Why study chemistry?
We’re the central science! Chemists have the background to go into a variety of fields to help solve some of the biggest problems we face today.
Chemistry enriches the quality of our lives in numerous ways by providing new solutions to problems in health, material science, and energy usage and storage. Students who study chemistry at VCU get to embark on a path of scientific discovery at the most fundamental of levels.
Research Areas
As an R1 University, we provide unique opportunities for advanced study in the traditional areas of chemistry as well as in interdisciplinary topics such as sustainability and energy, chemical biology and biochemistry, nanoscience and nanomaterials, and computational and machine learning.
The Department of Chemistry has excellent resources for research that includes a fully equipped instrument facility, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Center and access to university core centers that includes the Nanoscience Core Characterization Center.
News
Aug. 21, 2025
43rd annual Faculty Convocation celebrates seven VCU educators and researchers
Honorees represent the School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Humanities and Sciences, and University College.
Aug. 18, 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Fabio Gomes, for being selected to receive the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award, Oak Ridge Associated Universities.
The awards recognize faculty members for their work in any of five science and technology disciplines: engineering and applied science; life sciences; mathematics and computer science; physical sciences; and policy, management or education. Oakland University’s award funds research project in the policy, management or education discipline area.
Aug. 18, 2025
Faculty Convocation will honor seven VCU educators and researchers
The 43rd annual ceremony on Aug. 20 celebrates outstanding teaching, scholarship and service.
Chemistry Spotlight
Meet Jasmine
Jasmine Witt's curiosity about how the world works on a molecular and cellular level led her to pursue a degree in chemistry. Read more about Jasmine's favorite classes, professors and her leadership role in the American Chemical Society.
Get on the fast track to a master's degree
Choose from one of two programs to earn your M.S. in a minimum of five years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of your undergraduate program.
Study in our new STEM building
Our brand new, 169,000-square-foot building is dedicated to all things STEM, including chemistry. Students will have the opportunity to learn in six general chemistry laboratories equipped with snorkel hoods for each student.