2022-2023 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry, BA


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This degree program is suitable for students wishing a major in chemistry that requires fewer credit hours in chemistry, physics, and mathematics than the BS degree. BA majors may be students interested in a more general degree, pre-professional students, students having an interest in both chemistry and some other discipline, students who switch over to a chemistry major during their third or fourth year of college, or students who are unsure of their goals early in their college experience. Many BA students choose to go on to graduate school in chemistry and prepare themselves by taking sufficient courses in chemistry and related disciplines in order to qualify for acceptance.

There are two chemistry degree options within the BA: the general option and the secondary education option. Recommended year-by-year curricula for each option follow.

Learning Outcomes

  • Have knowledge of organic, analytical, physical and inorganic areas of chemistry and biochemistry, and an integrated overview of chemistry
  • Have knowledge of additional areas of mathematics, physics, and technology and be able to manipulate experimental data and understand the derivation of fundamental relationships
  • Be able to communicate effectively about the field of chemistry

Chemistry BA, General Option: Four-Year Curriculum


The BA in Chemistry with the general option is designed for students who wish to major in chemistry, but is limited to fewer credit hours in chemistry, physics, and mathematics than the BS in Chemistry. Students may be interested in a more general degree or may be pre-professional students who will elect significant course work from another department. BA students may go on to graduate school in the chemical sciences by taking additional courses in chemistry or related disciplines.

The BA in Chemistry general option requires a minimum of 51 credit hours in chemistry. No more than 54 credit hours in chemistry may be counted in the 120 credit hours required for the degree.

Students are required to select 5 credit hours of electives in chemistry. Up to 5 credit hours may be: 

 , or  .

Freshman Year, Spring Semester


Sophomore Year, Spring Semester


Junior Year, Spring Semester*


Senior Year, Fall Semester


Senior Year, Spring Semester


  • Electives or area requirements - 14 credit hours
    14 Credit Hours

Total Credit Hours: 120


Chemistry BA, Pre-Health/Interdisciplinary Sciences Option: Four-Year Curriculum


The BA in Chemistry Pre-health/Interdisciplinary Sciences Option is designed for students who are interested in a degree in chemistry and who have multiple interests and professional goals beyond being a professional chemist. Students who plan to work professionally as a chemist should consider the standard BA or BS tracks. This track is designed for students who may want to pursue professional health, technological, law, or other careers.

Students are required to select 6 credit hours of electives in chemistry. Up to 6 credit hours may be: 

CHEM 4904 - Research: Upper Division , or CHEM 4905 - Internship: Undergraduate .

Freshman Year, Spring Semester


Sophomore Year, Spring Semester


Junior Year, Fall Semester


Junior Year, Spring Semester


Senior Year, Fall Semester


Senior Year, Spring Semester


  • Area requirements or electives - 15 credit hours
    15 Credit hours

Total Credit Hours: 120


Chemistry BA, Secondary Education Option: Four-Year Curriculum


The BA in chemistry secondary education option is designed for students wishing to be high school chemistry teachers. This program has very specific requirements and little room for elective courses that will count towards graduation. It is important to consult with advisors from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the College of Education.

Students who wish to work as chemists or to pursue graduate studies in chemistry should elect one of the other program options (either BS or BA) in chemistry rather than the Secondary Education option.

The BA in Chemistry secondary education option requires a minimum of 33 credit hours in chemistry. No more than 54 credit hours in chemistry may be counted in the hours required for the degree.

Students are required to select 3 credit hours of electives in chemistry.

Senior Year, Fall Semester


Senior Year, Spring Semester


Total Credit Hours: 120


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