Undergraduate Program
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry will provide you with a solid background to succeed in a number of fields.
With an undergraduate Chemistry degree you might consider a career in Chemical Analysis, Pharmaceuticals, Forensics, Environmental Science, or Nanotechnology, or you could pursue a higher degree (Master's or Doctoral) in graduate or professional school including chemistry, biology, toxicology, public health, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy, or veterinary science. If this seems like a long list, don't worry. The Department provides professional assistance that will help you develop your research as well as your future plans to join the work force or enter graduate school.
The Department of Chemistry offers three different tracks (Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Forensic Chemistry). The tracks are developed to suit students with a wide variety of goals and interests.
Degree Requirements
The curriculum for a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry requires a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 35 of those credits in chemistry or other approved courses.
Chemistry core courses:
The following courses must be taken by all chemistry majors. A minimum grade of C in CHEM160, 162, 163, 164, 218, 219, 232, 305, 306, 307 and is required for enrollment in all courses for which they are prerequisites and to successfully complete the B.S. in Chemistry.
- CHEM 161, 162 Chemistry I, II
- CHEM 163, 164 Chemistry Lab I, II
- CHEM 218, 219 Analytical Chemistry I and Lab
- CHEM 232 Professional Practices in Chemistry
- CHEM 305, 306 Organic Chemistry I, II
- CHEM 307, 308 Organic Chemistry Lab I, II
Chemistry capstone courses:
These courses are required of all Chemistry majors and are taken in the final two semesters at the University.
- CHEM 441, 442 Advanced Chemistry Laboratory I, II
Other Track Requirements
Each track has a set (4-5 lectures + lab) of in-depth courses (16-20 credits) in addition to support courses in Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and Criminal Justice (for Forensics Track).
Additional requirements:
The following requirements must be fulfilled by all majors:
Mathematics:
Majors must take at least 2 Mathematics courses (MATH 260 & MATH 261) and a third course (200 level or above) in Mathematics or Statistics. All students enrolling in a mathematics or statistics course must satisfy the prerequisites for the course before enrolling in the course.
General education:
Majors must satisfy the University's General Education requirements. These include:
- ENGL 110 Composition I
- ENGL 111 Composition II
- One humanities course
- One history course
- One global studies course
- One literature course
- One social science course (CJUS 116 is used to satisfy this requirement in the Forensic Chemistry Program)
- Two activities courses from the Department of Health, PE, and Recreation
GPA Requirements:
All Chemistry majors must pass ALL CHEM required courses with a grade of C or better in order to graduate.