Biology-Chemistry

This major is excellent preparation for medical school or careers in dentistry, pharmacy, research and other rewarding fields. You’ll develop a strong foundation in both biology and chemistry that will prepare you for a life of service and achievement.

Learn side by side with outstanding faculty

In small classes, you’ll increase your scientific understanding and work hands-on to develop your research skills. You’ll find a new home in Parmer Hall, the campus’s newest building, with 16 labs and state-of-the-art scientific equipment. You’ll begin to master lab techniques on day one. You can pursue your own scientific research starting in freshman year, with full faculty mentoring and support—you may even qualify for grant funding. In a curriculum deeply rooted in the liberal arts, you’ll expand your capacity for critical thinking, problem solving and effective communication. This interdisciplinary program is serious preparation for graduate study and professional success.

Amazing opportunities—on campus and beyond

Practical experience is built into the curriculum. Our internships draw on Chicago’s world-class research, cultural and medical resources. You’ll gain invaluable experience at prestigious organizations such as Argonne National Laboratory, Brookfield Zoo, the Morton Arboretum, the Shedd Aquarium and Rush University Medical Center. You can combine academic study with compassionate service to people in need, or immerse yourself in a different society and culture through our outstanding study abroad program. You’ll have your choice from among programs on four continents.

Discover something new

Undergraduate research is a Dominican trademark. You won’t have to wait until graduate school to work side by side with a brilliant faculty scholar. Our annual research expo in April will give you a chance to practice your presentation skills and show your stuff. Topics of recent student projects include:

  • Chromatographic separation of natural product mixtures to obtain and characterize biologically active compounds
  • Host/guest interaction energetics from theory and experimental data
  • Synthesis and characterization of diazeniumdiolate nitroxy (HNO) donor
International Students

For international students (F-1), this program is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.  

Lucas Eggers

Dominican University Graduate

“My experience at Dominican has shaped my life and education in many ways. These experiences will be so important to me when working in medicine.”

Prepare for a life of service and achievement

Professionals with rigorous training in the sciences are in more demand than ever before. Whether you plan a career in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, education, biomedical or pharmaceutical research, or another rewarding field, this major will give you the knowledge and skills you’ll need to achieve your most ambitious career goals. Our graduates are thoughtful, deeply knowledgeable, open to new ideas, skilled in the laboratory, proficient with the latest technologies, and able to adapt and thrive through long and meaningful careers. They have earned their way into leadership positions in the professions of their choice.

Dr. Leticia Perez

Dominican University Graduate

“At Dominican, everyone really made me feel welcome and at home. I liked the small size because I knew I was going to have more connections with my professors and more one-on-one attention."