Chemistry (BS)
Overview
The major in chemistry meets American Chemical Society certification standards. BS graduates in chemistry work in laboratories developing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, energy resources, solutions to environmental problems, and other areas of modern industry. A chemistry bachelor’s degree is also excellent preparation for professional schools of medicine or dentistry, especially with the increasing dependence of medical research and practice on knowledge of living systems at the molecular level. With the M.S. or Ph.D., a scientist can take responsibility for planning research and supervising laboratories. Excellent career opportunities are found in private industry, in government laboratories, and on college and university faculties. Students who are on the 3+2 Engineering Track should take CHEM 216 instead of CHEM 226. The B.S. in Chemistry without CHEM 226 no longer achieves American Chemical Society (ACS) Certification.
Sequencing Requirements
Students considering a major in chemistry should take CHEM 113 and CHEM 224 during their first year. By the middle of the junior year, students should have taken MATH 220 and PHYS 114 and PHYS 115.
Program Requirements
First Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
Chemistry majors complete 8 credits of their independent study research or internship with an option to write a thesis and complete an oral defense in the Spring term. Chemistry majors need to take two semesters of CHEM 390 for a total of 2 credits, 1 credit per term, to fulfill degree requirements.
300-level Electives in Chemistry Include:
For a transferred course to count as equivalent to a Simmons course with a laboratory component - for the purposes of meeting the requirements of a Chemistry major - the transferred laboratory cannot be completed online.