Chemistry deals with matter, the changes that take place in matter, and the energies that accompany those changes. Chemists look at matter (through experiments) and think (or theorize) about it at all levels of subdivision, from the submicroscopic world of atoms and molecules to the gram quantities of chemicals in the laboratory to the ton amounts of products in industry. As a basic material science, chemistry serves as the foundation for many areas of study such as biochemistry, various fields of engineering, paper production, military research, patent law, industrial economics, pharmacy, forensics, medicine and dentistry.

The Department of Chemistry is a unit of the College of Pure and Applied Sciences at ULM. The undergraduate program has been approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society. Since 1982, the Department has been housed in the Chemistry and Natural Science Building, occupying most of the second floor and much of the first floor. In addition to classrooms, stockrooms, and instructional laboratories, there are instrument labs, computer labs, and research labs. All lecture courses are taught by full-time faculty, not by graduate students and seldom by part-time instructors. The faculty, all Ph.D.s, maintains close contact with students. Undergraduate research is encouraged in all the major branches of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, and biochemistry.

The primary mission of the ULM Chemistry Department is advocacy of the scientific method in the solution of chemical problems in order to preserve and extend chemical knowledge. This mission directly impacts two segments of the academic community: those persons majoring in Chemistry and those majoring in disciplines that require a foundation in chemistry. Thus the Department offers a modern B.S. Chemistry curriculum which is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to prepare students for careers in chemical research or for graduate study in chemistry. Also available is a non-ACS-accredited B.S. Chemistry degree for students who seek careers in industrial and government laboratories or plan to pursue professional or graduate studies in other areas. Service courses are offered that provide the proper chemical foundation for other disciplines (principally Pharmacy and the health professions). Interaction with the general population is accomplished through grants and projects. Especially important are interactions with the schools, K-12. Thus the mission is accomplished through teaching, research and service. By stressing quality and academic integrity in executing its mission, the Department benefits the University, the surrounding community, and the State of Louisiana.