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. It consists of a core of chemistry courses (79–81 credits) and a combination of 8 to 11 courses (30–37 credits) that defines each option.

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 6–12 credits of approved 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

All Undergraduate Chemistry Degrees

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

The baccalaureate core requirements are met by:

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 at http://chemistry.oregonstate.edu/. 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, is also recommended. Prereqs for BB 314 are:

BI 212 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.

Chemistry offers the following courses through the Honors College (HC). Chemistry students in the HC may substitute these courses for courses in the regular sequences:

Track-One BS Degree in Chemistry

(See the Advanced Biochemistry option and Advanced Chemistry option)

Track-Two BS Degree in Chemistry

(See options for Biochemistry, Business, Chemistry Education, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Forensic Science, Materials Science, Pre-Medicine)

Major Code: 520

Sample Curriculum (Track-One BS Degree in Chemistry)

Sample Curriculum (Track-Two BS Degree in Chemistry)