The chemistry degree program is a highly-structured sequence of courses with prerequisites. Some courses are only taught once per year. Taking courses in their proper sequence and in a timely manner is important for planning to graduate with a degree in four years.

A minimum of 120 semester hours of coursework is required for a bachelor's, including the following components:

General requirements for the College of Sciences and Mathematics bachelor's degree
34 core chemistry hours
16 major elective hours
18 minor/concentration hours

Chemistry career opportunities

Work in a high-tech lab, researching for government or industry on everything from agriculture to aeronautics
Translate the language of chemistry as a technical writer
Educate the next generation of chemists at the high school or collegiate level
Use your strong undergraduate education in pursuit of further studies in chemistry and related fields, including medical, dental or veterinary school

A focus on research

We give our students a complete education by having them do a research project over several semesters. Students present their research for a senior capstone project. Some students go on to present at national conferences, obtain awards and publish their research before they graduate.

Five-year dual degree

With careful planning, it is possible to condense the conventional six-year plan of study typically required to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s into five years. By using the summers to remove prerequisite blocks, balance academic loads and begin research work as an undergraduate, a student can earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in five calendar years.