Chemistry

What You’ll Study

Chemistry cadets build a deep understanding of matter through analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, polymer, and biochemical coursework. The curriculum emphasizes experimentation, data analysis, and scientific communication.

How the Curriculum Builds Your Expertise

1. Foundational Knowledge: Build a rigorous base in analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, polymer, and biochemical chemistry, supported by mathematics and physics, to understand how matter behaves at the molecular and atomic level.

2. Advanced Application: Apply chemical principles through integrated laboratory courses, instrumental analysis, advanced chemistry laboratory, and research experiences that develop experimental design, data interpretation, and technical communication skills.

3. Leadership & Military Relevance: Integrate scientific reasoning with ethical judgment and operational awareness, using chemistry to address challenges in energy systems, materials development, biotechnology, environmental protection, medical readiness, and chemical defense in service to the Army and the nation.

Course Highlights

View the Full Chemistry Curriculum

Year-by-Year Snapshot

This progression builds a rigorous scientific foundation first, advances into specialized chemical disciplines and laboratory mastery, and culminates in independent investigation and leadership in complex scientific environments.

First Year – Scientific Foundations

• Build your grounding in general chemistry, calculus, physics, and core military and leadership development courses.

• Develop disciplined study habits, laboratory safety awareness, and foundational problem-solving skills essential for upper-level chemistry.

• Sample Courses:
  General Chemistry I and II
  Calculus I and II or Advanced Multivariable Calculus
  Physics II
  Core military and leadership curriculum

Sophomore Year – Core Chemical Disciplines

• Transition from general science into core chemistry subfields.

• Begin deeper study in analytical chemistry and organic chemistry while strengthening quantitative reasoning and laboratory technique.

• Sample Courses:
  CH371 – Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
  CH383 – Organic Chemistry I
  CH384 – Organic Chemistry II
  Complementary support courses in mathematics or physics

Junior Year – Advanced Theory and Laboratory Application

• Explore inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, polymer chemistry, and physical chemistry.

• Apply thermodynamics, kinetics, and structural reasoning to complex chemical systems while gaining proficiency with advanced instrumentation.

• Sample Courses:
  CH472 – Inorganic Chemistry
  CH473 – Biochemistry
  CH481 – Physical Chemistry I
  CH474 – Instrumental Methods of Analysis

Senior Year – Integration, Research, and Leadership

• Synthesize knowledge across chemical disciplines through advanced laboratory work and optional research experiences.

• Lead experimental design efforts, analyze complex data, and communicate findings clearly to scientific and operational audiences.

• Sample Courses:
  CH482 – Physical Chemistry II
  CH471 – Polymer Chemistry
  CH487 – Advanced Chemistry Laboratory
  Research courses such as CH489 – Individual Research I

Capstone / Culminating Experience

All Chemistry majors complete an advanced laboratory experience integrating experimental design, instrumentation, data analysis, and technical communication. 

Cadets pursuing ACS certification or honors complete additional research, often presenting at conferences or publishing results.

Faculty & Mentorship

Meet the Faculty

Chemistry at West Point is taught by military and civilian faculty who combine deep scientific expertise with a commitment to developing leaders of character. In small classes and research laboratories, faculty know their cadets personally and mentor them through rigorous coursework, laboratory investigation, and career planning.

Featured Faculty

• COL Corey James, Ph.D.
  Department Head and Professor. Leads the Department of Chemical and Biological Science and Engineering and teaches chemistry while guiding academic modernization and research initiatives.

• LTC Lucas Fallot
  Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Molecular Science. Mentors cadets in organic chemistry and undergraduate research across multiple laboratory programs.

• Dr. Ryan Limbocker
  Research faculty in the Protein Biophysics Group. Guides cadet research in neurodegenerative disease, biophysical chemistry, and soldier health protection.

• MAJ Trevor Corrigan
  Faculty member in chemical sciences with research experience supporting applied military and defense related projects.

Faculty assignments vary by year, but every Chemistry major is paired with a dedicated academic advisor who provides long term mentorship throughout the program.

Department Culture

• Chemistry cadets learn in a disciplined, laboratory intensive environment where experimentation, precision, and ethical responsibility are central. 

• Faculty emphasize hands on learning, critical thinking, and clear communication, preparing cadets to lead in scientific and operational settings.

• Small class sizes allow for direct feedback, frequent interaction, and sustained mentorship. Cadets are challenged academically but supported closely as they grow in confidence and competence.

Faculty Achievements

• Faculty lead active research programs in advanced materials, chemical sensing, biotechnology, and molecular science in collaboration with Army laboratories and national research partners.

• Cadets regularly co author peer reviewed publications and present research at national conferences such as the American Chemical Society and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

• Faculty mentorship has supported cadets earning competitive scholarships including Goldwater, Rhodes, Marshall, and National Science Foundation fellowships, as well as admission to leading medical and graduate schools.

Student and Faculty Success Stories

• Chemistry majors in the Protein Biophysics Group have presented research on neurodegenerative disease at multiple scientific conferences and published peer reviewed articles before graduation.

• Cadets working in the Multi Functional Materials Laboratory have contributed to research on advanced energy storage and sensing technologies that directly support warfighter protection.

• Graduates mentored through faculty research programs have pursued advanced study at institutions such as Cambridge and other leading universities while continuing to serve as Army officers.

Meet the Chemistry Faculty →

Expand Your Expertise 

Chemistry at West Point provides a strong scientific core and the flexibility to tailor your academic path. 

