United States Air Force Academy

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Basic Sciences Division

CHEMISTRY

Cadet in chemistry lab

Study the foundational principles of matter and energy that enable the U.S. Air Force to maintain technological superiority and enjoy the opportunity to conduct basic research impacting the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force and our DoD partners.

ABOUT US

From developing the materials that extend the life of our aircraft fleet, to understanding space sensor and satellite technology, to analyzing chemical and biological warfare data, chemistry is critical to Air Force and Space Force operational mission success and is at the forefront of many research programs.

Through the core curriculum, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Department of Chemistry provides all cadets with a fundamental education in chemistry. Our department also provides a comprehensive curriculum for cadets interested in chemistry, biochemistry or engineering chemistry to pursue positions in research, development, graduate school or medical/dental school.

For an undergraduate-only institution, our laboratory facilities and equipment inventory are among the best in the country, including a broad range of state-of-the-art instruments that support learning and research efforts.

Chemistry Faculty and Staff

MAJORS & MINORS


Department News News From Around The Department


March 30, 2026

Cadets focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics

Cadet 1st Class Lauren Mirande, left, and Cadet 2nd Class Abigail Anderson, right, learn about volcanic rock types in the Geospatial Science Laboratory, at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., March 19, 2026. Mirande and Anderson are learning to interpret and analyze data for future operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Trevor Cokley) By Harry Lundy U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - The U.S. Air Force Academy is a leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics institution, frequently ranked among the nation’s top STEM programs. Cadets develop analytical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills to operate...

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August 13, 2024

Medical minor ensures cadets remain prepared for grad school

Cadet 1st Class Kayla Kirkbride conducts research in the U.S. Air Force Academy Department of Biology Aug. 5, 2024. In addition to her Biology major, she is also pursuing a minor in the newly available Pre-Health Professions. The minor makes cadets more competitive when pursuing a graduate program in the medical, dental, nursing, physician assistant and physical therapy tracks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dylan Smith) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The Pre-Health Professions minor makes cadets more competitive for medical or dental graduate programs. The U.S. Air Force Academy...

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May 17, 2024

People-centered cadet discovers new mindset at Academy

Cadet 1st Class Abigail Worley poses for a photo in Polaris Hall May 8, 2024. Worley will graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy May 30 with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Zachary Vaughn) By Randy Roughton U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – When Cadet 1st Class Abigail Worley graduates May 30, she will leave the U.S. Air Force Academy with more than a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. She will take a new set of leadership skills and teamwork mentality into her U.S. Air Force medical officer...

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HQ USAFA/DFC
2355 Fairchild Drive, Suite 2N-225
United States Air Force Academy, CO 80840
(719) 333-2960 | DSN 333-2960
(719) 333-2947 | DSN 333-2947