Students who graduate with a Whittier College degree in chemistry are well prepared to pursue advanced degrees in chemistry/biochemistry, enter medical school or other health science schools—such as dental, pharmacy, or optometry—or begin graduate programs in public health, law, forensic science, and genetic counseling.

More than 80 percent of program alumni who apply to graduate programs in the sciences are admitted. Recent graduates have successfully completed degree programs at the following, among others:

Southern California College of Optometry
University of California, Irvine
Kansas City University Medical Center
Texas Tech University Medical School
Louisiana State University Graduate School
Regis University, School of Nursery
University of Arizona: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
Whittier College Graduate School: Education
University of New Mexico Medical School
University of Illinois: Chemistry
Dalhousie University: Bio Chemistry
Stanford University School of Medicine
California State University, Los Angeles: Graduate School in Forensic Science
University of Miami: School of Nursing
Oregon Health Sciences: School of Optometry
Saint Georges Medical School
Cornell University: Medical Sciences
USC Pharmacy School
University of Colorado: Pharmacy School
California State University, Fullerton: Chemistry
California State University, Fullerton: Biochemistry
University of California, San Diego: Chemistry
Princeton University, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Graduates who enter the professional arena have taken jobs working in the chemical industry, in research, development, and crime labs, in the fields of biotechnology and pharmacy, in the armed forces, and in the educational sector, teaching chemistry at the high school level.

See what our alumni are up to

James Galloway ’66
Professor of Environmental Sciences
University of Virginia

Jim Galloway left Whittier College with a dual degree in biology and chemistry. In the ensuing years, he has been called both a “pioneer and an exceptional leader” on global biogeochemical issues focusing on documenting and understanding the massive changes that are occurring in the global nitrogen cycle both through his own research as well as fostering a major international effort. Read more.

Joshua Pak ’93
Professor of Chemistry
Idaho State University

Every now and then, my wife (also a Whittier alum) and I talk about how great an education we received from Whittier. As undergrads, we were always pushed to do better. The rigor in my education provided me with the stamina and essential skills to be successful in my career. The most useful skills that I gained from Whittier are writing, communication, and, most importantly, critical thinking skills. I know the education I received after Whittier also contributed to my success, but the foundation that was formed at Whittier initiated it all. Read more.