Choose Your Track or Specialization

• Standard Chemistry Major: Complete a rigorous curriculum across analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, polymer, and biochemical chemistry with an emphasis on laboratory mastery and scientific communication.
• Chemistry with ACS Certification: Earn an American Chemical Society certified degree by completing additional research credit. This track strengthens preparation for graduate school, medical school, and competitive technical scholarships.
• Chemistry with ACS Certification and Honors: Conduct advanced individual research and meet elevated academic standards to graduate with honors distinction, demonstrating exceptional scientific depth and independent investigation.
  Research may take place in the Multi Functional Materials Laboratory, the Protein Biophysics Group, or other laboratories within the Center for Molecular Science.

Pair With a Minor

Cadets often expand their Chemistry major with a minor that enhances technical depth, interdisciplinary understanding, or operational relevance.

Specialized Laboratories and Facilities

Chemistry cadets have access to advanced research environments that support specialization and hands on learning:

• Multi Functional Materials Laboratory

• Protein Biophysics Group

• Biodefense Protection Technologies Laboratory

• Center for Molecular Science

• Photonics Research Center

These facilities allow cadets to design experiments, operate modern instrumentation, conduct original research, and contribute to projects that support Army readiness, biotechnology, advanced materials, and chemical defense.

By selecting a certification track, pursuing honors research, and pairing your major with a complementary minor, you shape a Chemistry degree that prepares you to lead with scientific depth and strategic perspective.

Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West Point

Admission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.

Key Deadlines:

• Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) open

• April 15 – SLE application closes

• Fall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications due

• Jan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadline

View Full Admissions Requirements

Take the First Step

Starting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.

Begin Your Journey in STEM at West Point

Get Answers to Your Questions

Discover West Point for Yourself

Current Cadet CTAs

Chemistry Beyond the Classroom

From publishing with faculty mentors to presenting at national conferences and supporting Army focused research in the Center for Molecular Science and Multi Functional Materials Laboratory, cadets apply chemistry to real defense and readiness challenges. This integration of scientific rigor, leadership development, and mission relevance defines the Chemistry experience at West Point.

Hands On Opportunities and Unique Experiences

Internships and Field Work

• Chemistry cadets participate in Academic Individual Advanced Development internships with Army laboratories, national research centers, medical facilities, and defense organizations.

• Opportunities include work at Army Research Laboratory, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Sandia National Laboratories, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Picatinny Arsenal, where cadets apply chemistry to chemical defense, bioengineering, energy systems, and medical research challenges.

Research Opportunities

• Undergraduate research is embedded in the Chemistry major. Cadets conduct laboratory investigations in the Multi Functional Materials Laboratory, Protein Biophysics Group, and other Center for Molecular Science facilities.

• Projects focus on advanced materials, chemical sensing, biotechnology, neurodegenerative disease research, and soldier health protection. Many cadets co author peer reviewed publications and present at American Chemical Society and American Institute of Chemical Engineers conferences.

Leadership Opportunities

• Applied learning is cadet led by design.

• Chemistry majors serve as project leads in laboratory teams, manage research timelines, and brief findings to faculty and Army partners. Through experimental planning and risk assessment, cadets develop the discipline and accountability required of Army officers.

Global Programs and Special Experiences

• Chemistry cadets engage in international research internships, language immersions, and multinational academic exchanges.

• Programs include overseas laboratory placements and collaborative research that broaden technical expertise and cultural understanding while reinforcing Army global engagement priorities.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

• Chemistry cadets collaborate with peers in chemical engineering, biology, physics, systems engineering, and cyber disciplines.

• Interdisciplinary projects connect molecular science with energy storage, biotechnology, materials innovation, and detection technologies that support warfighter readiness.

Partnerships with Army, Government, and Industry

• Hands on experiences are strengthened through partnerships with Army Futures Command, Army Research Laboratory, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, national laboratories, and leading universities.

• Cadets contribute directly to initiatives in chemical sensing, advanced materials, biotechnology, and soldier protection that align with Army modernization priorities.

Explore Cadet Research →

Student Life in This Major

Department Clubs

• Chemistry majors participate in organizations such as Gamma Sigma Epsilon, the Chemistry Honor Society, and the West Point chapter of the American Chemical Society.

• These groups foster mentorship across class years and build a strong academic community centered on scientific curiosity and service.

Co-Curricular Experiences

• Cadets work in research teams, assist with Projects Day presentations, and contribute to laboratory initiatives beyond required coursework.

• These experiences strengthen teamwork, communication, and confidence in professional scientific settings.

Professional Associations

• Chemistry majors engage with national scientific communities through conference travel and faculty mentorship.

• Presenting research at regional and national meetings exposes cadets to graduate level scholarship and professional networks early in their careers.

Community and Department Events

• The Department of Chemical and Biological Science and Engineering hosts research symposia, guest lectures, award ceremonies, and technical workshops.

• These events celebrate achievement and connect cadets with Army scientists, alumni, and research partners.

Conferences, Competitions, and Immersions

• Cadets travel to scientific conferences, inter academy research symposiums, and technical competitions.

• From presenting at national meetings to collaborating on defense focused research projects, Chemistry becomes lived experience, not just classroom study.

Explore More Cadet Experiences →

Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West Point

Admission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.

Key Deadlines:

• Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) open

• April 15 – SLE application closes

• Fall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications due

• Jan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadline

View Full Admissions Requirements

Take the First Step

Starting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.

Begin Your Journey in STEM at West Point

Get Answers to Your Questions

Discover West Point for Yourself

Current Cadet CTAs

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