The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's chemistry with business emphasis bachelor's degree is a perfect fit for those interested in business careers in the chemical industry and other technology-driven enterprises.

One of only a few programs like it, the unique major combines the study of chemistry with the study of business, providing you with a solid foundation in the chemistry field and a rudimentary understanding of the principles of commerce. During your studies, you'll explore chemistry-related topics like chemical properties, atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, acid-base reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions and stoichiometry. In addition, courses in accounting, economics, information systems, communication, marketing and management will introduce you the world of business. 

You'll also have access to incredible, experiential learning opportunities that quickly take your education to the next level. This may include working on groundbreaking research alongside expert faculty members and community partners or taking part in our renowned collaboration with Mayo Clinic. Or traveling to regional and national conferences to present your work and co-authored research publications. Or using an incredible array of modern instrumentation — including the same state-of-the-art tools found in the industry today. 

Because the program is rooted in research and real-world learning, graduates of the chemistry with business emphasis leave UW-Eau Claire with an impressive range of knowledge, skills and experience — as well as a rare combination of technical and business expertise. This is especially attractive to industrial employers and allows our graduates to pursue a variety of interests and passions.

You may go on to careers in chemical and pharmaceutical sales, as well as a wide range of positions that involve both diagnostic lab work and maintaining customer relationships. No matter your dreams, a degree in chemistry with a business emphasis from UW-Eau Claire will serve you extremely well.

Accreditation information

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

Our chemistry with business emphasis 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. 

Where are chemistry with business emphasis alumni now?

• Ingredient manager, Nestle Nutrition, Wisconsin
• Sales, Stepan Company, Illinois
• Purchaser, 3M, Minnesota
• Buyer, Emerson Process Management, Minnesota
• Quality assurance auditor, Covance, Wisconsin
• Customer service, Brenntag Great Lakes, Wisconsin
• Purchasing manager, EMCO Chemical Distributors, Illinois
• Quality assurance, Nestle, Wisconsin
• Sales, Hydrite Chemical, Wisconsin

Chemistry with business emphasis 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)

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. 

What classes do chemistry with business emphasis majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

• Industrial chemistry 
• Information systems in business 
• Managing global organizations 
• Organizational behavior 
• Polymer chemistry 
• Business writing
• Quantitative analysis 
• Trigonometry 

Learn more about the comprehensive chemistry with business emphasis major in the UWEC course catalog.

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