Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program in Chemistry (PREPChem) Certificate

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton is a large public research university that blends strong academic offerings with a coastal campus environment. Founded in 1961, FAU serves a diverse student body across more than 200 programs spanning arts and sciences, engineering, business and health. Its South Florida location supports research in marine science, environmental studies and biotechnology, and gives students direct access to industry partners, internships and community engagement opportunities.

FAU emphasizes experiential learning and personalized support through advising, research centers and hands-on projects. Small to medium class sizes in many programs create close faculty-student interactions, while a wide range of student organizations and campus facilities nurture leadership and extracurricular growth. The university’s research infrastructure and partnerships provide pathways for applied work, recruitment and professional development in the region’s growing tech and health sectors.

International applicants will find FAU an attractive choice for career-focused education, with resources for global students and numerous academic pathways from undergraduate to graduate study. The university’s vibrant campus life, emphasis on employability and strong regional connections help graduates transition into work or advanced study. FAU suits students seeking an engaged, research-active institution with pragmatic support for career outcomes in a dynamic coastal setting.

The Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program in Chemistry (PREPChem) Certificate is for recent college graduates who want to build their knowledge and research skills in chemistry. This non-degree program takes one year to complete and is taught in English at Florida Atlantic University. Its main advantage is preparing students for graduate or professional school.

The program's curriculum includes traditional graduate classes in chemistry and classes in artificial intelligence (AI). Students take 9 credits of chemistry classes and 6 credits of AI classes. This helps them develop skills in research, chemistry, and AI, which are essential for modern drug discovery processes.

After completing this program, students can pursue careers as research chemists, laboratory technicians, chemistry professors, pharmaceutical researchers, or AI specialists in the chemistry or pharmaceutical industries. Employers may include research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or universities.