College of Letters and Sciences

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY (CHEM)

Approved Chemistry Program Badge by the American Chemical Society (ACS)Are you curious about the science behind everyday life—from the medicines we take to the materials we use? At UW–Whitewater, the Chemistry Department invites you to turn that curiosity into a career. Our program blends rigorous academics with hands-on experiences, preparing students to solve real-world problems through the lens of chemistry.

From your first year, you’ll be immersed in lab-based learning, collaborative projects, and faculty-mentored research. Whether you're analyzing proteins, exploring green chemistry, or working with nanomaterials, you’ll gain practical skills using modern instrumentation, contribute to cutting-edge projects, and present your findings at conferences across the country. Small class sizes and personalized advising ensure you’re supported every step of the way.

We offer a variety of degree tracks—including ACS-certified options—to match your interests and career goals. Students engage in internships, study abroad, and leadership roles in Chem Club, while also co-authoring publications and building strong communication and professional skills. You’ll graduate ready for careers in healthcare, industry, education, or advanced study.

At UW–Whitewater, chemistry isn’t just a major—it’s a launchpad for discovery, innovation, and impact. Join a community where your passion for science can thrive. 

Our Faculty

Academic Programs

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Contact us

Jessica Bonjour
Department Chair & Professor
Phone: 262-472-1088
Location: Upham Hall 220A

Julia Rowehl
Department Assistant
Phone: 262-472-1070
Location: Upham Hall 220

UW-Whitewater offers students a wide variety of scholarships, both through the university, individual colleges, and departments. The Department of Chemistry has a number of scholarships and awards geared specifically toward our students, including:

  • John W. Brooks
  • Paul Wenaas (Junior)
  • AA Upham Science Scholarship
  • Y W Fok Scholarship
  • Goldwater Scholarship

More information about these and other scholarships is available through the scholarship portal.

Explore scholarships

The Department of Chemistry supports a number of student clubs and organizations, including Chemistry Club and our Double Helix Learning Community.

Explore student organizations

Careers

Internship Coordinator: Dr. Kim Naber

Explore our academic programs

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Chemistry Major/Emphasis, Minor
A student wearing safety goggles writes in a notebook.
Chemistry (Biochemistry) Major/Emphasis
A student works in a lab while wearing safety glasses.
Chemistry (Business for Industry ACS Certified) Major/Emphasis
A faculty member works with students in the chemistry lab.
Chemistry (Liberal Arts) Major/Emphasis
A student works in a lab while wearing safety glasses.
Chemistry (Professional ACS Approved) Major/Emphasis
Major/Emphasis, Minor

Have a love for chemistry? Interested in what makes up the world around you? Study Chemistry at UW-Whitewater, where you will get to explore the many different aspects of chemistry through courses on organic and inorganic chemistry, laboratory science, physical chemistry, quantitative reasoning, and more.

Major/Emphasis

Combine your interest in biology with your interest in chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry here at UW-Whitewater. You will take courses focused on subjects related to both sciences, such as organic chemistry, physical chemistry, wildlife ecology, animal physiology, and more.

Major/Emphasis

Rise quickly into a leadership position in a chemistry-centered career. The Business for Industry ACS Certified Chemistry emphasis will prepare you for the business side of careers through courses on macroeconomics, experimental chemistry, methods of analysis, organic and inorganic chemistry, and more.

Major/Emphasis

With a Liberal Arts Chemistry emphasis, you can study how physical science ties into the study of humanities with courses on subjects such as physical chemistry, organic chemistry, experimental chemistry, and more.

Major/Emphasis

A Professional American Chemical Society (ACS) Approved Chemistry emphasis will provide you with a deeper and more holistic understanding of chemistry on a professional and career-oriented level. You will take courses on a variety of subjects, such as green chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, data analysis, and more, all to give you the proper training to enter the field of professional chemical studies.

Donate

Every gift, no matter the size, helps provide scholarships, workshops, and essential resources that enrich our programs and help our students shine.

Icon of a graduation cap and a dollar sign. Student scholarships
Icon of a circle connecting people. Relevant educational experiences through public outreach
Icon of a lightbulb. Hands-on learning experiences
Icon of a person speaking at a podium in front of a group. State-of-the-art instruments

How much money can make an impact?

Supply reagents for undergraduate lab experiments

Supply reagents for undergraduate lab experiments

$50

Help a student attend a chemistry conference

Help a student attend a chemistry conference

$100

Fund a summer research assistantship

Fund a summer research assistantship

$250

Support equipment maintenance or software licenses

Support equipment maintenance or software licenses

$500

Sponsor a chemistry student award

Sponsor a chemistry student award

$750

Host a visiting researcher or chemist

Host a visiting researcher or chemist

$1,000

Donate now to support the Department of Chemistry at UW-Whitewater

If you're interested in starting a scholarship or making a pledge, please contact the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc at 262-472-1105 or through email at foundation@uww.edu.