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.

All Undergraduate Chemistry Degrees

Completion of an option is required to earn a degree in Chemistry.

The quarters in which these are taken are flexible, except that synthesis courses must be taken at the junior and senior level. 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 Department website. Students should meet with their advisor every term. For many options in Track Two, students will also be directed to an additional advisor in another department for courses in that option.

For any option involving biochemistry courses, it is strongly recommended that students select BB 314 and BI 221 (as the biology course to fulfill the baccalaureate core requirement).

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.

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.

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Baccalaureate Core Course (BCC)

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Writing Intensive Course (WIC)

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Students in the Environmental Chemistry and Forensic Science options must select the Analytical Emphasis

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The Chemistry Engineering and Materials Science options require physics with calculus and the recitation is strongly recommended (PH 221, PH 222, PH 223)

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.

Track One BS in Chemistry

Track Two BS in Chemistry

BA in Chemistry