Chemistry Major and Minor

Research with Faculty

Each faculty member partners with students in discovery research ranging from chemical analysis, organic chemistry synthesis, atmospheric/environmental chemistry, natural products discovery, medicinal chemistry, and making biodegradable plastics. Experiments are conducted year-round with extra emphasis in the summer. Research students often present their research at regional or national American Chemical Society meetings. Outstanding students who have completed a body of novel work write and defend an Honors Thesis earning the distinction on their transcript of "Honors in Chemistry." In the past five years, over 10 students have successfully defended their Honors Theses.

Stauffer Research Fellowships

The generosity of the Stauffer Charitable Trust, along with many supporting donors, has established an endowment to enhance summer research for chemistry majors at Pepperdine University. This strong demonstration of support for undergraduate research funds Stauffer Research Fellows and enables them to engage in focused studies with a faculty mentor. Students utilize modern instrumentation in discovery research in wide-ranging fields of chemistry and pedagogical studies and make a contribution to the field, which prepares them for graduate studies or employment in chemistry and associated fields. The Pepperdine Chemistry program is excited about the opportunities made possible to students by the Stauffer Charitable Trust.

Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

A wide range of extra-curricular activities are available to students from serving as a teaching assistant, contributing to the General Chemistry tutoring staff, research assistant, and participating in our Chemistry Club, just to name a few. Students who have demonstrated excellence in their laboratory and classroom work are often selected as teaching assistants who work closely with the faculty and students together guiding students through teaching laboratory experiments. Other excellent students are often selected to be members of the elite General Chemistry Tutor staff, directly contributing to the education of the students enrolled in General Chemistry courses.

Chem Club (Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, SAACS)

We host an award-winning Student Affiliates Chapter of the American Chemical Society (Chem Club) where students can be leaders in the Pepperdine community and the community at large, bringing fun and educational science to the young and not-so-young. The Chem Club's activities span department and campus-wide events and include social activities, campus and community outreach, and science experiments beyond the curriculum. Whether it's hosting a chemistry outreach event at a local elementary school or making gallons of Oobleck to run across, the Chem Club members are community leaders sharing chemistry with others. National Chemistry Week in October each year has included a number of activities from Kitchen Chemistry to sharing a Periodic Table of Cupcakes to synthesizing fluorescent Quantum Dot nanoparticles. Making Dippin' Dots ice cream with liquid nitrogen has been a longstanding activity in partnerships with Colleges against Cancer, Earth Day, and other community projects. The Chem Club has received multiple awards from the American Chemical Society for its accomplishments on and off campus.

Recommended International Study

The experiences of a summer study program and overseas travel provide another dimension of a unique liberal arts education. For students in the Natural Science Division, we often recommend summer study abroad experiences for scheduling reasons.

Our international programs are designed to provide all students—regardless of major—the opportunity to study, live, and travel overseas without interrupting other studies or postponing a career. This offers students a unique opportunity to gain both an academic and a personal understanding of other cultures, institutions, and languages. Learn more and check out the Summer Special Interest Programs.

Secondary Teaching Credential

Students who plan to teach science in secondary schools should complete their chemistry degree and a California Teaching Credential.