Chemistry Programs
The Department of Chemistry offers 3 majors and 2 minors with a number of specializations that can be chosen within those majors. Students can also choose courses leading to a degree that can be certified by the American Chemical Society.
Chemistry Majors
Chemistry
The Chemistry major provides a broad foundation in the field of chemistry. This major is intended to provide students with a foundation in chemistry that can be used directly in the chemical industry, as well as in related fields such as chemical education, health care (including medical school or dental school), or business fields related to chemistry.
Students wishing to pursue a career in chemistry should choose the major with ACS certification.
Students wishing to use their background in chemistry to pursue other fields can add a specialization to their course of study. These specializations are accomplished by adding an appropriate minor to their course work. Examples for how this can be accomplished are shown on the pages for individual specializations and should be discussed further with your academic advisor.
Biochemistry
The Biochemistry major is a course of study at the interface of chemistry and biology. It focuses on the chemistry of life processes. This major provides a foundation of study that can be used to pursue careers in biochemistry, medicine, or other related fields. View a sample 4-year plan for biochemistry.
Students wishing to pursue a career in biochemical research can consider choosing the major with ACS certification.
Students wishing to use their background in biochemistry to pursue other fields can add a specialization to their course of study. These specializations are accomplished by adding an appropriate minor to their course work. Examples for how this can be accomplished are shown on the pages for individual specializations and should be discussed further with your academic advisor.
Pharmaceutical Science
The Pharmaceutical Science major is intended for students wishing to go to Pharmacy School upon completion of their degree. This major includes all courses typically required for admission to pharmacy school.
Specializations and Certifications
ACS certification
Students wishing to pursue an ACS certified chemistry or biochemistry degree should choose the major with ACS certification. For ACS certification, students need to take two semesters of calculus (MATH 180 and 181) as well as calculus-based physics (PHYS 170 and 172). Students also take several specific upper-division chemistry courses. These can be discussed with your academic advisor. View a sample 4-year plan ACS certified Chemistry degree. View a sample 4-year plan for ACS certified Biochemistry degree.
Chemistry for Business
Students wishing to use their chemistry major in the business world may choose to add a business minor to their course of study. View a sample 4-year plan for Chemistry for Business.
Chemical Education
Students wishing to teach high school chemistry will need to take additional education requirements. These students should discuss their course schedule with the Education department.
Environmental Chemistry
Students wishing to use their chemistry major to study the environment may choose to add an environmental studies minor to their course of study. View a sample 4-year plan for Environmental Chemistry.
Forensic Chemistry
Students wishing to pursue a career in forensics can add a forensic science minor or a criminal justice minor to their course of study. View a sample 4-year plan for Forensic Chemistry. View a sample 4-year plan for Chemistry with Criminal Justice.
Pre-Health
Students wishing to use their chemistry degree in health-related fields may choose to add a Biology minor to their course of study. View a sample 4-year plan for Chemistry with a Biology minor.
Chemistry Minors