2024-2025 Catalog 
    
    Dec 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog

Chemistry, BA


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The BA in Chemistry with the general option is designed for students wishing a major in chemistry that requires fewer credit hours in chemistry, physics, and mathematics than the BS degree. This degree program is suitable for 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.

The BA in Chemistry provides majors with the following:

  • Knowledge of organic, analytical, physical, and inorganic areas of chemistry and biochemistry, and an integrated overview of chemistry
  • Knowledge of additional areas of mathematics, physics, and technology and the ability to manipulate experimental data and understand the derivation of fundamental relationships
  • The ability to communicate effectively about the field of chemistry

General Information

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemistry requires the following:

  • A minimum of 51 credit hours of CHEM course work. At least 16 of those hours must be upper division (courses numbered 3000 or higher).
  • 21 additional hours of auxiliary course work.
  • A grade of C or better in all CHEM and auxiliary course work.
  • A minimum 2.0 GPA must be maintained in all CHEM course work.
  • No more than 60 credit hours of CHEM course work may apply to the bachelor’s degree.

Additional course work is required to complete the Chemistry, BA degree. Please see the advising guide on the Academic Advising website for more information.

Chemistry Major Options

The following options, or tracks, may be added to the Chemistry major. Options may have different course, grade, GPA, or hour requirements.  See below for more information.

  • Pre-Health/Interdisciplinary Sciences
  • Secondary Education - UCCSTeach

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

Course Requirements


Chemistry Electives


Complete 6 hours of upper-division (3000 + level) Chemistry Electives. Up to 6 hours may be from CHEM 4904 or 4905.

Pre-Health/Interdisciplinary Sciences Option


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. This track is designed for students who may want to pursue professional health, technology, law, or other careers. Students who plan to work professionally as a chemist should consider the standard BA or BS tracks.

Secondary Education Option


The BA in Chemistry with the secondary education option is designed for students wishing to become high school chemistry teachers. This program has very specific requirements and little room for elective courses that will not count towards graduation. It is important to consult with advisors from both the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the College of Education.

For more information on the requirements for the Initial Secondary Licensure, see the Secondary Initial License Certificate .

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