There are two routes to the study of chemistry, the Chemistry Course degree and the chemistry major . The chemistry major leads to a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree; the Chemistry Course leads to the special degree Bachelor of Science-Chemistry. The chemistry major curriculum is a major within the College of Letters and Science. The student is required to meet all the breadth requirements of the college, along with the major requirements listed on the pages for Majors and Advising in the Undergraduate Section of this site. This curriculum provides good preparation in chemistry, along with breadth in the liberal arts.

The Chemistry Course curriculum, set entirely by the Department of Chemistry, lacks the breadth of the chemistry major, but the requirements are more comprehensive in chemistry. Currently, the Chemistry Course degree is undergoing development. Please consult the Department of Chemistry for current information.

Both curricula qualify the student for a wide variety of opportunities in the chemical industry and related industries, such as petroleum, metals, fibers, plastics, paper, and food, as well as environmental and health-related sciences. Combined with the courses required for teacher certification, either route will qualify the student to teach chemistry in secondary schools.

Please consult the School of Education section in this catalog for teacher certification requirements. Both the Chemistry Course and the chemistry major give the basic preparation for graduate work in chemistry or in several related fields, such as chemical physics, biochemistry, and biophysics. Students who do well in their undergraduate work are encouraged to undertake graduate studies so that they may qualify for more responsible positions in research and teaching. Qualified students with good scholastic records can usually obtain financial support for graduate study through teaching or research assistantships and fellowships. The chemistry department's placement office may be consulted for specific career information in Room 1120 or at 262-0363.

The student is required to meet all the breadth requirements of the college, along with the major requirements listed below on the pages for Majors and Advising in the Undergraduate Section of this site.