Best institutions to study Theoretical Chemistry
A program that focuses on the study of mathematical and computational methods and fundamental laws of physics to describe chemical phenomena and to develop empirical models of molecules and their interactions.
3 U.S. institutions graduated 9 Theoretical Chemistry students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 40.0511, a specialization of Chemistry (CIP 40.05), and leads most directly to the Chemists occupation (BLS SOC 19-2031).
About Theoretical Chemistry programs
A program that focuses on the study of mathematical and computational methods and fundamental laws of physics to describe chemical phenomena and to develop empirical models of molecules and their interactions. Includes instruction in properties of small, isolated molecules; dynamics of elementary chemical processes; reaction pathways of organic molecules; hydrogen bonding patterns in liquids; reaction rates of biological pathways; and advanced computational techniques.
See also: 40.0512 - Cheminformatics/Chemistry Informatics.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Theoretical Chemistry program focuses on the mathematical and computational methods used to describe chemical phenomena and develop models of molecular interactions. This program is designed for students interested in exploring the fundamental laws of physics as they relate to chemistry, preparing them for advanced studies and research in the field. Students in this program will delve into topics such as reaction pathways, hydrogen bonding patterns, and the dynamics of chemical processes. It is ideal for those who enjoy problem-solving and have a strong background in mathematics and science, aiming to contribute to advancements in chemistry and related disciplines.
Core coursework in Theoretical Chemistry includes instruction in properties of molecules, reaction rates, and advanced computational techniques. Students will develop essential skills in critical thinking, mathematics, and scientific analysis, preparing them for complex problem-solving in chemical research.
Credentials awarded
What Theoretical Chemistry graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship5 graduates / yr · 1 institution56%
- Bachelor's degree4 graduates / yr · 2 institutions44%
Graduates over time
Theoretical Chemistry completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 9 |
Top 3 institutions for Theoretical Chemistry, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern Methodist University Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 5 | 84% | $33,246 | $38,919 |
| 2 | Xavier University Cincinnati, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 69% | $31,119 | — |
| 3 | Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 75% | $19,899 | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Chemistry field (CIP 40.05) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 3 states
Where Theoretical Chemistry graduates come from. Each state links to all Chemistry programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 1 | 5 | Southern Methodist University5 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 3 | Xavier University3 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 1 | Illinois Institute of Technology1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2031, Chemists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of Theoretical Chemistry can pursue careers as Chemists, Natural Sciences Managers, or Chemistry Teachers. The job outlook for this field is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 4.9% and approximately 6,300 annual openings. The median wage for chemists is $84,150, typically requiring at least a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 40.0511
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Chemistsprimary SOC 19-2031 | $91,240 | +4.9% About as fast as average | ~6,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Natural Sciences Managers SOC 11-9121 | $167,220 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~8,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1052 | $93,250 | +2.2% About as fast as average | ~1,900 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Theoretical Chemistry programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
- Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
- Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
- Conduct quality control tests.
- Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
- Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
Tools and technology used
Other Chemistry specializations
The 11 other 6-digit CIP codes under Chemistry (CIP 40.05).
- ChemistryCIP 40.050118,075 graduates / yr1,168 institutions
- ChemistryCIP 40.0599551 graduates / yr58 institutions
- Forensic ChemistryCIP 40.0510353 graduates / yr30 institutions
- Polymer ChemistryCIP 40.0507partial data72 graduates / yr7 institutions
- Chemical PhysicsCIP 40.050842 graduates / yr13 institutions
- Analytical ChemistryCIP 40.0502partial data38 graduates / yr8 institutions
- Environmental ChemistryCIP 40.050919 graduates / yr10 institutions
- Organic ChemistryCIP 40.0504limited data9 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Physical ChemistryCIP 40.0506partial data9 graduates / yr4 institutions
- Inorganic ChemistryCIP 40.0503limited data4 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Cheminformatics/
Chemistry Informatics40.0512
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Theoretical Chemistry?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree or a Doctor's degree in research/scholarship.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in science, critical thinking, mathematics, and technical writing.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Chemist, Natural Sciences Manager, or Chemistry Teacher.
What is the job outlook for chemists?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.9%.
What is the CIP code for Theoretical Chemistry?+
Theoretical Chemistry is CIP 40.0511 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Chemistry (CIP 40.05). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the study of mathematical and computational methods and fundamental laws of physics to describe chemical phenomena and to develop empirical models of molecules and their interactions. Includes instruction in properties of small, isolated molecules; dynamics of elementary chemical processes; reaction pathways of organic molecules; hydrogen bonding patterns in liquids; reaction rates of biological pathways; and advanced computational techniques.
How many institutions offer Theoretical Chemistry programs?+
3 U.S. institutions reported Theoretical Chemistry graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 3 states, awarding 9 credentials in the year. That is 0.0% of all Chemistry graduates.
How much do Theoretical Chemistry graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Chemists occupation, which Theoretical Chemistry most directly leads to, pays a median of $91,240 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Chemistry field report median earnings of $38,919 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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