CHEMISTRY

A Well-Respected Program

Chemistry prepares you for success in many science-related occupations. You have the opportunity to learn in a state-of-the-art Science Center. Companies, organizations, and institutions looking for people with hands-on experience seek Wartburg chemistry and biochemistry graduates. The department has a 100 percent placement rate. Experimentation and research is at the heart of the Wartburg chemistry program. On campus, students use modern instrumentation in course work and individual research. Chemistry faculty members are effective teachers and advisers, and small class sizes enable faculty and students to become well acquainted. 

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 Travis explains how science drives innovation and his relationships with his Wartburg professors.

Katriela explains why she chose Wartburg and her plans in dentistry after graduation.

Program Fast Facts

The chemistry major can be used to pursue professional study in:
• Medicine 
• Laboratory Chemistry (clinical, environmental, pharmaceutical, food science, etc.) 
• Clinical Chemistry 
• Veterinary Medicine 
• Optometry
• Dentistry 
• Pharmacy

Excellent Placement in Graduate and Professional Schools
You may also pursue graduate study in such areas as analytical chemistry, biochemistry, organic or inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, environmental chemistry, patent law, or forensic law. A number of Wartburg chemistry majors have gone on to careers in medicine.

Excellent Placement in Graduate and Professional Schools
Students majoring in chemistry or biochemistry are encouraged have the opportunity to complete internships in industrial or university laboratories. Or, students may choose to conduct undergraduate research with Wartburg faculty members. Students have been selected for research projects at various universities funded by the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) program, as well as industrial internships in chemical safety and environmental testing laboratories.

Numerous Career Options
A chemistry or biochemistry degree can lead to a variety of occupations. You may find a position teaching chemistry in high school or middle school. You can qualify for positions in technical sales or management. You may work as a technician in industrial, state, national, and university laboratories. You may also find a career in clinical, environmental, pharmaceutical, food science, materials science, or forensic science.

Alumni Outcomes

Wartburg graduates find satisfying jobs and are admitted into top graduate and professional schools. Wartburg alumni can be found in all 50 U.S. states and over 70 foreign countries. Below is only a sample of the types of positions Wartburg graduates from the Chemistry Department have had in the past.

Sample of Alumni Positions from the Past Five Years:

  • Development Associate, The Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines
  • Graduate Research Assistant/Ph.D. Candidate
  • Mapping Specialist, Pinnacle Group, Iowa Falls
  • Graduate Student-BioMedical Studies
  • QA Scientist, Cargill, Cedar Rapids

Sample of Alumni Positions from the Past 10 Years:

  • Agribusiness/Consultant, Insight Enterprise Consulting, New Ulm, Minn.
  • Analytical Chemist, Air Liquide/ALASG, Longmont, Colo.
  • Assistant Professor, University of Iowa, Iowa City
  • Attorney/Owner, Eden Prairie, Minn.
  • Pharmacist, BRF Clinic Pharmacy, Black River, Wis.
  • Family Physician, Susquehanna Physicians Services, Montoursville, Penn.

Sample Stand-out Alumni Positions:

  • Assistant Dean, Mayo Medical School, Rochester, Minn.
  • Owner/Manager, Astro-Chem Lab, Inc. Williston, N.D.
  • Physician/Co-Founder, COO, Case Western Reserve University/Patient Provider, Ohio
  • President and CEO, Relationship One, Minneapolis, Minn.

FACILITIES

The Science Center is designed to encourage student interaction with faculty members and other students.

Conduct research with a faculty mentor.

LEARN MORE

FACULTY

Christine DeVries

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Shawn Ellerbroek

Professor of Chemistry/Biochemistry, Ralph E. Otto Endowed Professor in Chemistry

Leilani Zart

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Faculty Emeriti
Dr. David Hampton
Dr. Warren Zemke