Oakton's chemistry curriculum has classes for students of every level. It begins with courses for students who have not taken high school chemistry and continues through general college chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. We also offer advanced courses in organic chemistry and biochemistry. Our chemistry courses are led by a dynamic group of faculty who share their enthusiasm for teaching chemistry every day in the classroom.
Our chemistry curriculum meets the needs of students pursuing a variety of study and career options in the chemical sciences. Bridging areas of science, including biology, physics, environmental science and health sciences, chemistry is a stepping stone to many occupations in diverse fields such as engineering, medicine, pharmaceutical science, energy technology, toxicology, art preservation and education. Students who enroll in the program become better analytical thinkers and problem solvers as their skills and confidence grow.
Fully online introductory and general chemistry courses provide students with flexible options. Online courses include hands-on laboratory activities that engage students in critical thinking and problem-solving.
In collaboration with Oakton’s Center for Promoting STEM, several of our faculty have also developed specialized courses that engage students in STEM research and study.
Oakton offers an associate in science (A.S.) and chemistry pre-major. Once you have selected your transfer school, consult the Office of Advising, Transitions and Student Success, as well as the transfer institution's catalog. This will help you select courses that will meet both Oakton's and your transfer school's requirements.
Oakton offers an associate in science (A.S.) for students who wish to pursue a bachelor of science at a four-year college or university.
If you plan to pursue a four-year degree in chemistry, we recommend our chemistry pre-major, which provides the smoothest transfer experience.
We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.
Overall employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow six percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 8,200 openings for chemists and materials scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Pharmaceutical science
• Energy technology
• Toxicology
• Art preservation
• Education
Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.
99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.
To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.
We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.
Learn more about your options for paying for your education
As your community college, we serve students from various backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as easy and as clear as possible for everyone.
We can help you get started on a degree or certificate. Applying to Oakton is fast and easy.
Your first step before you begin your studies is filling out an admission application and completing your enrollment process.
Get Started at Oakton
Oakton's professors and lecturers are experts in their fields with advanced degrees and years of real-world experience.
If you need help with the next steps after completing a program, you can visit the Career and Transfer Center to get assistance with your career planning.
Chad Landrie, Chair
Professor of Chemistry
B.A. Monmouth College
Ph.D. University of Illinois at Chicago
clandrie@oakton.edu
847.376.7439
Office: 109, Lee Center, Des Plaines
Melodie Graber
Professor of Chemistry
B.A. Goshen College
M.S. Oregon State University
mgraber@oakton.edu
847.376.7211
Office: 300 Lee Center
Elizabeth Kershisnik
Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
B.S. University of Iowa
M.S. Northern Illinois University
ekershis@oakton.edu
847.376.7802
Office: B214, Skokie
Gary Mines
Professor of Chemistry
B.A. Oberlin College
Ph.D. California Institute of Technology
gmines@oakton.edu
847.376.7028
Office: 307, Lee Center, Des Plaines
Zoran Miodragovic
Professor of Chemistry
Ph.D Universidty of Belgrade, Serbia
zmiodrag@oakton.edu
847-376-7291
Office: 300 Lee Center, Des Plaines
Career and Transfer Center offers a wide array of resources to help you with your career decision making whether you are selecting a major or changing occupations.