General Overview

Who We Are.  The Virginia Tech Chemistry Department consists of approximately 300 undergraduate majors, 30 professors, 8 instructors, and 40 staff members in a variety of technical, instructional, and clerical support roles. Our graduate programs currently enroll 150 students pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. degrees, and our research laboratories host 30 post-doctoral associates and research scientists.  The size and quality of our department allows us to provide students with opportunities not found at smaller institutions.But despite the large numbers, each student is important and will receive the individual attention he or she needs -- from our professors and from our caring advising staff.

Where We Are. The Chemistry Department occupies Hahn Halls North and South on West Campus Drive near the Duck Pond.  A complete description of our location, with maps and directions for visitors, may be found in the About Chemistry link in the navigation pane at left.

Undergraduate Degrees.  The Virginia Tech Chemistry Department offers two undergraduate degree programs to meet the needs of students interested in chemistry:

• The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is the degree that meets certification by the American Chemical Society through its Committee on Professional Training. The B.S. degree provides the breadth and depth of experience to give graduates a wide choice of career options, and especially suited for further study in chemistry graduate school or a career in the chemical industry.
• The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree has fewer required chemistry courses and less laboratory time than the B.S. It provides more flexibility for students to design a chemistry program with more electives to meet a wider set of career goals or to pursue a double major.

Our Graduates.  The Department typically graduates about 50 B.S. and B.A. chemistry majors each year, ranking in the top 50 in total graduates for the 600+ colleges and universities that offer the American Chemical Society accredited degree. Approximately one-half of graduates go to graduate or professional school, including the most elite institutions.  Many of our graduates are now successful professors, medical doctors, executives, pharmacists, and research leaders.  The other half of our graduates who gain employment directly upon graduation are equally distributed among careers in the chemical industry, government, and careers outside of chemistry (including business and law).

Contacting Us.  For more information on our programs please contact our Undergraduate Advising Office:

Anna Hawthorne
Undergraduate Program Coordinator
3110 Hahn Hall South
540-231-4239
Email: chemadv@vt.edu