B.S. in Chemistry

B.S. in Chemistry (American Chemical Society Certified)

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry is an intensive and comprehensive undergraduate program having course work, laboratory experience and research requirements designed to prepare students for advanced degrees in chemistry and other sciences and for careers in the health related professions. Students completing the American Chemical Society approved degree program have employment opportunities in industrial and government laboratories working in the environmental, pharmaceutical, forensic and biotechnology areas.

Chemistry, the science concerned with the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic, elemental, and molecular systems, is taught through courses in analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry and through direct participation in original research. Undergraduate majors in chemistry may elect one of three programs, two leading to a B.A. degree, with an emphasis in either chemistry or biological chemistry, and one to the B.S. degree. Either B.A. degree program requires fewer credits in chemistry than the B.S. option, and yet provides a foundation in the discipline adequate for either immediate professional engagements or for graduate studies. Students studying for a B.S. degree in chemistry gain a more extensive background as they fulfill a broader range of requirements; they must file a petition with the department chair indicating their intent to secure the B.S. degree before it can be awarded.

The faculty of the Department of Chemistry, through courses and research opportunities, provides a nurturing but challenging environment for students pursuing undergraduate degrees in chemistry. Undergraduate students in our department typically take a total of 45 credits in chemistry courses for a B.S. degree and 36 credits for a B.A. degree. The courses offered range from basic level General Chemistry, to the two semester sequence of Organic Chemistry and more advanced courses in Physical, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry. Many students also choose to do research, as hands-on laboratory experience is vital in the development of a chemist. When graduating from our department undergraduate students follow diverse paths, such as working for the chemical industry or going to graduate and medical school, among other opportunities.

B.S. In Chemistry (Chemistry Track)

B.S. in Chemistry (Medicinal Chemistry Track)

The B.S. Degree in Chemistry-Medicinal Chemistry Track incorporates principles of chemistry and the biological sciences to help students develop an understanding of the design, synthesis, evaluation and optimization of pharmaceutically relevant small molecules and biologics. The program provides a strong background for employment in industry and government laboratories and preparation for admittance to graduate school in related areas, including professional schools in the health sciences or medical school.

B.S. in Biochemistry

The bachelor of science degree in biochemistry is appropriate for students pursuing advanced degrees in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biophysics as well as in the biomedical fields and health professions.

B.S. in Chemistry with Distinction

Distinction in Chemistry is awarded by the chemistry department upon completion of the chemistry major and a high-quality chemistry thesis. The thesis will be evaluated and judged by a committee consisting of the research advisor and two other chemistry faculty members. Other requirements include a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 by the end of the senior year, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 in chemistry department courses.

Distinction Proposal Form

A completed Distinction Proposal Form must be submitted to the Chemistry Department office in the semester prior to graduation. Submission deadlines are as follows:

May graduates: February 1
December graduates: September 15

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B.S. in Chemistry