Mar 13, 2025  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Chemistry, BA


Program Description


Chemistry is a scientific discipline that pertains to the fundamental and applied properties of matter based on observation guided by molecular theory. The discipline is important in much of modern science, medicine, and technology. Due to the fundamental nature and extensive application of the science, a large variety of opportunities to positively impact the world are available to students completing an undergraduate degree in Chemistry.

The Chemistry BA curriculum provides comprehensive training in the chemical sciences with reduced laboratory coursework requirements to allow greater flexibility for the student to earn a degree in chemistry while also pursuing broader educational interests. The Chemistry BA curriculum provides both training in chemistry and the necessary flexibility to accommodate a minor course of study in a different field, resulting in an education that is best aligned with students’ post-graduation plans. The BA curriculum also includes education in modern languages, preparing students for global collaborations and other opportunities. The BA degree in Chemistry provides outstanding preparation for graduates to pursue careers in the chemical industry outside of the laboratory, including production, technical sales, or management positions. The BA also provides sufficient preparation for graduates to pursue professional careers (e.g., medical, dental, or pharmacy school), or entry to other fields requiring extensive preparation in courses other than the sciences (e.g., patent law and technical writing). This degree is not generally recommended for students who wish to pursue graduate education (i.e., MS or PhD) in chemistry.

Program Requirements


Freshman Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Credit Hours: 15

Sophomore Year


Credit Hours: 15

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 17

Junior Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 17

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Senior Year


First Semester


  • Arts and Humanities (Literature) Requirement 3 Credits 1
     
  • Arts and Humanities Requirement 3 Credits 1

or

  • Social Science Requirement 3 Credits 1
     
  • Chemistry Requirement 3 Credits 8
  • Minor Requirement 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
Credit Hours: 15

Second Semester


  • Arts and Humanities Requirement 3 Credits 1

or

  • Social Science Requirement 3 Credits 1
     
  • Chemistry Requirement 3 Credits 8
  • Global Challenges Requirement 3 Credits 1
  • Minor Requirement 6 Credits
Credit Hours: 15

Total Credits: 124


Footnotes


1 See General Education Requirements . One Social Science course must also fulfill the South Carolina REACH Act Requirement. See the South Carolina REACH Act Requirement in the Academic Regulations  section.

2 Select from BIOL 1100 ; or both BIOL 1030  and BIOL 1050 ; or CPSC 1010 ; or CPSC 1060 ; or both GEOL 1010  and GEOL 1030 ; or the series of ENGR 1050 , ENGR 1060 , ENGR 1070 , and ENGR 1080 ; or the series of ENGR 1020  and ENGR 1410 ; or the series of ENGR 1020  and CHE 1300 .

3 Students must complete through 2020 in a modern language. See Modern Languages Requirement at Clemson University statement in Academic Regulations .

4 CH 2050  may also be taken in the second semester of the junior year. In this case, three credits of the minor requirement should be taken in the sophomore year.

5 Students pursuing the Science Teaching: Teaching Area Chemistry BA program may substitute EDF 3350  in place of CH 3410 .

6 Students pursing the Science Teaching: Teaching Area Chemistry BA program may substitute BIOL 4820  (EDSC 4820 ) in place of CH CH 4500 .

7 BCHM 3050  may be substituted.

8 Select from BCHM 3010 , BCHM 3050 , BCHM 4060 , BCHM 4230 , any 3000- or 4000-level CH course (except CH 3170  and CH 4920 ), CHE 3070 EDSC 3270 , EDSC 4270 , EES 4850 , ETOX 4210 , ETOX 4300 , FDSC 4020 , FDSC 4030 , GEOL 3180 , MSE 4020 , MSE 4150 , PHYS 4520 , PHYS 4810 .