Chemistry with Business Emphasis

Major

Explore the chemistry with business emphasis bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

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.

Beck Ruzicka at his Sherwin Williams internship — Mixing chemistry and business

Beck Ruzicka found the best of both worlds in his chemistry with business emphasis major.

“I really enjoy the laboratory side of chemistry — working with materials, seeing the reactions,” he said. “But I’m also a people person who loves talking and collaborating with people — this lets me do both.”

And after a summer internship at Sherwin Williams in Shakopee, Minnesota, Beck is even more convinced he found the right degree.

“I can work in so many different fields — marketing, sales, chemistry, management — they are all options for me. It’s wide open.”

The powerful combination of technical training, business knowledge and people skills puts chemistry with business emphasis graduates in high demand. Whether you find yourself in the lab or on the sales floor, this versatile major opens countless doors.

Why chemistry with business emphasis at UW-Eau Claire?

Innovative instruments and facilities. The chemistry department at UW-Eau Claire is home to a comprehensive 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.

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.

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.

Strong partnership with alumni. Our extended alumni network connects you with 50-plus years of program graduates — and our graduates know the value of a UWEC education. In fact, the chemistry with business emphasis program has a long history of Blugolds hiring Blugolds, as many program grads now own their own business.

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.

100% employed

or continuing education after graduation

2020-2021 Graduate Report

Quick facts

Chemistry with business emphasis program details

Program length: four years
Offered: in person
Campus: Eau Claire
This major does not require a minor.
Students majoring in this program may choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Student organizations

American Chemical Society-Student Affiliate (ACS-SA)
Materials Research Society
Women and Gender Minorities in STEM

Accreditation information

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

What can I do with a chemistry with business emphasis degree from UWEC?

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)

Chemistry with business emphasis bachelor's degree program curriculum

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.