The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers a flexible program of study designed to prepare students for careers in industry and government or for highly diverse graduate studies. Students may direct their efforts to all the major areas of chemistry or focus on certain interdisciplinary areas. This is accomplished by choosing one of three rigorous options of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry: the American Chemical Society option, the Biochemistry option, or the General option. Students who complete the American Chemical Society option earn a degree certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Options

1. American Chemical Society Option - The ACS option emphasizes the chemistry-physics interface. The curriculum of this option leads to the more traditional careers and graduate training in chemistry.
    

2. Biochemistry Option - This option of study emphasizes chemistry in the context of biological systems. It prepares for entrance into health-related professional programs as well as graduate study in biochemistry.

    

3. General Option - The General option is designed for those students who need the most flexible program of study to meet their career goals. In consultation with an advisor, up to 12 units of electives can be chosen from outside of chemistry to create a truly interdisciplinary program of study. This degree option allows students who have an ADT in Chemistry to earn their degree in 60-semester units upon transfer. 

Aside from the choice of three options for the Chemistry degree, students may also elect to participate in the University’s Cooperative Education Program. 

Cooperative Education Program-  The Co-op program allows students to earn credit and be paid for approved work experience in a sponsoring company.   In many cases, students have gained employment in a company where they participated in a Co-op Internship.  It’s a great way to get work experience that you can list on your resume.
 

Senior Project - Chemistry majors have the option to do a Senior Project (conducting research with a faculty member in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department)