Chemistry Department
Have you ever considered a career as a chemist, biochemist, forensic scientist, research scientist, doctor, dentist, pharmacist, toxicologist, teacher, lawyer or entrepreneur? If so, a degree in chemistry is a great place to start! Many of our alumni are currently in these fields and are successful because of their experience at Murray State which gave them a strong foundation in chemistry and the ability to communicate and think critically and creatively.
The Major in chemistry has many options to meet your career aspirations and the Area in Chemistry is for students who want to work in the chemical industry or pursue graduate studies in the chemical sciences. The Area degree is certified by the American Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training. We also offer a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Chemistry for students to pursue graduate work in chemistry and related areas. There is a thesis and a non-thesis option with this degree.
The Department of Chemistry has 13 faculty members with a wide variety of experience and expertise. Many faculty members are involved in research and mentor undergraduate and graduate projects spanning all areas of chemistry. Much of this research is supported through grants and contracts and conducted in Jesse D. Jones Hall, a modern facility that houses technology-enhanced classrooms and over a million dollars worth of chemical instrumentation. Much of our instrumentation was purchased through a generous gift from Dr. Jesse D. Jones (Chemistry ‘64) and is housed in the Jones/Ross Research Center.
Beyond research, there are numerous opportunities for students to be involved in the department. The Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS) organization has been recognized nationally for its efforts to promote chemistry in the region including the Area Collegiate Chemistry Meeting (ACCM) and the Annual Chemistry Scholarship Tournament for high school seniors. There is also a chemistry honor society, Gamma Sigma Epsilon, which sponsors various chemistry-related activities such as tutoring and mentoring.
Pre-health chemistry majors are also active in the Pre-Health Professionals (PHP) club which provides information to students interested in becoming doctors, dentists, pharmacists or professionals in other health-related fields. This interdisciplinary club brings in professional schools and local health-care providers to disseminate valuable information on future careers.
We hope you will come visit our state-of-the-art facility and talk with chemistry faculty members about your interests in chemistry and what a chemistry degree can do for you. Students interested in any aspect of the chemistry program, should contact the Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Murray State University, 1201 Jesse D. Jones Hall, Murray, KY 42071-3346, phone 270.809.2586, kmiller38@murraystate.edu.