Chemistry BS/MS

The Bachelor of Science/Master of Science (BS/MS) dual degree in Chemistry offers a research-driven education that provides you with advanced chemical knowledge, ethical awareness, communication skills and scientific expertise. Through rigorous coursework and specialized training, you’ll build a strong theoretical foundation across organic, inorganic, physical, analytical and biochemistry—preparing you to make meaningful contributions in any chemistry-related field.

As you progress, you’ll explore specialized fields that align with your interests and career goals—from chemical synthesis and spectroscopy to polymer, environmental, materials and pharmaceutical chemistry. This broad exposure ensures you understand both the principles and applications of chemistry, preparing you for success in academia, industry and beyond.

Throughout the program, you’ll also develop the ability to communicate scientific outcomes effectively through both oral and written methods, translating complex research findings into clear, impactful presentations and reports. Equally important, you’ll learn to uphold integrity and ethics in science, understanding how responsible research practices strengthen the scientific community and your own professional credibility.

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Program Information

The BS/MS in Chemistry dual degree is a research-driven program that combines advanced coursework, specialized training and hands-on research. You’ll build expertise across organic, inorganic, physical, analytical and biochemistry while developing the ethical awareness, communication skills and scientific knowledge to excel in academia, industry and beyond.

Program Type

Dual Degree

Degree

Bachelor's, Master's

Academic Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Duration

5 years

Required Credit Hours

154

Modality

In-Person

Questions? Contact Us!

Lexie Vincenty

Enrollment Coordinator

School of Science and Engineering

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Stories From the Lab

 

See the Science in Action

Watch how our students explore, experiment and excel in the lab.

Get Inspired

Inside the Lab

See how our students bring science to life through hands-on learning and research.

Experience Chemistry at Duquesne

 

Grad Student Life

Duquesne offers graduate students full access to campus resources—from fitness and wellness services to library study spaces and career development. Live just steps from your classes in Brottier Hall (apartment style), Des Places Hall (suite style), or our newest graduate student apartment building, McGinley Hall.

Research. Connect. Excel.

Explore interdisciplinary research, join award-winning student organizations and gain hands-on experience through summer research programs—all designed to prepare you for a successful STEM career.

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Research Areas & Facilities

Explore interdisciplinary fields in biochemistry, organic, physical, materials, inorganic, analytical, forensic, and biophysical chemistry, all within our state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot research facility.

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Student Organizations

Our clubs and organizations span interests in chemistry, biochemistry and other STEM programs, including our award-winning ACS Student Organization.

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Summer Research Program

The Summer Undergraduate Research program is a paid internship where you'll gain essential research experience for careers in STEM-based fields.

Go Further in Your Studies

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Master of Science in Chemistry

Gain the advanced knowledge and research experience to pursue a rewarding career in industry, academia or research—or continue your studies toward a Ph.D. in Chemistry.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry

Become an independent scientist through faculty-mentored research and advanced coursework that deepen your understanding of molecular-level biological problems, core chemical principles and critical analysis across areas such as enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, nucleic acid chemistry and molecular biology.

Suggested Course Sequence

To assist students in achieving their academic goals within the program, we recommend the following course sequence. It is important to note that research experience in the fifth year is required and undergraduate research is highly recommended. 
Fall Semester (17 credits)
  • CHEM 151 Atomic & Molec Principles (4 credits)
  • CHEM 151L Intro to Chemistry Lab (1 credit)
  • BIOL 111 / 111L Biology I / Lab (4 credits)
  • BRDG 101 Writing and Analysis (3 credits)
  • MATH 115 Calculus I (4 credits)
  • CHEM 153 Career Op in Chem and Biochem I (1 credit)

Spring Semester (17 credits)
  • CHEM 152 Quantitative Analysis (4 credits)
  • CHEM 152L Quantitative Analysis Lab (1 credit)
  • BIOL 112 / 112L Biology II / Lab (4 credits)
  • BRDG 102 Writing and Literature (3 credits)
  • MATH 116 Calculus II (4 credits)
  • BRDG 100 Research & Info Skills (1 credit)
Fall Semester (16 credits)
  • CHEM 228 Structure, Mech & React (4 credits)
  • CHEM 228L Org Struct & Properties Lab (1 credit)
  • PHYS 211/R Gen Analy Phys I/Rec (3 credits)
  • PHYS 211L GAP I Lab (1 credit)
  • MATH 215 Calculus III (4 credits)
  • EQ Essential Questions Seminar (3 credits)

Spring Semester (16 credits)

