B.A. in Chemistry
Why a B.A. in Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, and properties of substances and the changes they undergo. Chemists perform experiments, conduct research, and investigate and analyze substances, helping develop new products and adding new knowledge not only to chemistry but also to fields as diverse as nanotechnology, materials science, polymer chemistry, energy production, and biomedical engineering.
What Can I Do With a B.A. in Chemistry
This program is for students who enjoy chemistry and analytical and logical thinking. Many graduates in chemistry elect professional schools in the health sciences including medical school, dental school, or pharmacy school. Some students may pursue law school, teacher certification, or training in data analytics and informatics. Students who choose to enter the workforce directly may obtain research or sales and outreach positions in the chemical industry. Major employers include pharmaceutical, consumer product, petrochemical, paint, rubber, and food production industries. Testing and quality control positions in industry or field research agricultural or environmental sciences are pursued by some students. Technology startups offer opportunities for entrepreneurs or those wishing to meld their interests in business and science.
Students who anticipate graduate study in chemistry should elect the B.S. Chemistry Program.
What courses would I take?
Our department has a core curriculum for the first two years that provides the necessary groundwork in chemistry, physics, and math for all of our majors. In the third year, our degree tracks diverge to meet the specific goals of our programs. The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in chemistry, with the flexibility to pursue other interests including other majors, study abroad, or extensive work or volunteer activities. This degree can be taken in a teaching certification track, which requires additional related credit hours taken from the College of Education, Health, and Society and results in teaching certification.
Students looking for a career in areas such as technical sales, technical management, or patent examination; or wishing to pursue law school may wish to specialize in their degree by choosing The Technical Management and Sales focus.