Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering at Chicago State University

Program Overview

Interested in understanding how the world works? Developing strong critical thinking skills? Engaging in hands-on and minds-on learning?

The Chemistry, Physics and Engineering Studies Department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in chemistry & physics, and a foundational program for further study in engineering. The American Chemical Society (ACS) has recognized Chicago State University’s Chemistry CHEM option as an ACS-approved chemistry degree offering the highest level of collegiate instruction. Physics does not have an accrediting body like Chemistry but has been recognized for high quality teaching and mentoring by the American Physical Society and the American Institute of Physics.

Teaching, Learning and Research

We're dedicated to providing the best possible learning environment for our students. Our teaching uses best practices, active learning, education research, and culturally relevant pedagogy.

We're known for innovations in teaching and assessment and active, cutting-edge research programs.

Our majors work alongside professors at CSU in independent research that include quantum biology research, mapping archaeological pyramid structures in Mexico using physics, and polymer analysis. These projects are funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.

Our department has received national recognition for teaching and learning.

CSU is featured in the AIP TEAM-UP Report "The Time Is Now: Systemic Changes to Increase African Americans with Bachelor’s Degrees in Physics and Astronomy."
CSU Physics was recognized as a program of distinction in 2018 for Improving Undergraduate Physics Education from the American Physical Society.

Cool News!

Congratulations to

Drs. Boyd, Davenport and Fenner, CSU Alumni, who have recently recieved their PhDs in Chemistry and Physics. [read their comments here.]
Dr. Garcia-Solis who has been elected a 2024 Fellow of the American Physical Society
Drs. Harton and Peters for their induction into the Sigma Pi Sigma National Physics Honor Society!
... read more here.

Learn More

Check out:

the career paths our students have taken and scholarships and internships available on our current student page,
the projects we are working on,
our teaching innovations,
our summer program (PREP) for precollege students, and
much more listed on the right.

Summer 2024 PREP Program Applications now being accepted! Click here for information.

Geraldine Cochran “ The faculty and staff at CSU truly understand how to support students from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds … I continue to reference the stellar examples that were set for me at CSU. As a sixteen-year-old high school graduate, CSU was the only place that my parents would allow me to attend … when I recently asked my father why he let me attend he responded, ‘I knew they would take care of you.’ ”

Geraldine Cochran
Associate Professor of Physics, The Ohio State University

CSU Physics and MAT Alumna