Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Chemists work to discover new compounds and reactions that lead to the development of new drugs, plastics, energy sources and various other materials such as paints, adhesives, cosmetics, pesticides, and others. Chemists work in various fields, including environmental science, measuring and reducing pollution; medicine, contributing to advances in disease diagnosis and treatment; agriculture, food processing, and many other areas and industries. Chemists work as scientists in various testing and research laboratories. 

Graduates have many employment opportunities as: technicians in biotechnology, environmental, pharmaceutical, clinical, and forensic testing laboratories; research assistants in industrial, government and academic labs; technical sales and service for chemical and other related industries; high school chemistry/science teachers (licensure required); Bachelor graduates also pursue advanced degrees to receive doctorates in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and veterinary science; or pursue master’s and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry or related sciences.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates there were 93,500 chemists and materials scientists employed across the United States in 2025. On average, about 6,500 openings for chemists and materials scientists are projected each year. There is great demand for chemists and materials scientists, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 7% increase from 2025-2035, much faster than average for all occupations.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program requires minimum of 120 hours for the degree; minimum of 92-93 hours for major with ACS Certification; minimum of 89-90 hours for pre-professional major; and minimum 91-92 hours for pre-professional with concentration in pharmaceutical science major.

Chemistry Majors develop diverse skills across several areas of study:

Organic chemistry focuses on carbon compounds and involves synthesizing new compounds, studying their chemical interactions, and determining reaction mechanisms, all of which are crucial in developing medicines, materials, and technologies.

Analytical chemistry involves identifying chemical substances in samples from various sources, using advanced instruments and techniques to analyze and interpret data accurately, a critical skill in many industries.

Physical chemistry explores the mathematical models underlying chemistry, including thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and kinetics, providing a deep understanding of the principles governing chemical reactions, which is critical in designing and optimizing chemical processes.

Inorganic chemistry studies the chemistry of elements other than carbon, including synthesizing new compounds and determining how they react and how they can be used, all of which are useful in developing new materials with unique properties, such as those used in electronics and energy storage devices.

Biochemistry investigates the chemistry of life processes, including the molecular mechanisms underlying living organisms’ functions. These include the synthesis and breakdown of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. This knowledge is essential in drug design, medical research, developing new vaccine modalities, and biotechnological advances in general.

Overall, a Chemistry Major develops a broad range of skills, including laboratory techniques, data analysis, mathematical modeling of chemical processes, and critical thinking. These skills are transferable across many industries and technical areas, making Chemistry an excellent choice for those interested in pursuing careers in healthcare, energy, materials science, and beyond.

American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Track

This program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry, physics, and mathematics, and meets the requirements for professional certification by the American Chemical Society.

This program provides the broad fundamental knowledge most suited to students planning to become professional chemists or planning to pursue graduate training.

Degree Map
 

Pre-Professional Studies Track (Pre-med/Pre-dental/Pre-veterinary)

The B.S. program in chemistry for students who plan to continue graduate study in the medical sciences provides those courses required and strongly recommended by most medical schools and also affords an excellent base for students considering careers in medicine, medical research, dentistry, or veterinary medicine. This program does not lead to certification by the American Chemical Society.

Degree Map
 

Pre-Professional Studies with Concentration in Pharmaceutical Sciences Track

This B.S. program in chemistry for students who plan to continue graduate study in the medical sciences provides those courses required and strongly recommended by most medical schools and also affords an excellent base for students considering careers pharmaceutical sciences medicine.

Degree Map
 

Chemistry with Secondary Teacher Licensure

The CSUteach Program offers an integrated science license. This licensure program requires coursework from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Public Affairs and Education. Contact the CSUteach Program for education courses required for undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Secondary Teacher Licensure programs (216-687-4625 or JH 170).

Degree Map
 

Honors Program/University Scholars

The Chemistry Department participates in the Honors/Scholars at CSU by requiring honors/scholars students who are chemistry majors (available for all tracks) to register for research courses (either CHM 379H - Honors Independent Study I or, with senior status, CHM 489H - Honors Senior Research) under the guidance of a professor who acts as mentor. Honors/Scholars chemistry students are required to enroll in at least 2 credit hours of research coursework each semester, for a minimum of 8 credit hours by the time of degree completion. Students are required to begin enrolling in research courses upon declaration of a Chemistry major or upon acceptance into the Honors/Scholars Program. By getting involved in scientific research as soon as possible, honors/scholars students will better understand chemistry’s status as a bench science and have the opportunity to participate in original, ground-breaking laboratory work.

Accelerated Master’s Program

Students are qualified academically to participate in this program after they finish their senior year at CSU and at any time after completing their B.S. degree if they have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better.

Learn more about the Accelerated Master’s Program

Learn more about the B.S. Chemistry program and admission requirements

Advisor

Bin Su, Ph.D.

Undergraduate Program Director
Email: B.SU@csuohio.edu

There are a variety of scholarships available for incoming freshman and transfer students. Please see details below about how to apply for these scholarships.  We also provide a Roadmap to Financial Aid that simplifies the process. Students are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA form for consideration of all types of financial aid.
 

Learn more about scholarships here

Learn more by requesting information or contacting a program staff member directly.

Program Director

Bin Su, Ph.D.

Undergraduate Program Director
Email: B.SU@csuohio.edu