Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry offers a comprehensive curriculum and an interdisciplinary approach, including faculty-student research and hands-on laboratory courses. Our programs place students at the forefront of modern science and prepare them to make valuable contributions to the chemical, biochemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Chemistry is a key part of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, which are in high demand and offer expanding job opportunities and higher salaries.

Our students gain a scientific foundation that opens a wide range of career options, including industrial and academic positions. Their training could also lead to opportunities in interdisciplinary fields such as education, computational science, art conservation, technical writing, forensic science, patent law, biophysics or medicine. Additionally, students are well prepared for graduate studies and professional programs such as medical, dental, veterinary, pharmaceutical science and physical therapy.

Explore Our Programs

Biochemistry (major)

We offer both a B.S. and B.A. in biochemistry. The B.S. provides the knowledge and skills needed for graduate study in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, genetics or biotechnology. The B.A. is designed for students who want to attend medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy or physical therapy school. It develops core knowledge while offering the flexibility to explore other subjects, providing the well-rounded education that many professional schools look for in applicants.

Biochemistry program

Chemistry (major, minor)

We offer both a B.S. and B.A. in chemistry. The B.S. prepares you for graduate studies in chemistry or professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy and physical therapy. The B.A. is designed for students interested in fields such as engineering, law, forensic science, education, pharmaceutical sales or technical writing. It provides a strong foundation in chemistry while offering the flexibility to take a variety of elective courses.

Chemistry program

Chemistry and secondary education (double major)

Our chemistry and secondary education degree prepares you to apply for Rhode Island teacher certification for grades 7-12. To earn the double major, you take courses in chemistry, mathematics and physics, and must also meet the requirements for secondary education. Graduates can also work in a range of technical positions outside of education.

Chemistry program

Secondary education program

Engineering (3+2 dual degree)

Our partnerships with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Washington University in St. Louis offer dual-degree programs in which you complete three years of coursework in chemistry or mathematics at Salve, followed by two years of engineering study at the partner institution.

Engineering program

Pharmacy (3+3 dual degree)

Our partnership with the University of Saint Joseph offers a dual-degree program in which you complete three years of coursework in biology or biochemistry at Salve, followed by three years in Saint Joseph’s Pharm.D. program.

Pharmacy program

Meet Our Faculty

We aim to inspire a passion for learning science in our students. Small class sizes allow for personal attention and strong mentoring relationships. Our research projects give students the chance to deepen their knowledge, explore new ideas and make important scientific discoveries.

See all Chemistry faculty