Chemistry is the scientific investigation of the composition of matter and its transformations. Chemistry is at the heart of modern scientific and technical inquiry—from the composition of distant stars, to geochemical transformations taking place deep within our own planet, to modern pharmaceuticals and high-performance materials, to the remarkable complexity within our own bodies. Indeed, chemistry is often dubbed the "central science," as knowledge of modern chemistry is key to advances in fields as diverse as geology, neuroscience, molecular biology, and materials science.

Students who major in chemistry at Skidmore College will graduate with a strong foundation in the chemical sciences, with hands-on experience using modern instrumentation such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and with experience in conducting research and the opportunity to participate in internships to refine their skills.