Chemistry is one of the three basic areas that form the foundation of all science and is essential for a complete understanding of the physical world. Focusing on the study of matter, the field of chemistry includes a wide variety of basic areas ranging from the study of atoms, the chemical bond, and basic chemical reactions to the exploration of applied topics, including biochemistry, medicinal and drug chemistry, forensic science, physical and quantum chemistry, and instrumentation.
Stevenson University's chemistry program, planned in accordance with the requirements of the American Chemical Society (ACS), offers a broad selection of courses for students in chemistry and provides an excellent background for any scientific or technological career. Laboratory work and research are emphasized throughout the curriculum. With modern instrumentation and laboratory facilities, students develop excellent laboratory and analytical skills, preparing them for employment in the chemical industry, graduate study in chemistry, or a career in a variety of professional arenas, including pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry.
Lead and manage a scientific team or your own professional practice. Students majoring in Chemistry can prepare to direct projects and teams with a professional minor in Applied Management, opening doors to leadership careers in the scientific industry, clinical management, or business.
Have you always looked forward to experimenting in the science lab? Have you ever wondered what the products you're using and eating really consist of? Chemistry can turn your natural curiosity into a rewarding career. Possible paths include:
Curious about internships and job placement after you graduate? Visit our Office of Career Services.
FYS 100 | First Year Seminar | 1 credit |
BIO 112 | Principles of General Biology | 3 credits |
or | ||
BIO 113 | General Biology I: Cell Biology and Genetics | 3 credits |
BIO 113L | General Biology I Laboratory: Cell Biology and Genetics | 1 credit |
BIOCH 327 | Biochemistry | 3 credits |
BIOCH 345L | Integrative Laboratory I | 2 credits |
CHEM 114 | General Chemistry I with Problem Solving | 3 credits |
or | ||
CHEM 115 | General Chemistry I | 3 credits |
CHEM 115L | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 credit |
CHEM 116 | General Chemistry II | 3 credits |
CHEM 116L | General Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 credit |
CHEM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 credits |
CHEM 210L | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 credit |
CHEM 211 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 credits |
CHEM 211L | Organic Chemistry II Laboratory | 1 credit |
CHEM 213 | Digital Information Literacy for Chemistry | 1 credit |
CHEM 221 | Inorganic Chemistry | 3 credits |
CHEM 310 | Analytical Chemistry | 3 credits |
CHEM 313 | Career Connections in Chemistry | 1 credit |
CHEM 346L | Integrative Laboratory II | 2 credits |
CHEM 431 | Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics | 3 credits |
CHEM 432 | Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics | 3 credits |
CHEM 470 | Capstone Internship | 3 credits |
or | ||
CHEM 471 | Capstone Internship | 6 credits |
CHEM 475 | Capstone Seminar | 3 credits |
MATH 220 | Calculus I | 4 credits |
MATH 221 | Calculus II | 4 credits |
PHYS 215 | General Physics I with Calculus | 4 credits |
PHYS 216 | General Physics II with Calculus | 4 credits |
SCI 215 | Writing in the Sciences | 3 credits |
Note: Students choosing to take the 6-credit Capstone Internship (CHEM 471) can take one Chemistry elective.
Select two:
BIOCH 362 | Independent Research Experience in Biochemistry | 2 credits |
BIOCH 365 | Independent Laboratory Research in Biochemistry | 3 credits |
BIOCH 427 | Advanced Biochemistry | 3 credits |
CHEM 203 | Environmental Chemistry | 3 credits |
CHEM 206 | Herbal Medicines and Remedies | 3 credits |
CHEM 362 | Independent Laboratory Research in Chemistry | 2 credits |
CHEM 365 | Independent Laboratory Research in Chemistry | 3 credits |
CHEM 435 | Special Topics in Chemistry | 3 credits |
Explore our academic catalog for a full listing of courses, course descriptions, suggested course sequences, and more.
The minor in chemistry requires successful completion of a minimum of six courses and 18 credits with a CHEM prefix. For chemistry courses with a separate lab co-requisite, both the lab and lecture for the course must be taken; however, the lab does not count as a separate course toward the minor. Please see the chair of the Department of Chemistry for more information. General guidelines regarding minors may be found in the Minors section of the catalog.
Eligible students majoring in chemistry may elect to pursue honors within the Department of Chemistry. The intention to pursue Chemistry Department Honors must be declared before the start of their last semester before graduation. To declare the intent to pursue department honors, a student must have earned a science/math GPA of 3.50 or higher and a plan to finish the honors requirements outlined below.
Students graduating with Chemistry Department honors will have this distinction noted on their official university transcript. In order to graduate with department honors, the following requirements must be met:
Students also have the option of completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. The student must fulfill all SEE requirements, program requirements, and complete two semesters of a foreign language from the point of placement or completion of 202 level
The BS/MFS option is available for students majoring in chemistry who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in forensic science in the chemistry track. Students choosing this option may earn their master's degrees in as little as one year after their bachelor's degree. Interested students must formally apply for entrance into this BS/MFS option in their junior year. Once admitted into this program, students develop an educational plan in consultation with their undergraduate and graduate advisors. Please see the Forensic Science section of this catalog for more information.
The BS/MAT option is available for students majoring in chemistry who wish to combine their bachelor's coursework with work toward a Stevenson University master's degree in teaching. Please see Additional Enrollment Options in the Admissions section of this catalog for more information.
The Department of Chemistry has an articulation agreement with the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. This is for a dual-degree undergraduate-professional program (3+4) leading to a bachelor's in Chemistry from Stevenson University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of MD School of Pharmacy. Under the conditions of this agreement, students attend Stevenson for three years taking courses specified by the articulation agreement. Then, if they are accepted into the pharmacy program at the University of Maryland, several of the courses in their first year at the School of Pharmacy will substitute for Stevenson courses. This will allow the students in this program to get a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Stevenson when they complete their first year at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Please see the chair of the Department of Chemistry for more information.