  • CHEM 229 Reacts, Synths & Spectroscopy (4 credits)
  • CHEM 229L Organic Synthesis Lab (1 credit)
  • PHYS 212/R Gen Analy Phys II/Rec (3 credits)
  • PHYS 212L GAP II Lab  (1 credit)
  • ENGL 302W Scientific Writing (3 credits)
  • CHEM 154 Career Op in Chem and Biochem II (1 credit)
  • CHEM 452 Env Chemistry (Chem Elective) (3 credits)
Fall Semester (18 credits)
  • CHEM 328 Quantum Chemistry (4 credits)
  • CHEM 340 Instrumental Analysis (3 credits)
  • CHEM 419 Adv Biochemistry I (4 credits)
  • CHEM 305L/R Adv Lab Skills/R (1 credit)
  • General Elective (3 credits)
  • General Elective (3 credits)

Spring Semester (18 credits)

  • CHEM 329 Thermodynamics (4 credits)
  • CHEM 312 Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
  • CHEM 436 Adv Biochem II (Chem Elective) (4 credits)
  • SPRG 108 Service Learning in Science (0-1 credits)
  • Bridges Course - Cultural Fluency (3 credits)
  • General Elective (Theology) (3 credits)
  • CHEM 155 Career Op in Chem and Biochem III (1 credit)
Fall Semester (16 credits)
  • CHEM 426L/R Adv Exp Tech/Applct (4 credits)
  • CHEM 544 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3 credits)
  • CHEM 503 Advanced Organic (3 credits)
  • CHEM Graduate Course* (3 credits)
  • Bridges Course - Social & Hist Reasoning (3 credits)

Spring Semester (15 credits)

  • CHEM Graduate Course* (3 credits)
  • CHEM Chemistry/Math Elective (3 credits)
  • Bridges Course - Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)
  • General Elective (Philosophy) (3 credits)
  • BRDG 105 Intro to Ethical Reasoning (3 credits)

Please note: CHEM 503 Advanced Organic and both CHEM Graduate courses count towards 30 credits of your Master's degree.
Fall Semester (10 credits)
  • CHEM 516 Research Experience I (3 credits)
  • CHEM 513 Scientific Communication I (1 credit)
  • CHEM 542 Adv Data Analysis & Stats (2 credits)
  • CHEM 573 Ethics I (1 credit)
  • CHEM Graduate Course* (3 credits)

Spring Semester (11 credits)

  • CHEM 518 Research Experience II (3 credits)
  • CHEM 515 Scientific Communication II (1 credit)
  • CHEM 575 Ethics II (1 credit)
  • CHEM Graduate Course* (3 credits)
  • CHEM Graduate Course* (3 credits)
  • CHEM 508 Biomolecular Structure Function
  • CHEM 523 Organic Total Synthesis
  • CHEM 526 Organotransition Metal Chemistry
  • CHEM 527 Biophysical and Biochemical Char of Macro
  • CHEM 528 Polymer Chemistry
  • CHEM 537 Biomedical Applications in Biochemistry
  • CHEM 540 Molecular Visualization and Sim Methods
  • CHEM 541 Structural Proteomics
  • CHEM 543 Protein Nucleic Acid Interactions
  • CHEM 547 Reactions Mechanisms
  • CHEM 549 Single Crystal X-ray Crystallography
  • CHEM 550 Protein Engineering
  • CHEM 563 Advanced Main Group Chemistry
  • CHEM 565 Advanced Instrumental Analysis
  • CHEM 566 Mass Spect Instrumental Analysis
  • CHEM 567 Statistical Thermodynamics
  • CHEM 590 Green Chemistry
  • CHEM 598 Special Topics 
  • MATH 310 Linear Algebra
  • MATH 314 Differential Equations
  • MATH 335 Biostatistics II

Please Note: Other science and math electives must be at the 300-500 level.

Learning Outcomes

  • Achieve a Strong Theoretical Foundation in Advanced Chemistry - Students will acquire a deep understanding of advanced concepts of Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry, preparing them for diverse applications of chemistry in academia, industry, and professional fields.
  • Communicate Scientific Outcomes Effectively Through Oral and Written Methods – Students will be able to effectively disseminate results from the chemistry literature, both through oral presentations and written documents.
  • Understand the Role of Integrity and Ethics in Science – Student will gain an understanding of scientific and academic ethics as well as how it applies to both their work and the scientific community as a whole.

Accreditation

ACS accreditation ensures our undergraduate chemistry program meets rigorous national standards, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to excel as scientific professionals. It also enhances the program’s reputation, attracts top students and faculty, and prepares graduates for technical careers.