Chemistry Undergraduate Major (BA, BS, HBA, HBS)
This program is available at the following location:
- Corvallis
Options available:
- Advanced Biochemistry
- Advanced Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Business
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry Education
- Environmental Chemistry
- Forensic Science
- Materials Science
- Pre-Medicine
A degree in Chemistry opens a gateway to the interface of science and engineering in a broad range of areas, for example, pharmaceuticals, batteries, solar cells, polymers, forensics, biotechnology, materials science, semi-conductors, chemical processing, electronics, agricultural and food science, medicine, toxicology, oceanography, and environmental science.
At OSU, the chemistry major provides a very flexible curriculum with room to explore. Along with a foundational core curriculum of professional chemistry and integrated advanced laboratory courses, students select one of ten different chemistry options, each designed to support student career goals. Track One options are standardized and certified through the American Chemical Society (ACS) and Track Two options are designed to target applied careers in science. The BA degree in Chemistry is also available. Chemistry majors are mentored and advised starting their first year by our distinguished faculty. Majors are encouraged to take advantage of undergraduate research opportunities across campus to gain firsthand real world research experiences before graduating.
Chemistry graduates have a strong record of acceptance into top tier graduate and professional schools, and well-paying jobs in industry. Chemistry majors can go on to earn a Ph.D. at no cost after receiving their B.S. Job prospects for chemists are excellent with typical unemployment rates for chemists about half the national average.
BS Degree in Chemistry
The BS degree in Chemistry features two tracks, each with a chemistry core and a selection of accompanying options. Students in either track or any option with good academic records and letters of recommendation will be well prepared and competitive for continued graduate education in chemistry or related areas.
- Track One is well suited for students intending to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry or a closely related area. It provides the most rigorous and complete chemistry background and the most extensive laboratory experience. The curriculum is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and has two options: Advanced Biochemistry and Advanced Chemistry. Both options include 6–12 credits of career-supportive electives (CSE) in advanced chemistry or related disciplines. These CSE courses are approved by the advisor and are intended to strengthen the student's background in areas related to career goals. Students choosing the Advanced Chemistry option must take at least 3 credits in advanced laboratory courses or research. Track-One graduates are eligible for ACS certification by the department chair and can become full members of the ACS without the requirement of work experience.
- Track Two is suited for chemistry majors who want to gain extensive experience in a secondary area, target a particular career direction or continue with graduate education in chemistry or related areas. Track Two options include Biochemistry, Business, Chemistry Education, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Forensic Science, Materials Science, and Pre-Medicine. The multidisciplinary approach of Track Two enhances preparation and opportunities for employment in electronics, polymers, or biotechnology (the Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science options), for careers in environmental science (Environmental Chemistry option), work in crime labs (Forensic Science option), or teaching in high schools (Chemistry Education option). The Track Two curriculum is not approved by the American Chemical Society.
BA Degree in Chemistry
The BA degree in Chemistry is appropriate for chemistry students interested in obtaining a broader academic background through a second-language requirement and additional liberal arts courses (9 credits). It also includes career-supportive electives to allow students to choose courses in advanced chemistry or related disciplines to support their career goals. At least 3 credits are to be in advanced laboratory courses or research. This degree may lead to international opportunities, especially if coupled with the International Degree Program at OSU.
Major Code: 520
Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:
- Recall, integrate, and apply essential core information about the key components of Chemistry.
- Demonstrate competency in basic laboratory techniques, laboratory safety, chemical synthesis, and measurement of chemical properties and phenomena.
- Communicate ideas effectively orally and in writing.
- Demonstrate the ability to analyze data, access information and integrate information from various sources in order to solve problems.
Completion of an option is required to earn a degree in Chemistry.
Chemistry majors or minors may not use S/U grading in courses that meet Department of Chemistry or College of Science requirements.
The timing of courses for all degrees and options can be critical, especially because of prerequisites. More detailed information and suggestions about when to take courses are found on the Chemistry website. Students should meet with their advisor every term.
For any option involving biochemistry courses, it is strongly recommended that students select BB 314 and BI 221Z.
For options in which CH 462 is the recommended WIC course, it is strongly recommended that CH 422 be taken as a corequisite.
