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Chemistry with Business Emphasis

Our chemistry-business bachelor's degree is designed for those interested in business careers in the chemical industry and other technology-driven enterprises.

Available as
Major
Description

A Unique, Invaluable Program

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's chemistry with business emphasis bachelor's degree is one of only a handful of programs nationwide to combine a core set of chemistry courses with targeted business classes and integrated coursework demonstrating the applications of chemistry in a wide range of industries. These include pharmaceuticals and health care; cosmetics and personal care products; energy, sustainability, and environmental protection; agriculture and food; paints and adhesives; electronics and semiconductors; plastics and materials.

Chemistry is involved in the production of almost every consumer product we use on a day-to-day basis. During your studies, you will develop an understanding of the principles that give rise to practical, profitable applications, and also take courses in accounting, economics, marketing, and management. By completing the program, you’ll gain an understanding of how chemistry underlies innovation, drives the global supply chain, and how potentially useful chemical properties become products and enter the market.

You will also have access to hands-on learning experiences that prepare you to hit the ground running after graduation. Internships are available in both sales and laboratory or diagnostic work, and many students conduct research alongside expert faculty members and/or industry partners. They also travel to regional and national conferences or business meetings to present their work. Additionally, the department has an impressive array of modern instrumentations, providing students with experience using the same state-of-the-art tools used in modern industrial settings.

Whether you go on to a career in technical sales, a position involving diagnostic lab work and maintaining customer relationships, or even a healthcare profession, a degree in Chemistry with Business Emphasis from UW-Eau Claire will serve you well.

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asMajor
Program Length 4 years
Campus
Eau Claire
Offered
On Campus
Requires a minor No
Authored on

Accreditation Information

The chemistry department is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Hallmarks
Two students wearing googles use a piece of chemistry lab equipment
Innovative Instruments and Facilities

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at UW-Eau Claire is home to a suite of state-of-the-art instrumentation for chemical analysis — and you'll have direct access to it. Here you can master a number of specialized research instruments, including an X-ray diffractometer, an optical cryostat, a jet-cooled expansion system, and a supercomputing cluster (BGSC) — a high-performance computing system that provides resources that are on par with (or above) what is available at most major research institutions. You'll also be able to use specialized laboratories, including a laser spectroscopy lab, a low-temperature spectroscopy lab, a computational lab, and a thermal analysis lab.

two students presenting chemistry/biochem research
Research Opportunities

The chemistry department has a long tradition of productive collaborative research partnerships between undergraduate students and faculty. These experiences often lead to published papers in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at regional, national and international meetings. Previous research projects have ranged from work on self-repairing LC displays on phones, TVs, and monitor screens to mucin peptides and how they might be used as antigens against some cancers.

Faculty group shot for chemistry/biochemistry dept
Award-Winning, Dedicated Faculty

While at UW-Eau Claire, you'll learn from expert faculty who have a wealth of knowledge in — and passion for — chemistry. Our professors have received national recognition for supporting and mentoring students, currently hold 16 patents and work tirelessly to create high-impact learning opportunities for students. In fact, over the last six years, chemistry faculty have brought in over $2 million in external grant funds, directly benefiting UWEC chemistry majors. 

genetics research in biochemistry
Exceptional Career Preparation

As a chemistry major, you'll find countless internships, seminars, lectures, and nationally funded summer research opportunities available to you. These experiences allow you to explore career paths, gain valuable career experience and work with experts in the chemical industry. A series of lectures by faculty and speakers from industry will introduce you to various chemical and related industries as well as career opportunities and their qualifications. Participating companies have included organizations like Univar, Ecolab, Hydrite Chemical, 3M, Boston Scientific, and Nestle USA.

Facts List

Just
the
facts

100% Employed or Continuing Education
Every 2022-2023 graduate from this major is currently employed or continuing their education.
Investing in the Health Sciences
UWEC was awarded $340.3 million to build a state-of-the-art Science and Health Sciences Building for students pursuing STEM careers.
10 Pre-Professional Health Paths
These robust programs will provide you with the support and academic planning needed to enter professional degree programs.
Outcomes Image
Four female students at Indianapolis chemistry conference
What can I do

Where can the chemistry with a business emphasis program lead me after graduation?

Graduates of this program leave UW-Eau Claire with an impressive range of knowledge, skills, and experience — a rare combination of technical and business expertise. This is particularly attractive to employers who need people with both technical skills and “people skills.” Our program will prepare you for non-laboratory careers in the chemical industry, including product development, business development, sales, marketing research, technical service, and manufacturing. The degree is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in business or for careers in expanding industries, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, nanotechnology, electronic materials, petrochemicals, polymers, pollution control, and the production of bio-based fuels and materials. 

Example Careers

  • Technical service engineer
  • Pharmaceutical sales representative
  • Quality control and quality assurance specialists
  • Purchasing agent
  • Business development specialist
  • Marketing specialist
  • Product manager
  • Distribution and transportation manager
  • Regulatory specialist (EPA, FDA, OSHA)

Recent Graduates

Ingredient manager
Nestle Nutrition
Wisconsin

Buyer 
Emerson Process Management 
Minnesota

Quality Assurance Auditor 
Covance 
Wisconsin

Customer Service
Brenntag Great Lakes 
Wisconsin

Purchasing Manager 
EMCO Chemical Distributors 
Illinois

Sales Agent 
Hydrite Chemical 
Wisconsin

Courses information
SampleCourses

The curriculum within the chemistry with business emphasis major will provide you with the technical expertise needed to be a successful scientist, while also shaping you into a well-rounded professional with skills in communication, analytics, problem-solving and creative thinking. A required professional development program will help you with career planning, interviewing techniques, job etiquette and networking.

Because the program draws on courses from both the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business, you will have the unique advantage of exploring career opportunities in both sectors. This shared curriculum also allows for an easy transfer to, or addition of, a business major or minor, providing you with flexibility and options as it relates to picking your chosen degree. 

Students pursuing our pre-pharmacy, pre-medicine and pre-dentistry studies may especially find this major aligns well with their interests and career goals. 

Here are a few courses in Chemistry with Business Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.

CHEM 115

Chemical Principles

Principles of chemistry, including chemical properties and the periodic table, atomic structure, chemical bonding, equilibria, thermodynamics, acid-base reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions and complexation reactions.

CHEM 218

Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry

Introduction to inorganic compounds and reactions, with emphasis upon their applications in the environment, in commerce, and in life. Principles of molecular structure, acid-base and redox reactions, and coordination chemistry are applied.

CHEM 460

Polymer Chemistry

An introduction to synthetic and naturally occurring polymers with a focus on synthesis, analysis, and structure/property relationships. The history and development of polymers will be discussed as well as the impact on industry and society.

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