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Department of Chemistry

Welcome to the Chemistry Department

We hope that you will find us to be an interesting and dynamic department. We are the second largest department at Xavier with eight different types of major programs including Chemistry, Chemistry ACS (with American Chemical Society Certification), BiochemistryChemistry Premed (Chemistry Pre-professional), Chemistry Pre-Pharmacy, Chemistry/Pharmacy Dual Degree (3+4), Dual Degree Chemical Engineering (3+2), and Chemistry Education.

We have a very research-active department and many of our students earn money by conducting research with our faculty in projects funded by research grants. In addition, we have an award-winning Chemistry Club that participates in community and departmental service activities, seminars, and chemistry experiment demos across the city.

We pride ourselves on our quality of instruction, faculty, undergraduate research, instrumentation, and the accomplishments of our students. If you are interested in a career in chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, drug design, cancer research, environmental chemistry, alternate energy sources, cosmetic chemistry, science education, nanotechnology, engineering, or many other exciting occupations, consider majoring in chemistry at Xavier. Feel free to contact the Chemistry Department Head for more information. 

2024 XULA Chemistry Department Awards MICHESS Center

Requirements for All Students Taking Chemistry Courses - To register for any chemistry course, a grade of “C” or better is required in all of the chemistry prerequisite courses. Students will not be allowed to repeat a chemistry course more than once without the approval of the Department Head. A student may take only one course for a third time, and no course may be taken more than three times.

Requirements for All Chemistry Majors - The Department requires a grade of “C” or better in each chemistry course required for a degree with a major in chemistry. Also, majors are required to complete a capstone experience as part of a senior comprehensive exam during their senior year. At least 18 hours of chemistry credits must be earned at Xavier.

Admitting Students Changing Majors/Readmitted Students - A student having a cumulative and chemistry GPA of 2.75 or above will be admitted into the Department by the Department Head. A student having a cumulative or chemistry GPA of 2.0 or below will not be considered for admission into the Department. Any students with GPAs not in the categories listed above will have their records reviewed by the Department’s Academic Advising Committee. Admission into the Department for these students will require a majority vote of the Committee.

What’s Happening in the Department of Chemistry

Xavier University of Louisiana, with its long history of supporting environmental and social justice initiatives to create impactful change, has announced that it is one of fifteen partners in collaboration with The Energy Storage Research Alliance (ESRA). ESRA is a United States Department of Energy (DOE) energy innovation hub, uniting nearly 50 world-class researchers and leading experts from three national laboratories and 12 universities to expedite technology commercialization for cutting-edge energy storage solutions. Each institution brings unique perspectives that will accelerate ESRA’s ability to impact the global energy storage landscape. As a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Xavier will add a breadth of knowledge that expands ESRA’s materials design and analysis capabilities.

Educational Leadership, Academics, Student Life, Community Engagement, Faculty & Staff, Partner Programs, Research, Arts & Sciences

Throughout the last century, Xavier University of Louisiana has prepared its students to go above and beyond in their academic journeys and the pursuit of their goals and careers. The accomplishments of current Xavierites lay the foundations for the university’s next century of service as it approaches its historic centennial celebration. One such Xavierite, Chloe Sims, is carrying on this tradition of excellence Xavier instills in its students through her recognition with the American Chemical Society (ACS) Leadership Development Award.

Academics, Student Life

Xavier University of Louisiana, on the cusp of celebrating its first 100 years of service, is proud to be one of more than 50 public and private partners in a statewide effort that has won the largest and most competitive grant ever awarded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) up to $160 million over the next 10 years. The NSF Louisiana Transition Engine (NSF Engines) grant is focused on energy transition and decarbonization of Louisiana’s industrial corridor and will support Future Use of Energy in Louisiana, or FUEL. The NSF announced the award earlier today.

Educational Leadership, Arts & Sciences, Partner Programs, Faculty & Staff, Research, Community Engagement

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