Track One BS Degree in Chemistry
Students must complete an option in Advanced Biochemistry or Advanced Chemistry.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry Core | ||
| BB 332 | +*MOLECULAR MEDICINE | 3 |
| or CH 380 | +CHEMISTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM | |
| CH 220 | +CAREERS IN CHEMISTRY | 2 |
| CH 221Z & CH 271 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY I and +*GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| CH 222Z & CH 272 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY II and *GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| CH 223Z & CH 273 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY III and *GENERAL CHEMISTRY III LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| CH 334 & CH 335 & CH 336 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 9 |
| CH 361 & CH 362 | EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY I and EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY I | 6 |
| CH 420 | +TRANSFERABLE PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC SKILLS | 1 |
| CH 421 & CH 422 | ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY and ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY | 6 |
| CH 440 & CH 441 & CH 442 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY and PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY and PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | 9 |
| MTH 251Z | +*DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS | 4 |
| MTH 252Z | INTEGRAL CALCULUS | 4 |
| MTH 253Z | CALCULUS: SEQUENCES AND SERIES | 4 |
| or MTH 264 & MTH 265 | INTRODUCTION TO MATRIX ALGEBRA and INTRODUCTION TO SERIES | |
| MTH 254 | VECTOR CALCULUS I | 4 |
| PH 211 & PH 212 & PH 213 | +*GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS and *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS and *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS | 12 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Remaining Core Ed, Required Option and Electives | 101 | |
| Total Credits | 180 | |
Track Two BS Degree in Chemistry
Students must complete an option in Biochemistry, Business, Chemistry Education, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Forensic Science, Materials Science or Pre-Medicine.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry Core | ||
| BB 332 | +*MOLECULAR MEDICINE | 3 |
| or CH 380 | +CHEMISTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM | |
| CH 220 | +CAREERS IN CHEMISTRY | 2 |
| CH 221Z & CH 271 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY I and +*GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| CH 222Z & CH 272 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY II and *GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| CH 223Z & CH 273 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY III and *GENERAL CHEMISTRY III LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| CH 334 & CH 335 & CH 336 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY and ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 9 |
| CH 361 & CH 362 | EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY I and EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY I | 6 |
| CH 420 | +TRANSFERABLE PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC SKILLS | 1 |
| CH 440 & CH 441 & CH 442 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY and PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY and PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | 9 |
| CH 462 | ^EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II | 3 |
| or CH 463 | ^EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II | |
| or CH 464 | ^EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II | |
| MTH 251Z & MTH 252Z & MTH 254 | +*DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS and INTEGRAL CALCULUS and VECTOR CALCULUS I | 12 |
| Select one of the following: 1 | 10-12 | |
| Inorganic Emphasis | ||
| QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS and INORGANIC CHEMISTRY and INORGANIC CHEMISTRY | ||
| Analytical Emphasis | ||
| INORGANIC CHEMISTRY and ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY and ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY and EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II | ||
| Select one of the following physics series: 2 | 12-15 | |
| Series 1 | ||
| +*GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS and *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS and *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS | ||
| Series 2 | ||
| +*GENERAL PHYSICS and *GENERAL PHYSICS and *GENERAL PHYSICS | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Remaining Core Ed, Required Option and Electives | 95-98 | |
| Total Credits | 180 | |
- *
Baccalaureate Core course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in a catalog year up to 2024-2025
- +
Core Education course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in catalog year 2025-2026 and beyond
- ^
Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC) course
- 1
The Environmental Chemistry and Forensic Science options require the Analytical Emphasis
- 2
The Chemical Engineering and Materials Science options require physics with calculus (PH 211, PH 212, PH 213)
Major Code: 520
Degree plans are subject to change and the following is only an example of how students may complete their degree in four years. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best degree plan for them. Contact details for advisors can be found on the Academic Advising page.
Bachelor of Science Track One
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CH 221Z & CH 271 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY I and +*GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| MTH 112Z | +*PRECALCULUS II: TRIGONOMETRY | 4 |
| WR 121Z | +*COMPOSITION I | 4 |
| Core Ed: Transitions | 2 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| CH 220 | +CAREERS IN CHEMISTRY | 2 |
| CH 222Z & CH 272 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY II and *GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| MTH 251Z | +*DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS | 4 |
| Core Ed: Communication, Media & Society | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CH 223Z & CH 273 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY III and *GENERAL CHEMISTRY III LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| MTH 252Z | INTEGRAL CALCULUS | 4 |
| Core Ed: Difference, Power & Oppression Foundations | 3-4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CH 334 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| CH 361 | EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY I | 3 |
| MTH 254 | VECTOR CALCULUS I | 4 |
| PH 211 | +*GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Winter | ||
| CH 335 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| CH 362 | EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY I | 3 |
| MTH 253Z | CALCULUS: SEQUENCES AND SERIES or INTRODUCTION TO MATRIX ALGEBRA and INTRODUCTION TO SERIES | 4 |
| PH 212 | *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| CH 336 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| PH 213 | *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS | 4 |
| Option Course | 4 | |
| Core Ed: Arts & Humanities Global | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| BB 332 or CH 380 | +*MOLECULAR MEDICINE or +CHEMISTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM | 3 |
| CH 421 | ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| CH 440 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| Option Course | 4 | |
| Core Ed: Social Science | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Winter | ||
| CH 422 | ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| CH 441 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| Option Course | 4 | |
