A student pipes liquid into a test tube. They are wearing a white lab coat and green safety goggles.

Department of Chemistry and Physics

With a focus on chemistry, physics and the physical sciences, we prepare you for a career in today’s technical workforce or for postgraduate success.

Academic Programs

Our rigorous programs bring real-world experience to the classroom, building the knowledge you need to succeed.

Undergraduate


Academic Programs

Our rigorous programs bring real-world experience to the classroom, building the knowledge you need to succeed.

Undergraduate


I am very happy to have been a graduate of PNW. I have many experiences, formed lasting friendships, and took the combined advice from of my professors and mentors and used it as a guide for my career, and will continue to do so in the future.

Resources

a student in a lab coat and classes work with test tubes

Student Resources

Discover

Students have opportunities for participating in significant, faculty-mentored research beginning in the sophomore year. Most present their data at research conferences and publish alongside faculty.

neeti parashar

Faculty Research

Premier Collaborations

Our faculty are engaged in a wide range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary research, including NSF-funded high energy physics collaborations with Fermilab and CERN.

a professor looks through shelves

Outstanding Faculty

Teaching

You will find yourself immersed in an innovative learning environment with faculty who are PNW’s “Star Teachers” and teaching-award winners.

News & Announcements

Purdue University Northwest graduates walk past a lion statue wearing a graduation cap.

PNW Ranked Among 2027 Best Midwest Public Regional Universities by U.S. News & World Report

Purdue University Northwest once again earned recognition as a top public regional university in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 annual Best Colleges rankings, released Tuesday, Sept. 22.

PNW students walk in front of the Bell Tower on campus.

Northwest Indiana Families Value Higher Education at Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest welcomed 1,653 newly admitted undergraduate students while recording a new record 70.8% retention rate for returning second-year students for the 2026-27 academic year.

A lion statue outdoors at Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest students earn spring 2026 Dean’s List honors

The Purdue University Northwest spring 2026 Dean’s List recognizes 1,834 undergraduate students for their academic achievements.

Upcoming Chemistry and Physics Events

Oct 26

Spring 2027 Priority Registration Begins

Register for classes during Priority Registration to get the best selection of class days and times!

Nov 13

Last Day to Drop a Full-Term Fall 2026 Course

The last day to drop a Full-Term Fall 2026 Course is Friday, November 13, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

Nov 26

Thanksgiving Break – Campuses Closed

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no classes from Wednesday, November 25, through Saturday, November 28.

Dec 12

Fall 2026 Classes End

Fall 2026 Classes end on December 12. Next week are final exams! Make sure to study and enjoy your break after!