An understanding of chemistry is critical to an understanding of life and its associated activities. Chemistry and chemical principles profoundly influence the way we live, communicate and interact with one another, so it is little wonder that a strong background in chemistry provides a solid foundation for a variety of careers of major importance in the twenty-first century. Chemistry is uniquely positioned at the crossroad between the biological and physical sciences. By exploiting their understanding of both realms, chemists and other professionals with strong backgrounds in chemistry have made, and continue to make, major contributions to improve the human condition. Major technological and biological discoveries almost always depend on a fundamental understanding of chemistry and the pursuit of these discoveries, as a way to improve the world in which we live, drives those who seek to be a part of the process.
The Department of Chemistry offers coursework and research in all the major areas of chemistry, organized into programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. Both degree programs are suitable as terminal degree programs as well as for preparation for more advanced study in chemistry and related areas or as preparation for many professional programs in a variety of career fields. The BS program is more rigorous with respect to required mathematics and chemistry courses. It is particularly appropriate for those students who plan a career in the chemical industry or who intend to pursue advanced degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical physics or forensics. An attractive number of free electives in this degree program allows students to take courses in interdisciplinary focus areas. The Bachelor of Arts program offers the greatest degree of flexibility for students who see chemistry as a springboard into a related career field such as medicine, pharmacy, law, science writing, teaching or business for example. Chemistry majors are counseled by doctorate chemistry faculty advisors fully familiar with the many options available in the chemistry and other departments, so as to optimize each student’s program of study to meet individual needs.
The Department of Chemistry offers coursework and research in all the major areas of chemistry, organized into programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. Both degree programs are suitable as terminal degree programs as well as for preparation for more advanced study in chemistry and related areas or as preparation for many professional programs in a variety of career fields. The BS program is more rigorous with respect to required mathematics and chemistry courses. It is particularly appropriate for those students who plan a career in the chemical industry or who intend to pursue advanced degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical physics or forensics. An attractive number of free electives in this degree program allows students to take courses in interdisciplinary focus areas. The Bachelor of Arts program offers the greatest degree of flexibility for students who see chemistry as a springboard into a related career field such as medicine, pharmacy, law, science writing, teaching or business for example. Chemistry majors are counseled by doctorate chemistry faculty advisors fully familiar with the many options available in the chemistry and other departments, so as to optimize each student’s program of study to meet individual needs.