| Core Ed: Arts & Humanities General | 3-4 | |
| Core Ed: Writing Elevation | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CH 442 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| Option Course | 3 | |
| Core Ed: Seeking Solutions | 3-4 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CH 411 | INORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| Biochemistry Option Course | 4 | |
| Option Course | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| CH 462 | ^EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II or ^EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II or ^EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II | 3 |
| Option WIC Course | 3 | |
| Option Course | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| CH 420 | +TRANSFERABLE PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC SKILLS | 1 |
| Option WIC Course | 3 | |
| Option Course | 4 | |
| Electives | 7 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 180 | |
Bachelor of Science Track Two
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CH 221Z & CH 271 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY I and +*GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| MTH 112Z | +*PRECALCULUS II: TRIGONOMETRY | 4 |
| WR 121Z | +*COMPOSITION I | 4 |
| Core Ed: Transitions | 2 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| CH 220 | +CAREERS IN CHEMISTRY | 2 |
| CH 222Z & CH 272 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY II and *GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| MTH 251Z | +*DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS | 4 |
| Core Ed: Communication, Media & Society | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CH 223Z & CH 273 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY III and *GENERAL CHEMISTRY III LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| MTH 252Z | INTEGRAL CALCULUS | 4 |
| Core Ed: Difference, Power & Oppression Foundations | 3-4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CH 334 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| CH 361 | EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY I | 3 |
| MTH 254 | VECTOR CALCULUS I | 4 |
| PH 211 or PH 201 | +*GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS or +*GENERAL PHYSICS | 4-5 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| CH 335 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| CH 362 | EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY I | 3 |
| PH 212 or PH 202 | *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS or *GENERAL PHYSICS | 4-5 |
| Core Ed: Arts & Humanities Global | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| CH 336 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| PH 213 or PH 203 | *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS or *GENERAL PHYSICS | 4-5 |
| Option Course | 4 | |
| Core Ed: Arts & Humanities General | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CH 440 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| Emphasis Course | 4 | |
| Option Course | 3 | |
| Option Course | 3 | |
| Core Ed: Social Science | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Winter | ||
| CH 441 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| Option Course | 3 | |
| Option Course | 3 | |
| Core Ed: Writing Elevation | 3-4 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BB 332 or CH 380 | +*MOLECULAR MEDICINE or +CHEMISTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM | 3 |
| CH 420 | +TRANSFERABLE PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC SKILLS | 1 |
| CH 442 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| Option Course | 4 | |
| Option Course | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CH 411 | INORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| Option Courses | 7 | |
| Core Ed: Seeking Solutions | 3-4 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Winter | ||
| Emphasis Course | 4 | |
| Option Course | 3 | |
| Option Course | 3 | |
| Electives | 5 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CH 462 | ^EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II or ^EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II or ^EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II | 3 |
| Option Course | 3 | |
| Emphasis Course | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 180 | |
Bachelor of Arts
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CH 221Z & CH 271 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY I and +*GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| MTH 112Z | +*PRECALCULUS II: TRIGONOMETRY | 4 |
| Language 111 | 4 | |
| Core Ed: Transitions | 2 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| CH 222Z & CH 272 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY II and *GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| MTH 251Z | +*DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS | 4 |
| Language 112 | 4 | |
| Core Ed: Difference, Power & Oppression Foundations | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CH 223Z & CH 273 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY III and *GENERAL CHEMISTRY III LABORATORY FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS | 5 |
| MTH 252Z | INTEGRAL CALCULUS | 4 |
| WR 121Z | +*COMPOSITION I | 4 |
| Language 113 | 4 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CH 334 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| CH 361 | EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY I | 3 |
| PH 211 or PH 201 | +*GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS or +*GENERAL PHYSICS | 4-5 |
| Language 211 | 4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| CH 335 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| CH 362 | EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY I | 3 |
| PH 212 or PH 202 | *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS or *GENERAL PHYSICS | 4-5 |
| Language 212 | 4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CH 336 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| PH 213 or PH 203 | *GENERAL PHYSICS WITH CALCULUS or *GENERAL PHYSICS | 4-5 |
| MTH 254 | VECTOR CALCULUS I | 4 |
| Language 213 | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| BB 332 | +*MOLECULAR MEDICINE | 3 |
| CH 220 | +CAREERS IN CHEMISTRY | 2 |
| CH 440 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| Core Ed: Communication, Media & Society | 3-4 | |
| Option Course | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Winter | ||
| CH 420 | +TRANSFERABLE PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC SKILLS | 1 |
| CH 441 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| Emphasis Course | 4 | |
| Option Courses | 6 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| CH 442 | PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| Option Courses | 6 | |
| Core Ed: Arts & Humanities Global | 3-4 | |
| Core Ed: Social Science | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CH 411 | INORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| Core Ed: Writing Elevation | 3-4 | |
| Core Ed: Arts & Humanities General | 3-4 | |
| Option Courses | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| Emphasis Course | 4 | |
| Core Ed: Seeking Solutions | 3-4 | |
| Option Courses | 6 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| CH 462 | ^EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II or ^EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II or ^EXPERIMENTAL CHEMISTRY II | 3 |
| Option Course | 4 | |
| Option Courses | 7 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 180 | |
- *
Baccalaureate Core course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in a catalog year up to 2024-2025
- +
Core Education course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in catalog year 2025-2026 and beyond
- ^
Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC) course