Majors & Minors
Explore courses that will provide you with a foundation of knowledge on which you can build advanced study. Students may attain a Bachelor of Science degree, a Bachelor of Science degree with American Chemical Society Certification, a Bachelor of Arts degree, or minor in Chemistry.
Foundational Courses
Chemistry majors must take a selection of foundational chemistry courses and courses in related science fields. These courses will provide you with a foundation of knowledge on which you can build advanced study.
Students must complete one of the following general chemistry sequences:
- CHEM 1124Q, 1125Q, & 1126Q
- CHEM 1127Q & 1128Q
- CHEM 1147Q & 1148Q
In addition, chemistry majors must also complete the following math, physics, and biology courses:
- MATH 1131Q and 1132Q (or 1151 and 1152)
- MATH 2110Q (or 2130Q)
- MATH 2410Q (or 2420Q)
- PHYS 1201Q–1202Q, and 1230 (or 1401Q–1402Q or 1501Q–1502Q or 1601Q–1602Q)
- BIOL 1107, 1108, or 1110
Failure to complete these sequences by the end of the fourth semester may delay completion of the degree.
Bachelor of Science
The BS degree program provides an in-depth classroom and laboratory experience covering all major areas of chemistry.
At least 35 credits of chemistry courses at the 2000 level and above must be successfully completed for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in addition to the CLAS BS general education requirements.
In addition, all BS students are strongly encouraged to participate in undergraduate research through one or more semesters of CHEM 3189.
Chemistry Sequence Option
The Bachelor of Science degree program requires advanced coursework in Organic, Inorganic, Analytical, and Physical chemistry coursework.
American Chemical Society (ACS) Sequence Option
The American Chemical Society certification requires an additional course in biochemistry (MCB 3010, or MCB 2000), and one advanced chemistry course chosen from CHEM 3189, 3442W, 3661, 4196W, 4370, 4371, 4551, or a CHEM 5000 level course.
The grade point average in all of the required chemistry courses must be at least 2.300 to receive an ACS certified degree.
Bachelor of Arts
The BA degree program is recommended for those students who are interested in chemistry but are looking for a more flexible option. The courses in both chemistry and biochemistry are fewer, and provide students with flexibility to explore other interests and areas of study.
At least 28 credits of chemistry courses at the 2000 level and above must be successfully completed for the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. The requirements include those listed for the BS degree chemistry option with the exception of CHEM 3215 and 3334.
Chemistry Minor
The minor in chemistry is designed primarily for undergraduates majoring in other areas of science who seek recognition for their background in chemistry. Students interested in the chemistry minor must take at least 15 credits of 2000-level or above chemistry courses.