Chemistry Program Earns American Chemical Society Re-Accreditation Through 2031

Lindenwood University's Chemistry program has once again earned accreditation from the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS accreditation recognizes that Lindenwood equips students with the intellectual, experimental, and communication skills needed to succeed as scientific professionals.

According to the ACS, "the goal of certification is to provide students a competitive advantage for their future employment with an externally validated course of study." The certification is an asset to graduates beginning their careers.

"The biggest benefit is to the student who leaves and goes nationally or internationally that they have an ACS accredited degree," said Senior Professor of Chemistry Dr. Jennifer Firestine. "To say that I came out with an ACS certified degree, that is held in pretty high regard in the scientific community."

Lindenwood is the only university in the St. Louis area to hold ACS approval that offers only bachelor's degrees. Earning and maintaining this recognition requires faculty expertise, advanced lab equipment, and challenging coursework.

Maintaining ACS accreditation is no small feat. Each year, the department submits reports on student outcomes and faculty activity. Every six years, the program completes a full review, which includes evaluation of syllabi, faculty credentials, research activity, library resources, and laboratory equipment. Firestine credited the efforts of the entire faculty as being vital to the re-accreditation process.

Thanks to this achievement, Lindenwood's chemistry students will continue to graduate in a strong position for employment and advanced study. The ACS states, "employers find graduates of approved programs to be better prepared for technical employment." Firestine said employers recognize the value of ACS accreditation. "It brings notoriety to us and to get us on a national list and on a national stage," she said. With ACS re-accreditation secured through 2031, Lindenwood Chemistry graduates will continue to stand out as well-prepared, highly competitive professionals in the scientific community.