Program Requirements

If you are pursuing a degree in chemistry, you must meet the below requirements to be eligible for graduation. Also, you must complete the general education program, fulfill the general baccalaureate degree requirements and complete at least 120 hours of course work.

The chemistry program can be non-comprehensive, which requires the completion of a minor or comprehensive where no minor is needed. Consult your advisor to determine which program is best for you.

Chemistry (Comprehensive)

Bachelor of Science

Major requirements (71-88 hours):

Major core (53-59 hours):
  1. CHM 160(4), 161(1), 170(3), 171(1), 302(5), 342(3), 343(3), 345(2), 375(3), 398(1)*, 445(2), 492(0), 498(1)*, 502(3), 503(1), 554(3).
  2. Research requirements: two hours from CHM 397(1-2)*, 399(1-2)*, 499(1-2)*.

    Note: Students in the comprehensive degree track are strongly recommended to participate in at least two semesters of research. CHM 397 may be repeated to a maximum of six hours. CHM 399 and CHM 499 may each be repeated to a maximum of five hours.

  3. Related science and mathematics requirements (14-20 hours):
    1. MTH 287 and 288(6) or MTH 261** and 280(10) or MTH 261** and 288(8).
    2. PHY 123** and 124(8) or PHY 203** and 204(10).
    3. Recommended: CSC 111(3).
  4. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of CHM 398 and 498(2); and CHM 397 or 399 or 499(1-2).
Complete one of the following options:
Biochemistry option (23-29 hours):

This option is designed for students preparing for graduate study in biochemistry, industrial positions in biochemistry, and/or health professional schools.

  1. CHM 504(3) and 505(1); or CHM 506(3) and 507(3) and 508(2)***.
  2. CHM 555(2), 556(3), 557(2).
  3. 12-14 hours of biological science electives from: BIO 121(4)** or BMS 110(3) and 111(1)**; BIO 235(3) and 236(1) or BMS 230(3) and 232(1) or BMS 231(4); BIO 312(3) and 313(2); BIO 320(4) or BMS 521(4); BIO 361(4) or BMS 308(4); BIO 380(5) or BMS 307(4); BIO 511(4).

Note: For students preparing for graduate study and/or industrial positions in biochemistry, the following are recommended: BIO 121(4)**, 235(3), 236(1), 320(4).

Chemistry option (18 hours):

This option is designed for students preparing for graduate study in chemistry and/or industrial positions in Chemistry. This is an American Chemical Society (ACS)-approved degree.

  1. CHM 376(2), 506(3), 507(3), 508(2), 509(2), 575(3).
  2. One course from: CHM 514(3), 542(3), 556(3).
*Will also count toward Public Affairs Capstone Experience requirement.
**Will also count toward General Education requirements.
***Students in Biochemistry option who wish to complete an ACS-approved degree should take CHM 506(3) and 507(3) and 508(2); or take an additional course CHM 575(3) along with CHM 504(3) and 505(1).

University level requirements:

  1. General Education Program and Requirements
  2. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Chemistry (Non-Comprehensive)

Bachelor of Science

Major requirements (60-71 hours)

  1. CHM 160(4), 161(1), 170(3), 171(1), 302(5), 342(3), 343(3), 345(2), 375(3), 398(1)*, 445(2), 492(0), 498(1)*, 502(3), 503(1); CHM 504(3) and 505(1); or CHM 506(3) and 507(3) and 508(2); and one hour from CHM 397* or 399*,**.
  2. Chemistry electives from one of the following categories (8-9 hours):
    1. For a basic chemistry program without a specific area of emphasis, at least eight hours from CHM 352(3), 376(2), 399*,** or 499(1-3)*, 460(3) or 461(3), 509(2).
    2. For students with a strong interest in environmental chemistry: CHM 460(3), 461(3), 462(2).
    3. For students with a strong interest in biochemistry or health careers: CHM 554(3), 555(2), 556(3).
    4. For students with a strong interest in education: CHM 352(3), 435(1), 460(3), 462(2). Students interested in pursuing certification for high school science teaching should declare a Foundation of Interdisciplinary Science minor.
    5. For a specific area of interest not included in categories a, b, c, or d: at least nine hours of chemistry courses numbered greater than 300 selected in consultation with the student’s academic advisor and approved by the department head.
  3. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of CHM 398 and 498(2); and CHM 397 or 399 or 499(1).
  4. Related science and mathematics requirements (14-20 hours):
    1. MTH 261*** and 280(10) or MTH 261*** and 288(8) or MTH 287 and 288(6).
    2. PHY 123*** and 124(8) or PHY 203*** and 204(10).
  5. Minor required (or second major).

    *Will also count toward the Public Affairs Capstone Experience requirement.
    **If using CHM399 to fulfill B.1. and B.2.a.: Any hours of CHM399 used to fulfill B.2.a. are in addition to B.1.
    ***Will also count toward General Education requirements.

University level requirements:

  1. General Education Program and Requirements
  2. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements