The chemistry program stresses the art of scientific thought and the role of chemistry in society. Chemistry students benefit from a close working relationship with faculty members in an atmosphere that encourages research.

Majors can gain preparation suitable for graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical and materials engineering, environmental sciences, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, clinical chemistry, or molecular biology. Other professional schools open to chemistry graduates include the following: human, dental, or veterinary medicine; business administration; or patent or environmental law.

Majors will also have a background appropriate for becoming a professional research or process chemist in industrial, pharmaceutical, or government laboratories; teaching high school or community college chemistry; doing environmental monitoring or remediation; working in sales, product development, or in laboratory safety; becoming a writer on science topics, working in science libraries or other information services, doing conservation work in art museums; or performing forensic analyses for law enforcement agencies.

Kalamazoo College appears on the American Chemical Society's list of schools that offer approved pre-professional undergraduate programs in chemistry. This program includes: CHEM 210, 240, 310, 352, 430, a chemistry SIP, and two additional chemistry courses above the 100-level; MATH 112, 113, 214, 240; PHYS 150, 152. This curriculum, which provides thorough preparation in chemistry, mathematics, and physics, is recommended for students contemplating graduate study in chemistry.