Chemistry, Bachelor of Science

The major in chemistry provides courses and sequences leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. The program is designed to follow the criteria for baccalaureate degrees set forth by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society. The program prepares students for professional employment after graduation and also provides strong academic and laboratory experiences for those who wish to pursue graduate degrees in chemistry or attend professional schools.

Students must meet the requirements listed in the Core Curriculum. Students must also complete a minimum of 49 semester hours of chemistry. All students are required to earn at least a grade of “C” in all chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics courses. All students are required to take the American Chemical Society standardized test in the courses for which the test is available. Students must also take the chemistry exit exam, the Major Field Test (MFT) during the senior year. A GPA of 2.25 and completion of CHEM 1211K and CHEM 1212K with a grade of ‘C’ or better is required to be a chemistry major. The chemistry major requires completion of required courses with a grade-point average of at least a 2.0.

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For students who take MATH 1211 the extra credit hour will be applied to elective hours in the degree program. 

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The health & wellness requirement may be fulfilled by taking one - two (2) credit hour health or wellness course OR two one (1) credit hour health or wellness activity courses.

This program of study includes a number of fundamental courses in chemistry and allows for students with interests in additional disciplines to build a broad based curriculum. Students will be required to complete the same courses as in Area A through Area F of the B.S. in Chemistry degree program (ACS track). However, in Area G they will be allowed to take a minimum of 15 hours (at least 5 credits in 3000 level or higher) of electives from one other discipline based on that discipline’s minor requirements (e.g. Business or Biology) in place of the 15 hours of required electives which are primarily chemistry courses.

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For students who take MATH 1211 the extra credit hour will be applied to elective hours in the degree program.

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The health & wellness requirement may be fulfilled by taking one - two (2) credit hour health or wellness course OR two one (1) credit hour health or wellness activity courses.

BS in Chemistry with a Biological Science Concentration

As a concentration within the Chemistry program, the Biological Chemistry option expands the field of career options for Chemistry and Biological Science students. The new concentration will better prepare students for professional schools, graduate studies and professional occupations such as Biochemist, Physician, Dentist, and Pharmacist. The BS in Chemistry with a Biological Science concentration includes the fundamental courses in Chemistry and Biological Science. 

BS in Chemistry with a Forensic Science Concentration

As a concentration within the Chemistry program, the Forensic Chemistry option expands the field of career options for Chemistry and Forensic Science students. The program will prepare students for professional schools, graduate studies, crime laboratories and government jobs with agencies such as the GBI or FBI in the fields of Chemistry, Forensic Sciences, and Forensic Chemistry.  The BS in Chemistry with a Forensic Science concentration includes the fundamental courses in Chemistry and Forensic Science, providing students with more options in the two disciplines.