Chemistry, B.S.

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Minimum hours required for the degree: 120

Minimum hours required for major with ACS Certification: 92 - 93

Minimum hours required for pre-professional major: 89 - 90

Minimum hours required for pre-professional with concentration in pharmaceutical science major: 91 - 92

Admission to major: No additional requirements beyond the prerequisites for the required courses

Special tracks/programs: American Chemical Society Certification, Pre-Professional Studies (premedical/pre-dental/pre-veterinarian or concentration in pharmaceutical sciences), Honors, Secondary Teacher Licensure program

Honors Program: Honors General Chemistry (CHM 261H, CHM 262H and CHM 267H) is available to students in the CSU Honors or Scholars program. An honors track for Chemistry majors admitted to the Honors Program is also available.

Cooperative Education Program: In earning the Bachelor of Science degree with ACS certification, the Chemistry major may elect the Cooperative Education Program (see Special Programs Chapter) in order to supplement chemistry course work with employment in the chemical industry.

Major-Field Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Track

The program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and meets the requirements for professional certification by the American Chemical Society. This program provides the broad fundamental knowledge most suited to students planning to become professional chemists or planning to pursue graduate training.

Chemistry Courses - Twenty-eight Courses

Mathematics Courses - Three Courses

Physics Courses - Two Courses

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - Pre-Professional Studies Track

The B.S. program in chemistry for students who plan to continue graduate study in the medical sciences provides those courses required and strongly recommended by most medical schools and also affords an excellent base for students considering careers in medicine, medical research, dentistry, or veterinary medicine. This program does not lead to certification by the American Chemical Society.

Chemistry Courses - Sixteen Courses

Biology Courses - Twelve Courses

Mathematics Courses - Two Courses

Physics Courses - Two Courses

Electives

Additional 12 hours of CHM or BIO courses at the 300-/400- level.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - Pre-Professional Studies with a Concenrtation in Pharmaceutical Sciences Track

Chemistry Courses - Twenty Courses

Biology Courses - Eight Courses

Mathematics Courses - Two Courses

Physics Courses - Two Courses

Electives

Additional 9 hours of CHM or BIO courses at the 300-/400- level.

Chemistry with Secondary Teacher Licensure

The CSUteach Program offers an integrated science license. This licensure program requires coursework from the College of Science and the College of Education and Human Services. Contact the CSUteach Program for education courses required for undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Secondary Teacher Licensure programs (216-687-3709 or JH 345).

BS in Chemistry, Integrated License, Grades 7-12

Chemistry Courses - Fourteen Courses

Physics Courses - Three Courses

Mathematics Courses - Three Courses

Biology Courses - Six Courses

Environmental Science Courses - Five Courses

Note

Students will also need to complete additional CSUteach education courses. Please see the College of Education, CSUteach program catalog for details.

Honors Program/University Scholars Requirements

The Chemistry Department participates in the Honors/Scholars at CSU by requiring honors/scholars students who are chemistry majors (available for all tracks) to register for research courses (either CHM 379H Independent Study or, with senior status, CHM 489H Senior Research) under the guidance of a professor who acts as mentor. Honors/Scholars chemistry students are required to enroll in at least 2 credit hours of research coursework each semester, for a minimum of 8 credit hours by the time of degree completion. Students are required to begin enrolling in research courses upon declaration of a Chemistry major or upon acceptance into the Honors/Scholars Program. By getting involved in scientific research as soon as possible, honors/scholars students will better understand chemistry’s status as a bench science and have the opportunity to participate in original, ground-breaking laboratory work.