DRAFT - Chemistry Major - Standard - SO

Chemistry Major

Chemistry

Major

The Chemistry major at West Point develops leaders with deep expertise in chemical principles, laboratory research, and problem-solving skills essential for advanced scientific and military applications. Cadets gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs while preparing for careers in medicine, engineering, and national defense.

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

Chemistry: Where Science Meets Strategy and Innovation

Chemistry is the backbone of modern technology and defense, powering advancements in materials, energy, and life sciences. Mastering chemical principles equips you to solve complex problems - from developing next-generation materials to ensuring operational readiness - while sharpening analytical and leadership skills that drive mission success.

The West Point Advantage

At the United States Military Academy, the Chemistry major in the Department of Chemical & Biological Science & Engineering (CBSE) is more than equations and reactions. It’s a strategic asset. This program combines rigorous academics with hands-on research and leadership development, preparing you to innovate in high-stakes environments and lead with confidence.

Integrated military focus

  • Apply chemical knowledge to mission-critical challenges in defense, energy, and environmental security.
  • Develop expertise that supports operational planning, logistics, and advanced technology development.

Hands-on research

  • Work in state-of-the-art labs on projects that address real-world military and global challenges.
  • Explore areas like materials science, chemical engineering, and energy systems through immersive research experiences.

Ethics and innovation

  • Advance cutting-edge science while upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
  • Learn to balance bold innovation with ethical responsibility in every mission.

Mentorship that matters

  • Gain guidance from expert faculty and military leaders committed to your success.
  • Build lasting mentor relationships that shape your academic journey and career trajectory.
  • Experience the Academy’s mission firsthand: developing leaders of character who inspire trust and deliver results.

The Foundation to Solve Tomorrow’s Challenges

West Point’s Chemistry program ensures you graduate ready to innovate, lead, and succeed in roles such as:

Military medicine and health sciences

  • Support Army medical initiatives with expertise in biochemistry and pharmaceuticals.
  • Contribute to preventive medicine and chemical safety programs in deployed environments.

Materials and energy for defense

  • Develop advanced materials for protective gear, weapons systems, and energy solutions.
  • Innovate in chemical engineering to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

Chemical defense and environmental security

  • Design strategies to counter chemical threats and safeguard national security.
  • Manage environmental health programs to ensure safe water, air, and ecosystems for military operations.

Research and development for advanced technologies

  • Drive innovation in nanotechnology, polymers, and chemical sensors for defense applications.
  • Collaborate on projects that integrate chemistry with engineering and biological sciences.

Information for Future Cadets

Resources for Current Cadets

Chemistry: Mission-Ready Science

This program is more than a degree. It’s a foundation for future military leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. Built on academic rigor, ethical leadership, and hands-on experience, the Chemistry major equips cadets to tackle complex challenges with precision, purpose, and integrity.

What makes this major unique? It’s the integration of advanced chemical science with West Point’s unparalleled leadership development. You’ll learn from distinguished military and civilian faculty who bring real-world expertise and a passion for teaching. Every course is designed to sharpen your intellect and strengthen your ability to lead in high-stakes environments.

Core Foundation

The major begins with a strong foundation in general, organic, and physical chemistry, supported by mathematics and physics. These courses develop your understanding of matter at the atomic and molecular levels while enhancing analytical and ethical decision-making skills:

  • CH101 & CH102 – General Chemistry I & II
  • CH383 & CH384 – Organic Chemistry I & II
  • CH375 – Analytical Chemistry
  • CH387 – Physical Chemistry I
  • CH388 – Physical Chemistry II

Complementary courses in calculus and physics ensure you have the quantitative tools to excel in advanced chemical applications.

Advanced and Applied Courses

West Point’s chemistry curriculum emphasizes innovation and application. You’ll explore chemical engineering principles, materials science, and integrative research experiences that prepare you for the future of military science and technology:

  • CH473 – Biochemistry
  • CH479 – Methods & Applications of Chemical Research
  • CY305 & CY355 – Cyber Foundations (STEM Depth)

These courses reflect West Point’s nationally ranked programs in science and engineering - designed to prepare cadets for leadership in a rapidly evolving world.

Hands-On Learning

At USMA, learning is active and immersive. You’ll conduct experiments, collaborate in state-of-the-art labs, and apply your knowledge to real-world challenges. Honors students can pursue:

  • CH489 & CH490 – Individual Research I & II

Whether you’re synthesizing new compounds or exploring advanced chemical processes, you’ll be guided by faculty who are accessible, invested in your success, and committed to your growth as a scholar and leader.

Electives and Specialization

Customize your academic journey with electives that align with your interests and career goals. Choose from topics such as:

  • CH460 – Environmental Chemistry
  • CH450 – Chemical Engineering Principles
  • CH476 – Advanced Instrumental Analysis
  • NE474 – Radiological Safety
  • PL390 – Philosophy of Science

These options allow you to specialize in areas critical to military readiness, technological innovation, and scientific advancement.

Learn More

Chemistry: Beyond the Classroom

At West Point, the Chemistry major is more than a rigorous academic program. It’s a gateway to real-world impact, leadership development, and national recognition. You’ll engage in hands-on learning, cutting-edge research, and prestigious academic enrichment programs that prepare you to lead in science, technology, and military service.

Internships

Gain practical experience through internships with Army research labs, defense technology centers, and environmental agencies. These opportunities connect classroom knowledge to military applications, from advanced materials to chemical defense and energy solutions.

Experiential and Hands-On Learning

Chemistry brings classroom concepts to life through immersive labs, simulations, and applied projects. Whether you’re studying organic synthesis, biochemistry, or physical chemistry, you’ll gain practical experience that builds confidence and competence.

  • Apply chemical principles to military and environmental challenges.
  • Use high-tech instrumentation and advanced labs for spectroscopy, chromatography, and molecular analysis.
  • Present your research and network with professionals at national and international science and defense conferences. Represent USMA among top scholars and innovators in chemical sciences.

Research and Facilities

While completing your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art labs with lab work for CBSE and the Center for Molecular Science for academic credit. Conduct original research alongside faculty mentors in areas like chemical engineering, nanomaterials, and energy systems. Whether you’re developing new materials or studying chemical detection technologies, your work contributes to Army readiness and innovation.

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 such, it offers a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that gives cadets intellectual, experimental, and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals. 

In addition, the opportunity to enrich their education through research enables you 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.

Scholarships, Honors, and Recognition

Chemistry majors are eligible to participate in the West Point Scholars Program, which provides personalized support for competitive national scholarships, such as:

  • Rhodes Scholarship
  • Marshall Scholarship
  • Fulbright Fellowship
  • Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The West Point Technical Scholars Program (TSP) mentors and guides cadets in pursuit of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship as they seek national and international honors for their performance. With over 240 scholarships and fellowships awarded, TSP continues to produce leaders prepared for the challenges of military science and global innovation.

West Point also celebrates academic excellence and leadership through:

  • Honor societies:
    • Golden Key
    • Phi Kappa Phi
    • Gamma Sigma Epsilon
  • Chemistry honors program: Conduct independent research and graduate with distinction.
  • Departmental awards: Earn recognition for academic excellence and leadership in chemistry.

Learn More

The Chemistry major with ACS Certification track is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society (ACS).