- <a href="/live/image/gid/63/width/650/86398__DSC0487.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image86398"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/63/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86398__DSC0487.rev.1607381088.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/63/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86398__DSC0487.rev.1607381088.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/63/width/500/height/479/crop/1/86398__DSC0487.rev.1607381088.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/63/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86398__DSC0487.rev.1607381088.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/63/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86398__DSC0487.rev.1607381088.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/63/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86398__DSC0487.rev.1607381088.jpg 3x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/63/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86398__DSC0487.rev.1607381088.jpg" alt="Associate Professor and Chair of Chemistry Anne Bentley leading a research lab in November 2020. " width="720" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/63/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86398__DSC0487.rev.1607381088.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/63/width/720/height/690/crop/1/86398__DSC0487.rev.1607381088.jpg 3x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="3067" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-split_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Associate Professor and Chair of Chemistry Anne Bentley leading a research lab in November 2020. </div>
Chemistry
We believe that ideas explored in the classroom come to life when tested in the lab. As you build a foundation in chemistry, you will also generate hypotheses, design experiments, collect data, and communicate results—making this program one of the best for preparing for your life after Lewis & Clark. Plus, our location close to Oregon Health & Science University, Nike, and Intel provides easy access to collaborations, internships, and employment.
With accomplished faculty and award-winning students; more than 20,000 square feet of classroom, laboratory, and study space; and funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), Research Corporation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), the Keck Foundation, and the Fairchild Foundation, our department is well-equipped for the study of chemistry in the 21st century. Our students graduate with a degree in chemistry and excellent career preparation skills, knowing how to write grants, read scientific literature critically, reason quantitatively, and work in teams.
What You’ll Study
Our chemistry curriculum is divided into analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Students become familiar with each area, ensuring a thorough grasp of the larger field. We work closely with our students, both in the classroom and in laboratories. Students are involved in research at all levels, initially assisting professors and ultimately performing studies on their own. Research opportunities are available through the Independent Study and/or Senior Research classes and the paid Rogers Summer Science Program.
Many of our students earn course credit toward their degree while on an overseas program. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, the Berlin program offers an optional chemistry emphasis and is designed and led by a chemistry faculty member.
Outside the classroom, the department hosts social events to help majors and faculty connect informally, including dinners at a faculty member’s house, drinks at a campus cafĂ©, bowling, and hiking.
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors
The most popular minors for our chemistry majors are data science, Earth system science, health studies, and neuroscience.
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
- Kryton Gackle BA ’25
My favorite class is Physical Chemistry, which covered things at the quantum and fundamental level. I gained insight into the theory of the most base components that compose reality.
Chemistry | Miles City, MontanaMore about Kryton - Genevieve Basile BA ’23
The size of the chemistry department allowed me to create deep connections with my STEM peers and the faculty. It seems like the faculty are always in their office with the door open and ready to help!
Chemistry | Santa Rosa, CaliforniaMore about Genevieve - Drew Blauth BA ’23
My favorite course was Ordinary Differential Equations. This class greatly tested my interdisciplinary skills and enabled me to use knowledge I had gained from all different kinds of classes at Lewis & Clark to come up with creative ways to construct, manipulate, and use models.
Chemistry and Mathematics (double) | Redlands, CaliforniaMore about Drew
What Can You Do With a Degree in Chemistry?
Our alumni use their BA in chemistry in a variety of careers at companies such as Nike, Schrödinger, Intel, and Thermo Scientific. Others pursue advanced degrees with the goal of becoming high school teachers or practicing medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy. Many go on to graduate school in chemistry, chemical engineering, or biochemistry, and some receive competitive fellowships from the National Science Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the Hertz Foundation to pursue these studies.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Chemistry faculty rely on their students to be collaborative researchers in the lab, providing an opportunity that’s rarely available to undergraduates at other schools. Students are frequent coauthors on peer-reviewed faculty publications and professional presentations.
- 29+33
Lewis & Clark offers 29 majors and 33 minors.
- 1 of 7
L&C is one of seven Oregon schools to make the national Colleges of Distinction list in 2023–24.
- 4-5-6
Lewis & Clark’s 4-5-6 Commitment can help you make the most of your future.
- Top
Lewis & Clark earned a spot on Princeton Review’s 2024 “Best Colleges” list.
- Top 100
Lewis & Clark is in the top 100 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2023–24 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” list.
Invest in Yourself
A private, liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that first-year students will graduate in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.
Find Your People
Students can join a variety of student-run organizations that relate to their chemistry major, like the Chemistry Club, Math Club, Physics Club, and Pre-Health Club. Don’t see what you’re looking for on the club list? Start something new and build your own community of peers!
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
- Aria Ballance BA ’19
The community I found at L&C was one of the most incredible, creative families I have ever been a part of, and I will always be so grateful to them for their unwavering love.
Chemistry | Theatre | Santa Barbara, CaliforniaMore about Aria - Selina Ibarra BA ’19
As a chemistry major, Lewis & Clark provided me with a critical thinking mindset, work integrity, and crucial laboratory experience that I use every day in the lab.
Chemistry | Montclair, CaliforniaMore about Selina - Hanna Varga BA ’18
The independent research I did for my senior thesis proved to be extremely valuable during my PhD, as it introduced me to skills such as project and time management, scientific writing, and in-depth data analysis, among others.
Chemistry | Székesfehérvár, HungaryMore about Hanna
Chemistry Events
Applications are Open: Health + Humanities Summer Internship Funding
Up to three students will be awarded funding to support internships in health + humanities with organizations that contribute to healing through narrative. We encourage you to think broadly and boldly about this definition!
Support is made possible by the Center for Community and Global Health and a grant from Mellon Foundation.
Summer Internship Grants
Empower your ambitions with Lewis & Clark College’s internship grants, bridging the gap for unpaid internships. Seize the opportunity to turn unpaid opportunities into priceless career investments—apply now and pave the way for your future success!
Featured News
NanoPoetry, a Creative Approach to Chemistry
In Nanomaterials Chemistry, a 300-level course, students’ microscopic musings become poster-worthy poetry and art.