Marshall University in West Virginia is designated by the Carnegie classification system as a “Doctoral University: High Research Activity” institution, or “R2” as it is commonly called in higher education circles. The R-2 designation places Marshall among the top six percent of colleges and universities in the nation and is the second-highest classification an institution can receive. Recognition of the high research activity of faculty and students in our Department of Chemistry was an important factor in earning the Carnegie R-2 rating.

In our award-winning, accredited chemistry degree program, undergraduate students are offered many opportunities to familiarize themselves with a wide range of state-of-the-art instrumentation, work on cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary projects and participate in professional conferences. Thanks to our chemistry department’s small size, Chemical Sciences majors have the opportunity to work directly with faculty mentors on a daily basis in the lab. You are also compelled to interact with faculty outside their immediate research area, which provides exciting opportunities to broaden your experience.

All faculty in our accredited Department of Chemistry hold Ph.D. degrees and pursue their own research interests. Marshall University in West Virginia is the only place for students who want to do research in an accredited program in the specific areas offered. Our chemistry department also uses several instruments for compound characterization that match those of R-1 institutions.