Chemistry

Chemistry: Major

Holy Cross is a leader in chemistry education. In fact, the “Discovery Chemistry” lab-based guided inquiry style of teaching began at Holy Cross, and serves as a model for the national chemical education community. 

The curriculum provides students with a strong background in fundamental principles and theories of chemistry with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. The program is laboratory intensive, beginning with the Discovery Chemistry core courses in general and organic chemistry. Advanced courses allow students to develop the skills and gain knowledge needed to become effective scientists and independent researchers. The department has a very active research program, and faculty members are committed to giving students opportunities within their research. As of result of these opportunities, Holy Cross undergraduates regularly contribute to scientific publications and travel to professional conferences. 

Our formula for success has led the chemistry department to produce among the nation’s highest number of chemistry graduates and is a top baccalaureate origin for Ph.D.s in chemistry.

Program Highlights

Students gain experience and knowledge in all the major areas of modern chemistry including organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemistry and have an opportunity to focus their program on a particular area of chemistry through research and elective courses. The department also provides:

  • A flexible major that, when completed together with one year of research, allows students to become accredited by the American Chemical Society
  • The opportunity to join the biochemistry concentration
  • The opportunity to become certified as a secondary or middle school chemistry teacher in Massachusetts by participating in the Teacher Education Program
Classroom
Discovery Chemistry

Learn more about the lab-based approach to teaching chemistry that began at Holy Cross and serves as a national model.

Students working in a lab
Research

Collaborate on innovative research with professors on a range of topics in the field.

Smith Labs
Facilities

The department is housed in the state-of-the-art integrated science complex and features modern instrumentation.

Chemistry News

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Three Holy Cross Alumni Help to Bring Murals to Downtown Worcester
This summer, POW!WOW! Worcester, a 10-day mural festival committed to making Worcester a more culturally dynamic place by activating spaces, engaging in the arts, and generating pride in the downtown area, heavily involved the work of three Holy Cross alumni: …
Read more Three Holy Cross Alumni Help to Bring Murals to Downtown Worcester
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Students Conduct Cutting-Edge Research Across Disciplines Over the Summer
For 106 students, the summer was spent pushing intellectual boundaries and creativity while conducting leading research across a range of disciplines: 61 students engaged in research in the sciences; 38 in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts; and seven …
Read more Students Conduct Cutting-Edge Research Across Disciplines Over the Summer
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Holy Cross Academic Conference to Showcase Student Work
As the academic year comes to an end, the College of the Holy Cross will celebrate the great and varied work accomplished by its students at the annual Academic Conference taking place across campus from April 27 through April 30. The four-day conference gives students from all class years the opportunity to present the results of their independent research and course work done in a variety of environments—from campus classrooms and libraries to within the Worcester community; from research labs and study abroad locations to art studios and field sites.
Read more Holy Cross Academic Conference to Showcase Student Work
Read more in the Newsroom