Modern analytical chemistry is focused to a large extent on instrumental analysis. It involves new applications, new methods of analysis, discovery of new principles of measurements, and application of other discoveries (e.g. microchip devices, lasers, plasma) for qualitative and quantitative measurements. Analytical chemistry makes important contributions to a diverse set of fields including industry, forensics, medicine, biology, physics, archaeology, geology, homeland security, food science, space science, and nanotechnology.

Students conducting research with analytical faculty receive training in different areas including chromatography, electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, electrochemistry, microscopy, spectroscopy, and hyphenated techniques. These skills, together with the interdisciplinary training, serve well during the job search after graduation.

For more information, go to the ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry.