Drive Sustainable Innovation
Looking to join one of the most forward-thinking chemistry programs in the country? Enroll in the University of Michigan-Flint’s green chemistry program, a groundbreaking undergraduate offering focused on sustainability and innovation.
Green chemistry is about designing chemical products and processes that reduce waste, minimize hazards, and conserve resources, all while remaining economically viable to encourage real-world adoption. It’s a field that’s reshaping industries and driving progress toward a more sustainable future.
Major companies like Dow, DuPont, 3M and BASF have committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and are actively seeking employees trained in green chemistry to tackle today’s toughest challenges.
At UM-Flint, you’ll gain hundreds of hours of hands-on experience through a lab-focused curriculum. You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate on faculty-led research projects, present at regional or national conferences, and even earn authorship on academic papers. Interdisciplinary courses in environmental science, political science and economics provide a well-rounded perspective critical to real-world problem-solving.
You’ll also have chances to lead, whether as a lab assistant, supplemental instruction leader, or tutor, building valuable communication and mentoring skills.
UM-Flint’s green chemistry program prepares you to work across disciplines and industries, helping companies meet their sustainability goals while giving you a competitive edge in the job market. It also lays a strong foundation for graduate studies in 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.
Green Chemistry Program Curriculum at UM-Flint
The Department of Natural Sciences at UM-Flint offers the Bachelor of Science in Green Chemistry curriculum.
Green chemistry equips students to tackle the challenges faced by chemistry professionals both today and in the future. Our program, certified by the American Chemical Society, ensures that all graduates are well-trained chemists. This certification reflects the high standard of education provided. Students completing this program are uniquely positioned to either embark on a career in the industry or pursue an advanced degree in the chemical sciences. The curriculum emphasizes the understanding of social, environmental, and economic impacts of chemistry, enabling students to apply green and sustainable principles to develop innovative solutions to global challenges in the industry and chemical sciences.
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 cweirauc@umich.edu 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 UM-Flint’s green chemistry program today. If you have questions, you can contact the program’s dedicated academic advisor, Cydnee Robertson at cweirauc@umich.edu or schedule an appointment.