#1 Public University Source 2026 U.S. News & World Report
Mission
The College of Chemistry advances society through education and research.
We honor that mission by educating students who become world class scientists, researchers, educators, and entrepreneurs.
Departments
The departments of Chemistry and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering provide outstanding coursework and research opportunities to our undergraduates, graduates, and postdoctoral researchers.
Chemistry has consistently produced leaders in analytical, inorganic, organic, nuclear, physical and theoretical chemistry. We lead exploration at the frontiers of knowledge in the areas of biophysical, materials, and atmospheric chemistry, as well as the burgeoning fields of chemical biology and nanoscience.
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) houses premier research programs in molecular thermodynamics, heterogeneous catalysis, electrochemical engineering, biochemical engineering, and separation processes. CBE faculty are research pioneers in the growing fields of synthetic biology, nanotechnology, theoretical chemistry, and the development of polymeric, optical, and semiconductor materials.
Student Programs
Undergraduate Degrees
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Biology
- Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
Graduate Degrees
- Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
- Professional Masters in Bioprocess Engineering
- Professional Masters in Product Development
- Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry
- Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering
Postdoctoral Appointments
Postdoctoral appointments are temporary, allowing individuals a unique opportunity to conduct advanced scientific research under the guidance of world class faculty.
Online Degrees
Master of Molecular Science and Software Engineering.
Degree Information
Information about all programs available at the College of Chemistry is online.
College Life
The college complex is a small city unto itself—six (seven when Heathcock Hall is completed) research buildings operate 24 hours a day. Undergraduates hurry between teaching labs and classrooms. Grad students and postdocs drop in at the NMR, spectroscopy and crystallography facilities. Faculty members consult with their lab groups and monitor experiments. Nearby, college researchers have access to numerous specialized labs on campus and at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL). Particle accelerators, high-energy X-ray light sources and more are a short distance away. Together with LBL, the U.S. Department of Energy and private sector partners, the college has helped create the world's most advanced cluster of research centers on biofuels and artificial photosynthesis.
Startup Culture
UC Berkeley’s legendary startup culture turns scientific discovery into commercial impact. Within the College of Chemistry, students and faculty don't just innovate, they launch. Supported by a vibrant campus network, our researchers bridge the gap between bench science and industry, leveraging specialized spaces across campus and at the adjacent Berkeley Lab to transform breakthroughs into companies.
Undergraduate Support
- Undergraduate advisors provide expert and confidential academic guidance.
- Our career counseling program focuses on helping students with their post academic planning.
- Peer tutors provide coaching for chemistry and CBE courses in our Peer Tutoring Center.
