Chemistry, BS
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
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Math Intensity:
Substantial
- Initial Math Course: MAT 270 - Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I
Required Courses (Major Map)
Program Description
Students in the BS program in chemistry acquire the profound understanding and practical skills needed to address complex scientific challenges at the atomic and molecular levels. The expertise they gain spans diverse fields, including energy, sustainability, technology materials, medicine, nanoscience, environmental science, forensics, cosmetics and food chemistry. Graduates emerge well prepared for advanced studies in chemistry and material science, positioning them competitively for graduate degree programs.
The curriculum encompasses a rigorous set of courses, integrating lectures and laboratory sessions. This approach equips students with a deep understanding of atomic and molecular principles and hones their problem-solving abilities. The program encourages critical inquiry, fostering the development of scientific thinking and analytical skills.
Students are strongly encouraged to join laboratory research groups, providing hands-on experience in scientific investigation and the opportunity to delve into advanced research. Given the nature of faculty research in the School of Molecular Sciences, Bachelor of Science in chemistry students generally have the widest selection of faculty to choose from and hence the greatest number of possible research opportunities.
Accreditation by the American Chemical Society (https://www.acs.org) underscores the program's quality and aligns students with industry standards. With a solid foundation in chemistry, hands-on laboratory experience and critical thinking skills, students are poised to make significant contributions to scientific advancement and address complex problems in their chosen disciplines.
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Biochemistry (Medicinal Biochemistry)
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Materials Science and Engineering
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
A degree in chemistry provides the background for careers in chemical and electronics industries, in national research labs, environmental labs and forensic labs. Chemistry can be combined with law for patent work, with economics for sales and marketing careers, and with computer science for careers in information technology. Students often take Bachelor of Science in chemistry degree programs to become competitive applicants for admission to medical, dental or pharmacy schools.
Chemists conduct both research and routine work in laboratories; they study the environment; they work in manufacturing, sales and marketing; they work in the public sector deciding policy and regulation; and they teach.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Chemical Technicians
- Growth: 3.2%
- Median Salary*: 50840
Chemists
- Growth: 6.2%
- Median Salary*: 80670
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 3.5%
- Median Salary*: 80720
Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 76480
Forensic Science Technicians
- Growth: 12.6%
- Median Salary*: 63740
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Growth: 1%
- Median Salary*: 62360
Water Resource Specialists
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: 144440
Materials Scientists
- Growth: 5.1%
- Median Salary*: 104380
Pharmacists
- Growth: 2.6%
- Median Salary*: 132750
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
When studying abroad, chemistry students can gain valuable experience in a diverse set of programs, and they acquire heightened skills in communication, critical thinking and leadership, which will enable them to stand out competitively in their chosen field. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while staying on track for graduation.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- SMSadvising@asu.edu
- 480/965-7667