Hands-on science, real-world impact

A chemistry degree from Pacific provides you with a strong foundation in chemical principles and prepares you for diverse careers and advanced studies. Gain a competitive edge through hands-on research opportunities and work with faculty on cutting-edge treatments for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. You'll develop critical problem-solving skills, which will set you up for success in health sciences, dental, pharmacy or graduate school. 

Student-centered

At Pacific, you can expect a student-centered chemistry experience. You'll gain essential laboratory skills and deep subject understanding, giving you a competitive edge. Faculty closely mentor you, so you are prepared for top professional schools, a rewarding career or leading positions in industry and academia. 

Experiences beyond the classroom

The chemistry program prepares you for real-world experiences. Through rigorous coursework, you'll gain the skills needed for internships and research. Recent majors have secured positions at leading health care companies including Varian, Genentech and Gilead Sciences. 

Pacific chemistry student in the lab
What can you do with a chemistry or biochemistry degree?

Whether you are preparing for graduate school or a job in industry, Pacific's research, internship and networking opportunities can help you achieve your goals. The career paths in chemistry range from research to writing and are more diverse than you might think. 

Research in Chemistry

Pacific’s chemistry department immerses students in research across organic synthesis, biochemistry, theoretical chemistry and spectroscopy. Undergraduates co-author publications, share findings at conferences and take part in funded summer projects. The program fosters hands-on contributions to innovative, forward-looking scientific exploration. 

Current grants (close to $1 million) support this research and have funded:

 

Undergraduate opportunities 

As an undergraduate, you can join research groups and collaborate with graduate students and faculty mentors to fulfill chemistry elective requirements. Summer internships are also offered, with opportunities to earn course credit or receive pay as a research associate. 

Graduate opportunities 

Graduate students in the pharmaceutical sciences and chemistry program receive salaries as teaching assistants in undergraduate labs. Alongside conducting research, they are granted up to nine units of tuition remission each semester. 

Pacific’s Department of Chemistry mentors 24 graduate students and several post-doctoral fellows. 

Graduate research focus areas ("tracks") in chemistry 

  1. Synthesis and drug discovery/design: This track focuses on creating and developing new compounds, both synthetic and from natural products, as potential drugs, while advancing chemical synthesis methods and structure elucidation. 

  1. Bioanalytical/physical chemistry/biochemistry: This track explores chemical, biochemical and biomedical questions using cutting-edge experimental and computational tools. This includes advanced synthesis, instrumentation and molecular techniques. 

Cancer Treatment Development

Outstanding Student
Gabby Sonderegger '23

Gabby started college with the goal of becoming a research scientist at a national lab. In fact, she decided to study chemistry at Pacific because of the university’s research opportunities. As a recipient of Pacific’s Stauffer Charitable Trust Challenge Grant, she was able to work on synthesizing molecular switches which have a potential use in cancer drug delivery systems.

University of the Pacific's Stauffer grant recipient
Teaching credential track

If you wish to qualify to teach chemistry at the secondary level, you should complete the Single Subject Credential.  Ask you adviser or the department chair for information on specific course requirements.  For other credential requirements, you should consult faculty in Benerd College.

Chemistry
Stauffer Charitable Trust Challenge Grant

Each summer, six chemistry students receive stipends funded by the John Stauffer Charitable Trust and donations from alumni, friends and Alpha Chi Sigma members. The trust matched donations of up to $1 million to support student research on topics including drought impacts, sustainable solutions and other hands-on chemistry challenges. 

Noyce Scholars
Pacific Noyce Scholars Program

The PacNoyce Scholars Program provides scholarships and other support for STEM majors at Pacific who become teachers in high-needs school districts, such as Stockton.

You could be eligible for the Robert Noyce Teachers Scholarship worth up to $13,750 a year, for juniors and seniors or $20,000 for the final MA/teaching credential year.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
MS / PHD Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences
Chemistry Minor
Ready to take the next step?
Stauffer challenge winners

Contact Us

chemistry student in lab
Department of Chemistry
209.946.2271

3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211