BA or BS in Environmental Chemistry

A Beloit College student carefully measures chemicals for a lab experiment.

Use chemistry to preserve our planet

What is Environmental Chemistry?

Environmental chemistry applies chemical principles to understand and address environmental problems. It examines chemical reactions in natural systems, the behavior of pollutants, and the development of technologies that support sustainable practices.

Why study Environmental Chemistry?

Chemical processes drive everything from atmospheric change to water quality. Studying environmental chemistry prepares you to analyze environmental hazards, develop cleaner technologies, and contribute to solutions in energy, health, and conservation. You will blend laboratory skills with scientific reasoning to solve complex problems.

Why study Environmental Chemistry at Beloit College?

Environmental chemistry at Beloit College is built around doing real science in real places. From your first year, you learn how chemicals move through air, water, soil, and living systems by working directly with professional-grade instruments and applied laboratory techniques. Faculty teach through hands-on, inquiry-driven labs that reflect the work of environmental chemists in government, industry, and environmental consulting.

The scale of real-world research and fieldwork available to undergraduates sets Beloit College apart. Students participate in faculty-led environmental research through the School of Environment and Sustainability, pursue paid summer projects, and join programs such as National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates. Many conduct immersive fieldwork at the Boundary Waters Wilderness Field Station, where students have studied ecosystem change for nearly 70 years.

Beloit College’s strong regional and professional partnerships turn environmental chemistry into a career-ready experience. Internships with organizations like the Welty Environmental Center, Nature at the Confluence, and Brownfield Environmental Engineering Resources give students applied experience before graduation. With close faculty mentoring, students design research projects, prepare for graduate school, and build the professional connections that launch careers in environmental chemistry, sustainability, toxicology, and environmental engineering.

Details

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Degrees

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Specialization

Major

Credits Required

13 units (52 semester hours)

Format

In-person

Related Departments & Schools

Related Offerings

Environmental Chemistry curriculum

Coursework emphasizes laboratory skill development, environmental applications of chemistry, and interdisciplinary study. Students also take supporting courses in biology, physics, mathematics, and environmental studies to strengthen their understanding of natural systems.

Environmental Chemistry Major (13 Units)

Six units from this list, with at least 1 unit from each of four of the five branches of chemistry. Chemistry 117 may be used as 1 of these 6 units.
1. Analytical Chemistry: 220, 225
2. Organic Chemistry: 230, 235
3. Physical Chemistry: 240, 245
4. Inorganic Chemistry: 251, 351
5. Biochemistry: 300, 305
Seven supporting units:
1. Mathematics 110 or 115
2. Physics 101 or 102
3. Biology 110, 111, 121, 152, 172, or 208
4. Geology 100 or 110
5. Three additional units from economics, environmental studies, interdisciplinary studies, or political science, approved by petition to the department chair.
In preparation for graduate study or employment in environmental science, additional science, mathematics, and social science courses and at least one summer or semester of experience in an environmental internship or program are strongly recommended.
Students majoring in environmental chemistry may choose to receive the Bachelor of Science degree rather than the Bachelor of Arts degree by completing a minimum of 4 units in biology, computer science, geology, mathematics, and/or physics.

Topics include water and soil chemistry, analytical methods, organic reactions, environmental toxicology, and atmospheric chemistry.

[GEOL 110] Environmental Geology and Geologic Hazards: Application of geologic principles to help in understanding the response of our environment to natural and anthropogenic forces of change, and proper constraints we should exercise in being good stewards of the Earth. Natural resources (water, soils, climate, and energy), flooding, volcanic activity, and earthquakes are among the topics considered, with emphasis on current events.
[CHEM 150] Metals All Around Us: This course introduces the chemistry of metals, which are integral for life, from materials in electronics to biological life. Metals also can be incredibly toxic in many ways from heavy metal poisoning to the effects of mining. In this course, students explore where metals come from (stars!) and the molecular level structure of metallic compounds. Students then look at applications of metallic chemistry including chemistry in art, materials chemistry, and bioinorganic chemistry.
[CHEM 220] Environmental, Analytical, and Geochemistry: Chemical equilibria are fundamental in the understanding of biological and environmental processes and in chemical analysis. This course emphasizes quantitative and graphical interpretation of acid-base, solubility, distribution, complex ion, and redox equilibria in aqueous solution and soils.
[ENVS 231] Philosophy and Nature of the Environment: How human beings understand nature has a deep impact on how they understand themselves and how they live. For this reason, the variety of concepts, images, and metaphors used to think about nature are worth serious reflection. Is nature more like a living organism or a machine? Does it have value in itself, or does its value depend on human needs and interests? How do different attitudes toward nature influence the way people interact with the environment? What is wilderness, and are humans responsible for conserving or restoring it? Is there a connection between ethical obligations regarding the environment and the aesthetic appreciation of nature? This course examines contemporary issues in environmental philosophy in the context of the history of philosophical thinking about nature and humanity’s place in it.

Environmental Chemistry outcomes

Students build the knowledge and laboratory experience needed to understand environmental processes at the molecular level. They learn how chemical insights support sustainable design and environmental protection.

Students completing an undergraduate degree in environmental chemistry at Beloit College can:

Design and carry out laboratory experiments in environmental chemistry.
Collect and interpret chemical data relevant to environmental questions.
Apply chemical reasoning to analyze and address environmental challenges.
Use advanced instrumentation confidently and effectively in laboratory research.
Communicate scientific findings clearly to both scientific and public audiences.

Chemical Research & Development: Design studies, test materials, and analyze results to advance scientific understanding and innovation. ($55,000 → $110,000+)
Environmental Policy & Resource Planning: Research environmental issues, support planning efforts, and help evaluate sustainable resource decisions. ($50,000 → $90,000+)
Environmental Restoration & Land Management: Support habitat restoration, monitor land conditions, and help manage natural resources sustainably. ($45,000 → $80,000+)
Environmental Science & Sustainability: Investigate environmental conditions and support solutions that protect ecosystems and public health. ($45,000 → $100,000+)
Industrial Chemistry & Manufacturing: Support production processes, test materials, and help improve industrial chemical applications. ($45,000 → $100,000+)
Laboratory Science & Analysis: Conduct experiments, operate instruments, and interpret data across academic, clinical, or industrial labs. ($45,000 → $90,000+)
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance: Monitor processes, document results, and help ensure products meet required safety standards. ($40,000 → $100,000+)
Science Communication & Outreach: Explain scientific ideas through writing, presentations, or public engagement programs. ($40,000 → $100,000+)

Reviewed on November 2025. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary figures shown here are estimates. Actual pay will vary by position, industry, location, education, and experience. Some pathways and positions may require additional education or certifications. For more detailed information, please explore reputable career and salary resources.

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