Chemistry

Major

Chemistry is the branch of sciences that studies the composition, structure, properties, changes and interactions of matter. It underpins the efforts by scientists and engineers to improve life for humankind.

Offered by the Department of Chemical & Biological Science & Engineering.

Do you wonder what things are made of and how they change? Are you fascinated by reactions, explosions, medicines, or the science behind technology and materials? If you enjoy asking “why” and solving scientific puzzles, the Chemistry major at the United States Military Academy (West Point) could be the perfect fit for you.

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the science of matter and its transformations - how atoms and molecules combine, react, and form everything from metals to medicines to fuels. At West Point, Chemistry is more than just labs and formulas; it’s a mission-critical discipline that supports Army operations, national defense, public health, and scientific innovation.

Whether a cadet wants to become a military scientist, medical professional, or Army officer with deep technical knowledge, Chemistry at USMA equips them to lead with scientific skill and strategic thinking. Master the science. Strengthen the mission. Lead with clarity. That’s Chemistry at USMA.

Why Choose Chemistry at USMA?

Army-Focused and Nationally Respected
The Chemistry major is designed with Army applications in mind - such as chemical defense, explosives, medicine, and environmental testing - while still preparing cadets for civilian science careers or graduate study.
Flexible and Career-Ready
Whether a cadet want to go into medicine, forensics, environmental science, materials development, or chemical/biological defense, Chemistry gives them a solid STEM foundation.
Pre-Med and Grad School Friendly
Interested in becoming an Army doctor or dentist? Chemistry is one of the best majors for fulfilling pre-med requirements while developing a cadet's leadership skills.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Work with faculty on projects that may involve biohazard detection, fuel development, pharmaceutical studies, or forensic analysis - and contribute to real-world science while still a cadet.

What To Do With This Major?

With a Chemistry degree from West Point, graduates will be set up for success in many fields:

Serve as an Army officer in chemical defense, medical services, or engineering
Work in government labs, healthcare, or environmental protection
Apply to medical, dental, pharmacy, or graduate school
Contribute to cutting-edge research in energy, materials, or biotechnology
Use chemistry to lead innovation and protect people—on and off the battlefield

Interested Cadets

Are you curious about what makes up the world around you? Do you love doing experiments or figuring out how things react and change? The Chemistry major at West Point is your chance to dive into the science that explains everything - from rocket fuel to DNA. As a Chemistry major, you’ll explore how matter behaves, why reactions happen, and how chemistry can be used to solve real-world problems—whether that’s protecting Soldiers, creating clean energy, or developing new medicines.

Why Consider This Major

For graduates who enjoy solving mysteries, doing experiments, understanding how things work, and applying science to real-world challenges, Chemistry at West Point gives them the knowledge and tools to do just that - with purpose and leadership.

They graduate with a respected science degree, no student debt, and the opportunity to serve in roles that truly make a difference - in the lab, in the field, or in a hospital.

What Cadets Learn

As a Chemistry major, cadets study:

General and Organic Chemistry – the foundation of how molecules behave and react
Inorganic Chemistry – metals, materials, and the periodic table in action
Analytical Chemistry – precise methods for identifying substances
Physical Chemistry – energy, motion, and atomic-scale processes
Biochemistry – the chemistry of life and how the body works
Chemical Instrumentation – using advanced tools to conduct experiments and research

They also complete labs that mirror real-world Army and research challenges, gaining hands-on experience in chemical analysis and experimentation.

Choice of Electives

Cadets get to tailor their education with exciting electives like:

Forensic Chemistry – investigate crime scenes and evidence
Environmental Chemistry – study pollution, water quality, and sustainability
Biochemistry – explore how chemistry drives the processes of life
Nuclear Chemistry – learn about radioactive materials and their uses
Advanced Organic Chemistry – dig deeper into molecules that power medicine and technology

Learn More

Cadets have numerous opportunities to participate in activities that will expand their intellectual and social interests within their field including scholarship opportunities, projects day participation, and summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, USMA-run academic enrichment experience.

Chemistry provides the foundation for several disciplines, such as biology, medicine, materials science, and environmental science. Therefore, possessing an understanding of the chemical sciences provides insights into a range of physical and biological phenomena that underpin much of the efforts of scientists and engineers to improve life for humankind. Our chemistry major curriculum is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world's largest scientific organization, with the mission of advancing the broader chemistry enterprise.

As an ACS-approved program, our curriculum is recognized as offering a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that gives cadets intellectual, experimental, and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals. In addition, the opportunity for cadets to enrich their education through research enables them to successfully compete for admission to competitive medical schools and for technical scholarships (e.g., National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), and Purdue Military Research Initiative (PMRI)) to pursue advanced degrees in the chemical and biological sciences.

Honor Societies:

To learn more about enrichment in this area of study, visit the Department of Chemical & Biological Science & Engineering or the Center for Molecular Science.