10 Reasons to Study Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ithaca College

At Ithaca College, you'll learn in small classes where professors know your name and work closely with you. In addition, you’ll find a dedicated chemistry/biochemistry student lounge, Chemistry and Biology clubs, social activities, and open study spaces for individual and group work. Our welcoming and supportive culture helps build friendships and professional connections that support you throughout your career.

Why does ice float? How do medicines treat disease? What makes fireworks colorful? Chemistry underlies processes all around us in everyday life, and studying chemistry will help you see the world in a completely new way.

Our Biochemistry and Chemistry graduates work in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, environmental science, forensics, energy, materials science, education, law, patents, entrepreneurial ventures, policy, business, and many other fields. A degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry gives you options!

Biochemistry and Chemistry students become expert problem-solvers. Along the way, you'll develop analytical thinking, data analysis, experimental design, teamwork, communication, and technical laboratory skills that are valued across many professions.

Whether you're developing new medicines, creating sustainable materials, improving food safety, or protecting the environment, chemistry provides opportunities to tackle real-world challenges and improve lives.

Unlike at many larger universities, every Ithaca College Chemistry and Biochemistry major will experience at least 3 credits of undergraduate research – it’s built into both majors! Most students choose to continue their undergraduate research in additional semesters, even starting in their first year! Apply what you learn in class and gain hands-on experience while contributing to new discoveries.

Interested in biology? Medicine? Environmental science? Business? Art conservation? Cosmetics? Engineering? Chemistry sits at the intersection of many disciplines, making it one of the most versatile fields of study.

Chemistry is not just something you read about — it's something you do. Through laboratory courses, research projects, available paid summer research programs, and collaborative experiences, you'll learn by actively investigating scientific questions.

Both majors provide an excellent foundation for our students who have moved into careers right out of college, continued in a wide range of graduate degree programs, or transitioned to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or physician assistant studies.

Many of society's biggest challenges—from clean energy and climate change to human health and sustainable manufacturing—require chemical solutions. Studying chemistry prepares you to help shape the future.