Requirements

All chemistry majors are required to complete the following:

Two of the following three courses must be taken:

Chemistry majors must also complete the following courses from outside of the Chemistry department:

Students must also complete one elective listed as a CHEM course. Research in the chemistry department cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.

*These classes have a lab component that must be taken as an overload.

Additional Information 

Review additional information about course sequencing and example schedules for students majoring in Chemistry.

Advanced Placement Credit

Knowledge and experience gained in high school AP courses provide an excellent background for our introductory chemistry courses. Students who have received a score of 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam can earn credit for CHEM 181 and can begin with CHEM 221 or CHEM 231. Students will forfeit their AP credit if they opt to take CHEM 181.  Medical and allied health programs generally do not accept AP credit for basic sciences and students pursuing these opportunities should consider taking CHEM 181. Students with AP credit who wish to major in chemistry earn advanced standing in the major yet are still required to complete 9 CHEM classes other than research to fulfill the requirements of the major. Students are invited to contact the department chair to discuss this option.

American Chemical Society (ACS) Certification

Students choosing to receive certification from the American Chemical Society should take CHEM 181, 221, 222, 231, 300, 335, 301, 336, 351, and one (non-research) CHEM elective. These students must take one additional half-semester of lab (either Inorganic Chemistry lab or Biochemistry lab) and complete a research project culminating in the preparation of a comprehensive report. Additionally, students should complete a second semester of physics (PHYS 116).

Other Academic Programs Involving Chemistry

Students interested in health professions typically begin the Discovery Chemistry Core (CHEM 181, 221, 222, 231) in either the first or second year. Since requirements vary for different programs, students should work with the Health Professions Advisory Committee to ensure that their academic program is appropriate for their preparation.

Students interested in environmental studies and/or geosciences take a number of science courses. The chemistry department regularly offers courses that fulfill requirements in these programs, including CHEM 141, 181, 231, and 300.