About Us

Welcome message from the Department Chair

The Department of Chemistry is a community of faculty, staff and students dedicated to excellence in education, research, and service. We foster an inclusive environment that enables everyone to thrive and feel valued. We teach from a learner-centered perspective and provide the support and tools students need to succeed and to feel that they belong. We mentor students as they engage with faculty in cutting-edge research that addresses some of the world’s most challenging problems. We support the University, the Charlotte region, and the worldwide scientific community by sharing our knowledge and expertise generously. We also support the local K-12 community–and engage with the scientists of tomorrow–by partnering with the Charlotte Teacher’s Institute, mentoring teachers and high school students in laboratory research, and by participating in many other outreach activities. Our award-winning faculty are widely recognized on campus and beyond through prestigious honors and recognitions received for teaching, research, student mentoring, professional service, and community engagement. Our dedicated, knowledgeable staff are critical to our mission as they provide outstanding support for all aspects of the department’s work.

Undergraduate students can pursue a B.A. in Chemistry, a B.S. in Chemistry, a B.S. in Chemistry with Biochemistry Option, or a minor in Chemistry. B.S. degree seeking students can tailor their degree to be certified by the American Chemical Society. Majors–and non-majors with a strong interest in chemistry–are encouraged to enrich their educational experiences beyond the classroom by joining a research group in the Chemistry Department and by getting involved with the Chemistry Club. Students are also strongly encouraged to consider participating in the Chemistry Department’s Honors Program. Through our courses, research experiences, and engagement activities, undergraduate students explore the exciting world of chemistry and develop the skills and knowledge needed for careers, graduate and professional schools, and personal growth.

At the graduate level, we offer a research-based M.S. degree in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Nanoscale Science. Students in our graduate programs develop a strong sense of community within their research groups, the Chemistry Department, and across campus. Each of our graduate programs has a student-run organization (Association of Chemistry Graduate Students (ACGS), Association of Nanoscale Graduate Students (ANGS)) that promotes cohesiveness in the graduate student community, enables students to secure travel funds, and engages students in outreach activities. Graduates of the Chemistry M.S. program pursue careers in industry, teach at community colleges and universities, work for government agencies, or enroll in graduate or professional schools. Graduates of the Nanoscale Science program work in industry, national laboratories, other government agencies, or pursue careers in academics.

I invite you to learn more about who we are and what we offer by perusing our web site, touring our facilities, and visiting with us in person or virtually.

With warmest regards,

Thomas A. Schmedake, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair of Chemistry