Individualized attention, great research opportunities and in-depth instruction — these are the hallmarks of the Central College chemistry department. Chemistry majors at Central take the same courses as students at larger institutions but have greater opportunities for research and mentoring due to the one-on-one attention provided by the Central faculty. The chemistry department is certified by the prestigious American Chemical Society which means graduates are ensured to have a strong scientific background needed for graduate school or careers in chemistry.
Rhiley Huntington reflects on the gift of a Central education and where it will take her and those whose lives she touches.
Dr. Barbara Pettitt ’72 put on a suture workshop for Central students interested in medical school—providing hands-on practice sewing and tying for the future doctors.
Central students and faculty provide lessons in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to middle school students.
A new Central College Abroad program in Yucatan will allow future medical professionals to explore health care in Latino culture.
After making a promise to a dying friend, former baseball star Adam Duerfeldt ’06 turned his sights toward cancer research. He recently received an American Cancer Society fellowship.
A chemistry major from Central opens the door to diverse career options such as basic research, medicine, pharmacology, public health, biochemistry, teaching, industrial lab work, environmental testing and forensic science. In addition, chemistry majors at Central are eligible for admission to the chemical engineering programs at Washington University in St. Louis and Iowa State University following completion of their junior year. Past chemistry graduates have gone on to become research chemists, criminalists and health professionals.
Recent graduates' careers have taken them to the following businesses and graduate schools:
Are you looking for practical experience in a given field? An internship might be the answer. When it comes to future employment or entrance into graduate school, students with internship experience have a proven track record in a professional environment.
Recent internships include:
A degree in chemistry from Central College is in high demand. In the past seven years (2005-11), 57 students have graduated with a chemistry degree from Central.
Of those students, over 55 percent have gone on to pursue advanced degrees (25).
- Medical School: M.D. and D.O. (14)
- Dental School: D.D.S. (3)
- Graduate School: Ph.D. (10), M.S. or M.A. (3), Pharmacy PharmD (2)
Other graduates were easily able to secure employment in other areas including industry, research and teaching.
Learn more about internships at Central.
The chemistry department offers a strong foundation in concepts and laboratory skills needed for successful careers in chemistry or the health professions.
* Required for American Chemical Society certification.
Option I
Freshman year
Sophomore year
Junior year
Senior Year
Option II
Freshman year
Sophomore year
Junior year
Senior Year
Get more details from the course catalog! (Note: this is a PDF file)
The Vermeer Science Center recently went through a $20-million renovation and expansion that was completed in fall 2003. In addition to biology, chemistry, physics and natural science departments, the mathematics and computer science departments are located in Vermeer. The building contains 13 high-tech classrooms. Each contains a ceiling-mounted projector, computer with flat panel monitor, Wolfvision document camera, combination VCR/DVD player and a Ken-a-vision flex camera. Vermeer also contains several computer labs with new Dell computers with flat panel monitors and the most recent versions of math and science computer programs. Numerous science laboratories with state-of-the-art science equipment allow students to conduct their own research. Just inside the main entrance is an easy-to-use touchscreen kiosk with a building directory that can be searched by room or professor’s name. Central was awarded a silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) medal rating from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), making the science center the first LEED-rated building in the state. The chemistry department maintains state-of-the-art instrument research equipment including NMR, IR, AA, GC, HPLC, UV-VIS, and luminescence.
No matter what your interests are, Central has a student group or organization that you’ll want to join! Student groups include:
Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s eight international programs to enhance their development as global citizens, or with Central’s Chicago program and the Washington, D.C., program. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
