Degrees Offered

The department offers a B.S. in Chemistry and a B.S. in Chemistry with a Biochemistry Option. Both degrees are approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The B.S. degree is recommended for students planning to begin careers as chemists and those planning for graduate study in chemistry.

The department also offers a B.A. in Chemistry, an appropriate degree for students who do not plan to pursue graduate studies in chemistry. Students should consult with their academic advisors before deciding whether a B.A. or B.S. degree will better support their career goals.

The B.A. in Chemistry with Secondary Teaching Licensure, developed in collaboration with the College of Education, meets the North Carolina requirements for secondary (grades 9-12) teaching licensure in Chemistry. Students seeking teaching licensure should consult with a co-advisor in the Department of Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education in the College of Education for detailed planning of their professional education coursework.

The Minor in Chemistry provides a means for students majoring in another discipline to develop a foundation of knowledge in selected areas of chemistry. Students majoring in science or non-science disciplines are welcome to pursue a minor in chemistry.

Students majoring in chemistry are welcome to pursue a Minor in Biotechnology, offered in collaboration with the Department of Biology, which allows students to learn about the use of living systems and their components to resolve a problem or generate a product.

The Accelerated Early Entry into the Chemistry M.S. program leads to completion of all requirements for the B.S. and M.S. degrees in only five academic years plus a final summer. In this program, students begin graduate coursework during the final semester of their senior year. Up to six credit hours (at the 5000 or 6000 level) may be double-counted towards both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Students earn a B.S. degree at the end of this semester and are generally able to complete a Master’s degree after another year and a summer of full-time study and research.

The Chemistry Department strongly urges all undergraduate students with a strong interest in chemistry, regardless of their chosen major, to consider pursuing undergraduate research with professors in the Chemistry Department. Freshmen through seniors are welcome to participate in undergraduate research.

Students considering pursuing a degree or minor in chemistry should consult the Academic Plan of Study and then contact the Chemistry Department or Mrs. Susan Michael (704-687-1660).