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CIP 40.0511 Physical Sciences

Theoretical Chemistry

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

9

2025 · 3 schools

International share

44.4%

4 international students

Bachelor's degrees

4

0.0% international

Overview

Theoretical Chemistry is a branch of chemistry that employs mathematical models and abstractions to understand and predict chemical phenomena. It has become a crucial discipline that complements experimental chemistry by providing insights into the behavior of molecules and chemical reactions at the atomic and subatomic levels.

Students in Theoretical Chemistry engage with a variety of topics, including quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and computational chemistry. They utilize advanced mathematical techniques and computer simulations to explore the properties of molecules, reaction mechanisms, and the dynamics of chemical systems. This field allows researchers to analyze complex systems that may be difficult or impossible to study through experimental methods alone.

Theoretical chemists often work closely with experimentalists to validate their predictions and refine models. They play a vital role in drug design, materials science, and nanotechnology, where understanding molecular interactions is essential. The discipline has seen significant advancements with the development of powerful computational tools that enable high-level calculations and simulations.

A degree in Theoretical Chemistry can lead to a variety of career paths, including academia, pharmaceuticals, materials research, and environmental science. Graduates often find themselves in research institutions, universities, or industries that value computational modeling and theoretical approaches to problem-solving. Overall, Theoretical Chemistry is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that continues to evolve, driving innovation in science and technology.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2013 to 2025, graduates grew 13% and the international share went from 0.0% to 44.4%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
44.4%
Asian
0.0%
Hispanic
0.0%
Black
0.0%
Other
11.1%
Intl.
44.4%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 3 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#85 Southern Methodist University Texas 5 4
#121 Illinois Institute of Technology Illinois 1 0
#208 Xavier University Ohio 3 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Natural Sciences Managers 108,690 $86.66 $180,250
Chemists 82,770 $48.29 $100,450
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary 19,980 — $105,210

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2013–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.