The mission of the Department of Chemistry is to provide students a rigorous course of study in the physical and chemical sciences by utilizing multi-faceted learning experiences, guided inquiry laboratory, and scientific research to prepare students for careers as chemists or professionals in research and development, scientific discovery, or medical service in the global community.
The Department of Chemistry will aspire to become a leading provider of interdisciplinary approaches to chemistry education and research that attracts and prepares diverse students to be scientifically literate and competitive professionals to meet the future demands of the changing global environment.
The Department of Chemistry offer programs of study for undergraduates leading to the Bachelors of Science in chemistry. An accelerated program of study also allows students to receive the integrated Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science degrees (BS/MS) in five years of study. The requirements of these programs are outlined below. Students may choose to concentrate in the following areas:
The department offers courses to other undergraduate science majors and pre-professional students. Undergraduate majors are encouraged to participate in ongoing research programs.
The Department of Chemistry offers undergraduate students of superior ability entrance to the 5-Year B.S./M.S. Program. Students may be chosen based on their academic achievement in secondary school. Students must have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.25 and a minimum composite Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) score of 900 or a minimum ACT score of 22.
Students must satisfy all University general education requirements for undergraduates, the requisite major and cognate courses for the bachelor’s degree and at least twenty-four (24) semester hours of graduate course work in the major field. Students undertake advanced course work and research during their fourth year of enrollment. Summer research opportunities are provided and may be required, depending on the nature of the students’ research project.
Academic progress is monitored throughout. Students must maintain a cumulative “B” or better average. After successful completion of the third year, students must be admitted to the graduate program. Graduate admissions will depend upon the recommendation of the department chairperson and approval of the School Dean.
During the fourth year, students may begin graduate course work while completing undergraduate degree requirements. Students are engaged in graduate study exclusively during the fifth year, at which time students satisfy the graduate residence requirement.
In order to receive the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry, students must complete at least fifty-four (54) semester hours of course work in Chemistry, at least twenty- four (24) of these at the graduate level. Students must complete an acceptable thesis. Students must apply for candidacy for each degree at the times specified in the university catalogues. Upon completion of the prescribed course of study, students receive two degrees, the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science.
At any point during the students’ participation in this program, they may elect or be required, because of academic performance, to pursue the traditional four-year bachelor’s degree program. In such cases the bachelor’s degree will be awarded once the undergraduate degree requirements are satisfied.
Listed below is the sequenced curriculum designed to facilitate the acquisition of skills and knowledge required for this program.