provides experienced advice for navigating your healthcare journey, resources for taking qualifying exams like the GRE and MCAT, mock interviews, clinical shadowing experiences with health professionals, and strategic advice for applying to postgraduate programs.
10% job growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for chemical engineers is projected to be much faster than average between 2023 and 2033.
BLS projections are not specific to Biola University students or graduates.
If you are serious about science, Biola has what you need to pursue it for a career. If you want to sit in the intersection of science and faith, I beg you to come and learn that science is God's magic trick, in which we are continually discovering and being amazed by how he did it. If you are serious about Jesus Christ or perhaps trying to answer that question, then come and learn about the Nazarene.
Chemistry, B.S. '21
Studying Chemistry has allowed me to appreciate God's intricate design of the universe on a macroscopic scale, as well as on an atomic level.
