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.
Degrees and Pre-Major
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.
Overall employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow six percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 9,100 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.
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.
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.