About the Department

approved chemistry program - American chemical societyIn the UNK Chemistry department students are involved in practical applications of science from their freshman year. Whether it's training on the latest equipment in state-of-the-art labs, assisting faculty in impactful research, or learning from premiere instructors, students acquire skills and experience that set them apart in their future careers.

Programs are tailored to students' interest areas, allowing them to graduate with a strong foundation in their specific field and setting them up for success in graduate school and employment. Students can choose from professional chemist, biochemistryForensics, General, Pharmacy and health science emphases, plus a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry, and a 7-12 subject teaching endorsement. We also offer a 3+1 Chemical Engineering program in partnership with UNL.

Medical School Acceptance Rate

Last 5 years acceptance rate into medical school

92% UNK Chemistry

92%
UNK Chemistry

40% National Average

40%
National Average

Why study Chemistry at UNK?

  • 15:1Student to Faculty Ratio
  • 40%More scholarly publications by chemistry faculty and students at UNK compared to peer institutions
  • $800KResearch grants awarded in the last 2 years

Beyond the Classroom

a student and professor work together in a lab

Research

Nathaniel Garringer

In Senior Chem Lab and Physical Chemistry, I really enjoyed working with my peers to better understand the subject - we all struggled through it together. Over the summer, I assisted Dr. K-S with her research along with two other close friends. The last 2 years of undergraduate were a blast.

The knowledge garnered through UNK for Chemistry and Education has been invaluable in helping me become a teacher. I look forward to continuing with UNK to better my career in graduate school!

Nathaniel Garringer

Chemistry (7-12 Teaching Ed.), 2020 - Chemistry Teacher at Kearney High