Drive Sustainable Innovation
Want to be part of one of the most innovative chemistry programs in the United States? Then enroll in the University of Michigan-Flint’s green chemistry program – a pioneering offering for undergraduates.
Green chemistry aims to help create a more sustainable world by preventing waste, reducing hazards, and conserving Earth’s resources in the design, manufacture, and use of chemicals. At the same time, it recognizes that any innovations must be economically viable to encourage adoption.
A wide range of industries recognize the importance of developing sustainable manufacturing practices. Leading companies such as Dow Chemical, DuPont, 3M, BASF, and others have pledged to work toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They seek innovative employees versed in the language of green chemistry to help them solve complex problems.
At UM-Flint, you get hundreds of hours of hands-on experience through our lab-based curriculum. Your experiences occur during your courses and can happen through working on research projects with your fellow students and faculty as part of a team. These unique research opportunities can result in students earning authorship positions on academic papers or presenting their research at regional and national conferences. You also take courses in fields like environmental science, political science, and economics to give you the broad perspective needed for your work.
In addition, as you complete courses you gain opportunities to lead the next generation of students as a laboratory teaching assistant, supplemental instruction leader, or tutor.
Our green chemistry program equips you to work across teams while helping companies meet their sustainability goals, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. It’s also great preparation if you plan to pursue graduate studies in analytical, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry or biochemistry.
Why UM-Flint?
The most important reason to study green chemistry at UM-Flint is the quality of our faculty. They’ve been recognized nationally as leaders in their field through service on the advisory board for Beyond Benign, the nation’s leading green chemistry education organization. In addition, the American Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry Institute has utilized their expertise to develop green chemistry teaching modules for undergraduate courses in general and organic chemistry.
Our green chemistry faculty are scholars actively engaged in research, yet they’re here because they love teaching and are committed to student success. That commitment extends to mentoring. Every green chemistry major has a faculty mentor who can answer questions about internships, research opportunities, time management, work/life balance, planning for jobs or graduate school, and much more.
Here are just a few other reasons why UM-Flint is a great choice if you’re interested in green chemistry:
- Our Chemistry Club is a nationally recognized student chapter of the American Chemical Society that consistently receives the highest Chapter Award and ACS recognition for its green activities. The club hosts a variety of social and professional development events, and it also focuses on providing science outreach to our local schools and campus community. The experience of being a club officer has helped our alumni gain admission to many graduate and professional programs.
- In a paid or volunteer role, you can develop your research skills while working side-by-side with faculty on state-of-the-art research in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program or its summer counterpart, the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, which offers full- and half-time positions.
- Flint offers many opportunities for internships, community outreach, and volunteer work.
Chemistry Programs at UM-Flint
The Department of Natural Sciences at UM-Flint offers the Bachelor of Science in Green Chemistry program and its honors version. In addition, biochemistry degree is alos available:
We also offer a Chemistry Minor that’s available to all students at UM-Flint.
Scholarships for Green Chemistry Majors
UM-Flint provides a number of scholarships that are specifically for chemistry students. They include:
- Fleming A. & Marian E. Barbour Scholarship Fund
- Harry H. Blecker Scholarship Fund
- Ralph M. and Emmalyn E. Freeman Chemistry Scholarship
- Lotfi Family Scholarship Fund
- Zelpha E. McKinnon Science Scholarship
- Holly Sucic Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Our Office of Financial Aid offers a variety of other scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. They’re all part of our effort to make your world-class University of Michigan-Flint education affordable.
Academic Advising for Green Chemistry Majors
With so many educational opportunities and career paths available to our green chemistry students, we strongly encourage you to meet regularly with your academic advisor. Our academic advisors can help you choose classes, navigate program requirements, overcome personal issues, develop post-graduation plans, and more.
Cydnee Robertson is the dedicated advisor for green chemistry students. You can contact her at [email protected] or schedule an appointment.
Career Opportunities in Green Chemistry
Your bachelor’s degree in green chemistry from UM-Flint will open the door to a wide range of career options. Consider these job projections for just a few possibilities from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Chemists and Materials Scientists
- Job growth through 2030: 6 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 8,200
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $79,760
- Environmental Engineers
- Job growth through 2030: 4 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 3,400
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $96,820
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists
- Job growth through 2030: 8 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 9,400
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $76,530
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Job growth through 2030: 6 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 6,900
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $137,900
More information about careers for green chemistry majors is available from the American Chemical Society. In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers “Going ‘Green’: Environmental Jobs for Scientists and Engineers,” and the U.S. Department of Labor provides “Where the Green Jobs Grow.”
Get Started on Your Green Chemistry Career Today
If you want hands-on training that prepares you to drive sustainable innovation, apply to the University of Michigan-Flint’s green chemistry program today. If you have questions, you can contact the program’s dedicated academic advisor, Cydnee Robertson at [email protected] or schedule an appointment.