Nov 14, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Chemistry Major, B.S.


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Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry  

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences  

  Available Program Format(s): In-Person  

About the Program


The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree program provides students an in-depth study of the physical sciences, with an emphasis on chemistry. This program equips students with the chemical knowledge required for pursuing a career as a chemist in industry or government, attending graduate school in chemistry, or attending a professional school such as medicine, pharmacy, or dentistry. Students should consult with the department advisor for assistance with degree planning for specific careers after graduation.

Student Outcomes


  • Apply the fundamental principles of chemistry and/or biochemistry, showing core competency in chemistry areas (general, analytical, organic, biochemistry, and physical chemistry).   
  • Design and conduct experiments using appropriate techniques and equipment  
  • Conduct scientific inquiry in an ethical manner  
  • Handle chemicals and chemical waste safely  
  • Search, critically evaluate, and properly cite scientific literature  
  • Use effective oral and written communication skills

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements. 

Program Requirements


  • A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation. 
  • A grade of “C-” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.  

  • Written Communication (6 credits) 
  • Oral Communication (3 credits) 
  • Quantitative Literacy (3 credits) 
  • Arts and Humanities (6 credits) 
  • Historical (3 credits) 
  • Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

 

* The listed courses are required ancillary courses for the major and can also fulfill general studies requirements 

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences. 

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement  for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion. 

Required Ancillary Courses: 22 credits


All students must complete the following courses. These courses can also count towards the General Studies Requirements. 

Electives: 10 credits


A minimum of 10 semester hours in upper-division, chemistry courses from the list below. CHE 4950 and CHE 4960 do not count as electives; however, CHE 4300 can be completed as both an elective and Senior Experience course.

The following courses are appropriate electives:

Senior Experience: 3-4 credits


Students must complete a Senior Experience course offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirements 33 credits
ESSJ Requirement 0-3 credits
Required Ancillary Courses 22 credits
Required Major Courses 40 credits
Electives 10 credits
Senior Experience 3-4 credits
Unrestricted Electives 8-21 credits
Total for the Chemistry Major, B.S. 120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.

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