Changing the World
Chemistry and Biochemistry
A Vibrant Learning Community
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry seeks to establish itself as a benchmark in the discipline, serving as a model for educating and training undergraduate students in the chemical sciences within a liberal arts context.
The department strives to create a vibrant learning community focused on promoting academic excellence, research training and scientific discovery as well as lifelong learning.
It is united in its vision of providing the best possible learning environment for our students that develops their intellectual, ethical, social consciousness and leadership potential and produces graduates who are well prepared for graduate school, professional school, and future careers. A student who has successfully completed courses in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry will . . .
- Be able to develop and apply critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills toward problem-solving
- Be able to develop and apply chemical techniques while engaged in scientific investigations
- Demonstrate how to thoroughly search, analyze, and apply scientific literature
- Demonstrate their scientific knowledge through effective oral and written communication
Activities and Organizations
Spelman chemistry department majors are active in a number of organizations and extracurricular activities both on- and off-campus. Many of these organizations offer opportunities for students to interact with their peers, faculty, and colleagues across the campus, region, and nation who have similar career goals and interests.
- Chemistry Club (Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- National Society of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
- Student Health Associates and Peer Educators (SHAPE)
Our History
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry was a merged department with the department of Morehouse College from 1969-1977. In the spring of 1977, due to enrollment pressure at both schools, the respective administrations agreed to dissolve the merger.
The department was officially established in 1977.
The department was officially established in 1977.
In June 2004, the Department submitted its curriculum for certification to the American Chemical Society (ACS) and was awarded approval in Spring 2005. To date, the Department has grown to include five majors options: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry-ACS certification, Chemistry-Teaching certification, and Chemistry-Dual Degree.
What Can I do With This Major
- Pharmacist Pharmacologist
- Physician Dentist
- Veterinarian Researcher
- Educator Criminologist
- Dietician Geneticist
- Chemical Engineer Industrial Hygienist
- Journal Editor Book Publisher
- Scientific Consultant Film Consultant
- Neuroscientist Aesthetician Visual
- Communications Ophthalmologist Pathologist Inventor
- Investment Banker Nutritionist
- Food and Drug Inspector Food and Drug Analyst
- Engineer Lawyer
- Museum Curator Art Conservationist
- Government Advisor Pyrotechnician
- Librarian Federal Agent
- Toxicologist
- Patent Examiner
- Fields in Chemistry
- Aerospace Food
- Pharmaceuticals Textile and Fashion
- Agricultural Forensics
- Cosmetic Environmental Concerns
- Energy Alternative Fuels
- Biotechnology Advertising
- Public Health Information Technology
Alumna Spotlight
Spelman College alumna and chemistry professor Krishna Foster, Ph.D., C’92, has been recognized among “100 Inspiring Women in STEM” by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for encouraging and inspiring young women to pursue careers in science. An advocate for women and minorities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, Foster is featured in the September issue of the publication.
"An atmospheric chemist, Dr. Foster is well-known for leading diverse teams of undergraduate and graduate students in research and guiding their intellectual, professional and personal development. Beyond the classroom and lab, she serves as associate director of Cal State, L.A. Minority Opportunities Research programs designed to prepare underrepresented minority students for Ph.D. studies. Many of the students in the program have gone on to receive a Ph.D. and now mentor other young scientists," reports INSIGHT.
After earning her B.S. degree in chemistry from Spelman College in 1992 and graduating magna cum laude, Foster decided that she wanted to study environmental chemistry. She continued her education at the University of Colorado at Boulder where she earned her Ph.D. degree in physical chemistry in 1998.