Majors and Degree Requirements

Students majoring in the College of Chemical and Life Sciences will discover the excitement of 21st century sciences. Four academic majors are available: Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences. Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences offer specializations within the majors. The College also participates in the Neuroscience Minor. 

Biochemistry

The Biochemistry major at the University of Maryland will deepen your understanding of biological processes from a fundamental chemical perspective, in a modern, rigorous curriculum. Our unique four-semester curriculum in basic chemistry puts an emphasis on biological aspects of chemistry, with special versions of these courses designed just for chemistry and biochemistry majors. Upper level courses are offered in chemistry, biochemistry and biology. Undergraduates have opportunities to do cutting edge research under the supervision of renowned faculty. Many students with a degree in biochemistry choose to pursue an advanced degree in graduate school, or to attend medical, dental, pharmacology, or veterinary schools. Biochemistry graduates also have job opportunities in industry and government research labs.

Biological Sciences

The Biological Sciences major at the University of Maryland offers a rigorous exposure to the modern experimental disciplines within Biology. The curriculum includes foundational coursework required to be successful in a career, including courses biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Upper level courses are organized into specialization areas, aligned with the major research areas in modern biology ranging from molecular and cellular studies to ecosystem studies. Undergraduates have opportunities to do cutting edge, modern research under the supervision of faculty who are at the top of their research fields. Our curriculum is designed to provide a broad and comprehensive education from which you can pursue a career in government or private industry, and prepares you for professional or graduate school in a range of areas.

Chemistry

A career in Chemistry offers many opportunities and rewards. Earning a degree in Chemistry from the College of Chemical and Life Sciences is challenging and rigorous. The curriculum includes a full foundational sequence of general and organic chemistry courses designed specifically for biochemistry and chemistry majors, as well as upper level courses in a variety of traditional and cutting edge fields. Undergraduates have opportunities to do cutting edge, modern research under the supervision of faculty who are at the top of their research fields. The Chemistry major prepares students for a variety of careers, including research in industry and government, and studies in graduate or professional school. The science of Chemistry bridges physics and materials science, and informs studies in biological sciences, medicine, and the earth and planetary sciences. Chemistry is a fundamental driver in the business and commerce sector of our society.

Environmental Sciences

The College of Chemical and Life Sciences participates in the intra-collegial Environmental Sciences and Policy degree program by offering a specialization in Biodiversity and Conservation. The program provides a foundation in the biological principles that influence the diversity of life, with a focus on the disciplines of ecology and evolution. Undergraduates have opportunities to do cutting edge, modern research under the supervision of faculty who are at the top of their research fields. An Environmental Sciences degree from the College of Chemical and Life sciences prepares students to work for government or private conservation organizations, and for study at the graduate level in a range of environmentally related areas.

Minor in Neuroscience

Students interested in the intersection of biological sciences with behavioral sciences have the opportunity for a minor in Neuroscience, offered jointly with the Department of Psychology. The curriculum includes basic course work in biology, and chemistry, and access to upper level courses in both biology and psychology. Coupled with a degree in Biological Sciences, The minor in Neuroscience prepares students for a variety of research careers in government or industry labs, and for further study in graduate or professional school.

The majors offered by the College of Chemical and Life Sciences, and the progress of students within those majors, are supported by the academic departments, and by the staff and the advisors that reside in the central college offices in Symons Hall.