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Welcome

At McMurry, our faculty and staff are committed to helping you gain the knowledge and skills to pursue various career paths. Whether your passion leads you to research and development, teaching, or professional studies, a degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry can open doors to careers as a pharmacist, physician, dentist, professor, attorney, engineer, healthcare administrator, executive, or entrepreneur.

We invite you to explore all our department has to offer—and join us as we study the science of energy and matter, make new discoveries, and contribute to innovations that improve lives worldwide.
Chem 1

Areas of Study

The study of chemistry and biochemistry touches upon all aspects of matter and energy and the places where those concepts intersect. We offer two degree programs, a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts, and two minors.

Biochemistry B.S.

Biochemistry explores life at the molecular and chemical levels. This includes understanding the matter that makes up all things and the processes that sustain life. You’ll learn to explore proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates and the other components of living cells, as well as the biosynthetic and metabolic processes that link them together. A Bachelor of Science in biochemistry can lead to a career in healthcare, life sciences, business, government or law. In addition, McMurry has ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS with several prominent Texas colleges and universities to facilitate a seamless transition to a graduate school of pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, chiropractic and more. Biochemistry

Chemistry B.A.

The Bachelor of Arts curriculum offers a broader view of chemistry with a foundation in the math and science of matter. Pair this bachelor’s degree with a minor of your choosing for career opportunities in healthcare administration, industrial sales, patent law, science journalism or policy advising. To pursue education, choose a minor in curriculum and instruction to teach chemistry to students in grades 7-12; this minor will also prepare you to sit for teaching certification exams. Chemistry

Chemistry B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in chemistry is primarily a laboratory-based discipline. You’ll study the building blocks of matter and how they combine to form everything in the physical world and learn applications of what you study in the lab and in the field. Choose the Bachelor of Science in chemistry if you’re interested in a career in industrial process chemistry, pollution control and remediation, laboratory work, or commercial or governmental research. Your degree will also prepare you to continue your studies in a graduate or professional program. McMurry also has an ARTICULATION AGREEMENT with the University of North Dakota that enables you to graduate with dual degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering. Chemistry

Student Opportunities

Pre-Professional Programs

The mission of the McMurry University Pre-Professional Program is to provide the curricular advising and career guidance needed by our students as they prepare themselves for application to and successful completion of a professional school program. Pre-Professional Programs

Chemistry Club

McMurry has an active chapter of the American Chemical Society, known locally as the Chemistry Club. Students are involved in tutoring, chemistry shows, student preview days, field trips and guest speakers. ACS

Brady Cox Endowment

The Brady Cox endowment, honoring the late Dr. Brady Cox, funds a scholarship to support students by broadening their experiences to improve their preparation for successful futures as health professionals.  Students may apply for a maximum of $250 to defray travel expenses associated with conference attendance or group trips with a health professions theme.  Contact Erica Medina, your faculty advisor, or your academic coach for more information! More Information

Honors Program

If you’re motivated to aim higher and push your potential, consider pursuing departmental honors in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Through an honors research project and thesis, you’ll showcase your skills, deepen your expertise, and set yourself apart for graduate school or your future career. Honors Program

Research

The department of chemistry and biochemistry’s undergraduate research program is funded by a generous grant from the Welch Foundation. Typically, a summer stipend is provided for three to five students involved in research with McMurry faculty. The department also offers multiple work-study opportunities in which students work as teaching or laboratory assistants.

Advanced Lab Technology

Students gain proficiency in theory and technique with hands-on experience using laboratory instrumentation — which often begins in the first lab class. Instruments you’ll work with include:

Global Learning Endorsement

The Global Learning Endorsement provides an opportunity for students to highlight academic achievement in global/international studies on their transcript. This endorsement will provide helpful documentation of the student’s expertise for employment in an increasingly globalized world. Learn More
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Beyond McMurry

Careers

An undergraduate education in chemistry or biochemistry can open the door to a career in:
  • Bioinformatics
  • Commercial Lab Work
  • Engineering
  • Forensic Science
  • Industrial Chemical Research
  • Pharmacy
  • Pollution Control and Remediation
  • Post-secondary Education
  • Quality Assurance Inspection
  • Science Journalism
  • Secondary Education
  • Toxicology
  • Veterinary Medicine

Join the Ranks of Accomplished Alumni

You’ll find McMurry chemistry and biochemistry graduates leading the way in a range of fields:
  • Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
  • Dentistry and Medicine
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Oil and Gas
  • Pharmacy
  • Research Science
  • Science Education, Secondary and Collegiate
  • Semiconductors
  • Control and Remediation of Environmental Pollution
  • Allied Health, including Chiropractic, Optometry, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Podiatry, Prosthetics

Faculty

Dr.
Edward Donnay Department Chair / Professor of Inorganic Chemistry
Dr.
Paul Pyenta Professor of Biochemistry
Dr.
Pamela Veltkamp Professor of Analytical Chemistry

Resources

The McMurry Science and Mathematics Advisory Board is dedicated to advancing opportunities for students and faculty while strengthening the future of science and mathematics at McMurry. The board provides guidance, sponsors educational initiatives, and supports projects that enhance teaching, learning, and student success.

The Advisory Board works to:

  • Promote Excellence: Enhance the quality of education through innovative programs, projects, and resources that enrich student learning.

  • Foster Innovation: Connect scientists, mathematicians, and community leaders with McMurry faculty and administration to bring fresh ideas and perspectives.

  • Engage Supporters: Involve alumni, partners, and friends of McMurry in shaping the future of the science and mathematics programs.

  • Celebrate Alumni Success: Recognize and honor science and mathematics graduates with outstanding leadership and professional achievement.

  • Support Growth: Generate resources and funding for special projects and emerging needs within the science and mathematics departments.

Together, the Advisory Board champions McMurry’s mission to prepare students for meaningful careers and leadership in science and mathematics.
Learn More

The McMurry Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is led by faculty who are researchers in fields like organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, chemical education and biochemistry. The faculty seeks opportunities to get undergraduate students involved in both the academic and laboratory aspects of chemical and biochemical research.