Environmental Chemistry

  1. Office & Department Directory
  2. Environmental Science
  3. Pathways
  4. Environmental Chemistry

Graduates of the Environmental Chemistry pathway will be prepared for careers that apply
chemical expertise to solving pressing environmental challenges. Potential opportunities include
working as Industrial Ecologists, partnering with businesses to reduce environmental impacts and
improve sustainability practices; serving as Climate Change Analysts, consulting with government
agencies or engaging in public education and outreach; and working as Environmental Auditors,
advising companies on compliance with environmental laws and regulations. In addition, students
may pursue careers in Analytical Chemistry, specializing in the monitoring and analysis of
contaminants and environmental quality, with applications in soil, water, and air sampling. This
pathway’s focus on laboratory skills, applied chemistry, and regulatory knowledge provides
graduates with the technical foundation and interdisciplinary perspective necessary for careers
across government, industry, and non-governmental organizations.

  • Suggested courses for the two 200+ level lab courses: CHEM 205 Quantitative Analysis and CHEM 223 Organic I.
  • Suggested courses for the two 300+ level courses: CHEM 306 Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology and CHEM 356 Environmental Chemistry Lab.
  • Suggested courses for the two 200+ level ESP (Environmental Science and Policy) courses: any ESP course. 

Suggested STEM major advisors: Amanda Oldacre (Chemistry), Matt Skeels (Chemistry), Sam Tartakoff (Chemistry).

Suggested ESS major advisors: Sara Ashpole (ESS), Lori Clark (ESS), Aaron Iverson (ESS), David Murphy (ESS), Pete Pettengil (ESS),  Jon Rosales (ESS).