About the Department
In 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, biochemistry, Forensics, 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
40%
National Average
Undergraduate Degrees
- Chemistry 7-12 Teaching Subject Endorsement/B.S. in Education
- Biochemistry Emphasis - Chemistry Comprehensive B.S.
- Chemical Engineering 3 + 1 Program
- Forensics Emphasis - Chemistry Comprehensive B.S.
- General Emphasis - Chemistry Comprehensive B.S.
- Professional Chemist Emphasis - Chemistry Comprehensive B.S.
- Health Science Emphasis - Chemistry Comprehensive B.S.
- Pharmacy Emphasis - Chemistry Comprehensive B.S.
- Chemistry Bachelor of Arts
Graduate Degree
Minors
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
Research
Hands On Experience
Involving students in exciting and impactful research programs is a hallmark of our department. One of the most effective ways of learning chemistry is actually doing original chemistry yourself.
Research Apprentice Program
To encourage participation in research, we have a Research Apprentice Program that pays a small stipend to freshmen and sophomore chemistry majors when they first join a project.
INBRE Program
I chose UNK because of the small but lively community. It excited me to see my brother interact regularly with his professors and assured me that I would not get lost in the numbers. I was intrigued by the many opportunities in the fields that I wanted to pursue including orchestra and chemistry research.
I gained so much from researching in Dr. Thomas’ lab. The skills and work ethic that I learned have helped me grow as a chemist while working in industry. It was amazing to be able to have hands on experience in the lab, which can be rare at larger universities.
In the News
Campus Spaces: Bruner Hall of Science
Building Biomedical Excellence: INBRE program supports faculty research, undergraduate experiences at UNK
‘Why not take advantage of it?’ – UNK’s dual enrollment program gives high schoolers a head start
Loper Spotlight: Samantha Bursaw finds harmony as scientist and musician
Creston Myers receives 2025 UNK Distinguished Chemistry Alumnus Award
Katie Lytle found her voice at UNK. Now she’s speaking for the Class of 2025
Game, Set, Match: UNK tennis coach, chemistry professor create the perfect partnership
Rewarding Research: Michael Moxley focuses on biochemistry projects that benefit society
