Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Chemistry is central to the study of all modern sciences and is, therefore, prerequisite to and required by many separate disciplines, even for their introductory courses. Since chemistry as a discipline is designed and structured as a vertical hierarchy (each course follows another and the preceding course is a required prerequisite) it is important to start the study of chemistry early in your college career. A basic year to two years of chemistry are required for entry into most allied health programs such as pharmacy, medical technology, physical and occupational therapy, radiological technology, biotechnology, and environmental sciences. A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry may be used to enter industry, teach, fulfill requirements for pre-professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, chemical engineering, and to enter graduate school for the further study of forensic science, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, environmental science and other advanced programs.
At Cameron University there are three options to select from within the chemistry program. The selected option should be based upon the student’s long-term occupational goal. The American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Chemistry Degree Option is recommended for students considering a career in chemistry, especially those considering graduate study in any field of chemistry including engineering. Our non-ACS Chemistry Degree Option requires fewer upper-level chemistry courses, and the student must select a minor, usually biology or mathematics. This course of study is recommended for those wishing to prepare for industry, engineering, and graduate study. For graduate study in most areas, the ACS Certified Chemistry Degree Option is probably the better program, although both chemistry degree programs have been well received by graduate institutions. The Health Profession Chemistry Degree Option is a non-traditional approach. This course of study is recommended for those wishing to prepare for careers in the health industries (medicine, osteopathy, optometry, dentistry, veterinary medicine) because it overlaps and fulfills almost all pre-professional admission requirements as part of the degree plan. Please note that all chemistry degree programs require Physics I and Physics II in addition to the minimum chemistry requirements. There are several possible goals not addressed here that should be discussed further with an advisor.
