BA in Chemistry

Are you ready to dive deeply into the chemistry behind scientific fields such as medicine, energy, forensics, food science, materials science, pharmaceuticals, and polymer science?

If this is how you want to apply your strong math and physics skills, then a chemistry major may be a perfect fit.

Chemists play a key role in breakthrough research that provides the foundation for protecting our natural resources, developing renewable products and new sources of energy, and discovering medical cures.

The BA in Chemistry

The College of Liberal Arts offers a bachelor of arts (BA) in chemistry; it’s administered through the Department of Chemistry in the College of Science and Engineering, which also offers a bachelor of science in chemistry (BS). This may be confusing, so here we explain the similarities and differences between the two options.

  • The BA and BS are equally challenging. The major courses are the same for both degrees and students from both take their classes together. The pre-requisite courses to enter the major are the same.
  • Admissions to the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science & Engineering are different; you might get into one college but not the other.
  • The structure of the degrees are slightly different. The BA has more flexibility if you want to pursue multiple interests, allowing space in your degree plan for breadth and depth; the BS degree program offers opportunities to take additional chemistry and technical courses.
  • The BA degree requires proficiency in a second language.

The Liberal Arts Advantage

Students who choose the BA degree have the option to add relevant minors to their major and their electives will help them develop skills that employers look for, above and beyond technical skills developed in the major courses. These core career competencies include:

CLA's Core Career Competencies
  • Analytical & Critical Thinking
  • Applied Problem Solving
  • Ethical Reasoning & Decision Making
  • Innovation & Creativity
  • Oral & Written Communication
  • Teamwork & Leadership
  • Engaging Diversity
  • Active Citizenship & Community Engagement
  • Digital Literacy
  • Career Management

Consider your own interests and career goals and consult with an advisor when deciding whether to apply to the College of Liberal Arts (for the BA) or College of Science & Engineering (for the BS). Both degrees will prepare you well for your future.

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