The study of chemistry at Vassar provides superb preparation for graduate study in chemistry or related areas such as medicine, environmental science, materials science, public health and toxicology, and is also excellent training for future teachers, lawyers, and individuals working in business or an industrial setting. Students who decide to concentrate in chemistry at Vassar can obtain an A.B. in chemistry, a correlate sequence (minor) in chemistry, or an A.B. in biochemistry.

An essential part of a modern chemistry education is direct experience with sophisticated instrumentation and participation in independent laboratory work and research. The Vassar chemistry department encourages students to use a wide range of instrumentation at all levels of the curriculum and encourages students to participate in independent research as early as the freshman year. The department’s firm belief in the value of original research for students is reflected in the requirement that all chemistry majors write a senior thesis which presents the results of their senior-year independent research projects. Through the emphasis on independent laboratory work and hands-on use of instrumentation, and because of small lecture and laboratory sections, students are ensured close interaction with the chemistry faculty. Many students find the access to chemistry faculty and the collaboration with them on original research projects to be a unique and invaluable aspect of being a member of our department.