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Chemistry

Degrees Offered

New Mexico Highlands University offers a variety of degree choices for students interested in chemistry. For students wishing to prepare for a scientific career, we offer a bachelor of science in chemistry and a master of science in applied chemistry. For students wishing to enter the teaching profession, we offer a bachelor of arts in chemistry and a minor in chemistry.

Master of Science Chemistry

The master’s in chemistry degree provide students with a high-quality science education, which includes experience with research and field projects. The programs provide scientific and technical background that empowers students to successfully pursue science and technology careers, or, proceed on to advanced graduate studies. Faculty in the Chemistry Department strive to make each student’s educational experience challenging and rewarding.

 

Job Prospects
Students with a degree in chemistry can look forward to exciting and challenging careers in government and private settings like medical laboratories, aerospace firms, forestry centers, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, agricultural firms, and many, many others.

Highlands is a great place to study chemistry
Highlands’ chemistry program has state-of-the-art research laboratories. Chemical measurement instrumentation includes a high-field nuclear magnetic resonance device, X-ray diffraction equipment, gas and liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometers, IR, UV, and visible spectrophotometers, and laser spectroscopy facilities. Additionally, Highlands University is the owner of Highlands Stable Isotopes, Inc., a developer of a cutting-edge hydrazine abatement technology tested by NASA and the U.S. Air Force.

Requirements

Chemistry Undergraduate Requirements

Undergraduate course catalog: Chemistry (BA)

Undergraduate course catalog: Chemistry (BS)

The New Mexico Highlands undergraduate catalog outlines your options and the steps you need to take to complete degree requirements for your chosen major. To ensure the seamless completion of your degree, consult often with your academic adviser and utilize Highlands’ Degree Audit tool to keep track of your academic progress.

Chemistry Graduate Requirements

Graduate course catalog: Chemistry

Graduate students are assigned to a faculty adviser within their area of study. The faculty adviser will help the student complete a program of study to satisfy the specific course requirements within their area, outlined in the Graduate Catalog.  The courses listed must satisfy the course requirements prescribed in the catalog of record. The academic adviser will provide guidance in completing your program of study.

Important Dates

  • 22

    Nov

    Annual Thanksgiving Campus Wide Dinner & Food Drive

  • 27

    Nov

    Fall Recess November 27—30

  • 07

    Dec

    Sipapu Ski Trip

See All Events

Careers

Graduates of the NMHU chemistry department can be found in the following occupations:

  • Biochemist
  • Research Chemist
  • Postsecondary Teacher
  • Chemist or Materials Scientist
  • Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist
  • Forensic Science Technician
  • Geoscientist

Faculty & Staff

Chemistry

Faculty & Staff

MISSION STATEMENT

Mission of the Chemistry Program

The mission of the chemistry program is to offer a quality education to students whether they are fulfilling general education requirements, taking background courses for other science, pre-professional, or engineering programs, or following a course of study for a chemistry major or minor while incorporating carefully mentored, hands-on laboratory and research experiences.

The goal of the chemistry program is to effectively prepare chemistry graduates to enter the workforce with a B.S/B.A. degree or to handle the rigors of a more advanced M.S. or Ph.D. program of study. Also, course preparation and advisement are available for students who choose to enter a post graduate, licensed professional program of study for a career in medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy or pharmacy.

Mission of the Chemistry Master’s Program

The master of science in chemistry provides training for those who wish to advance their careers in research, industry, government service or teaching. The master of science degree permits the graduate to enter the work force at a level higher than that of a BS graduate. It also prepares students for the rigors of a more advanced professional PhD program of study. Course preparation and advisement are available for students who choose to enter professional schools to study for careers in medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, pharmacy, etc. The Chemistry Program includes the study of inorganic, analytical, physical, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, with applied emphases in medicinal and materials chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and environmental chemistry. This program requires a research project culminating in an original thesis for each student. The chemistry concentration prepares candidates for entry into the chemistry profession or for PhD work.

The department is housed in the new Ivan Hilton Science Center. Modern laboratory research spaces with state-of-the-art safety and teaching features provide students with hands-on, student-centered learning environments. Chemical instrumentation includes: high-field nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (nmr), X-ray diffraction equipment, gas and liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometer, IR/UV-visible spectrophotometer, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL). Students who major in chemistry are expected to become fully competent in the use of the instruments by the time they graduate. Students gain a practical perspective on chemistry through involvement with research projects. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue exciting careers in industry and government, or advance to doctoral studies.