Chemistry, B.S. (R, L)

This major fulfills the R and L areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students develop proficiency at using scientific and quantitative inquiry to predict the outcomes of chemical reactions, interpret data from analytical instrumentation, and execute laboratory investigations. Students reflect on how their experiences relate to their professional and career goals. Students need majors and/or minors to fulfill the E and A areas to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements.

Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level.

General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Chemistry major includes 28-30 general education credits.

All students must select at least one concentration (Advanced Biochemistry, Advanced Professional Chemist, Biochemistry: Life Sciences and Pre-Health, Forensics, Professional Chemist, or Teaching Licensure).

This concentration is a rigorous four-year program that provides a strong background in chemistry for those students who plan to become professional chemists. It provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in chemistry or related fields and will prepare students for careers in industrial, academic or governmental settings.  With this concentration, the student will have an ACS approved degree.

This concentration is a rigorous four-year program that provides a strong background in chemistry for those students who plan to become professional chemists. It provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in chemistry or related fields and will prepare students for careers in industrial, academic or governmental settings.

This concentration is a rigorous four year program recommended for students planning a career in pharmacy, medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine. The first three years are designed to optimally prepare students for the pre-entrance aptitude examination (PCAT, MCAT, DAT or GRE).

This concentration is a rigorous four-year program recommended for students interested in a career in biochemistry. It provides a comprehensive foundation for graduate study in biochemistry, pharmacology, or related fields and prepares students for careers in industrial, governmental, or academic settings.  With this concentration, the student will have an ACS approved degree.

This concentration is a rigorous four year program recommended for students planning a career in forensic science. It provides a comprehensive foundation for graduate study in forensic chemistry, forensic science, or analytical chemistry and prepares students for careers in industrial, governmental, or academic settings.

This concentration is a rigorous four-year program recommended for students planning a career in teaching Chemistry in High School. It provides a comprehensive foundation of the 5 major divisions of chemistry (analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical) while providing the necessary course work to obtain licensure to teach Chemistry in Virginia’s High Schools.

To graduate with a major in chemistry, a student must attain an overall major grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Different courses are considered in the calculation of the major grade point average depending on the student’s concentration. All courses required for a given concentration count towards the major grade point average. In cases where additional (beyond those required) electives listed for a given concentration are taken, all count towards the major grade point average calculation.

These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.

(Includes Core Curriculum requirements, required courses and electives. Students should consult with their academic advisors in selecting elective courses to complete the 120 semester hours required for graduation.)