Three different programs are offered to potential students of chemistry at CWRU. Each program has been designed specifically for the needs of each type of student.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemistry The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemistry degree program is designed for a student who seeks a solid background in chemistry in order to enter medical school or some other field related to chemistry. The program may also be enhanced by additional Chemistry Electives to provide the background necessary for admission to graduate programs in Chemistry.

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry degree program provides an intensive coverage of the field for the student who desires to become a professional chemist. The BS program prepares the student for entry into graduate programs in Chemistry leading to advanced degrees or for direct entry into the job market at the baccalaureate level. Many of the CWRU BS chemistry majors are highly recruited by the top national PhD graduate programs.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemical Biology The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemical Biology degree program is intended for pre-professional students who plan careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, or for individuals seeking careers that utilize chemistry to solve problems affecting living systems. A key component of the major is the flexibility imparted by fewer required courses and the integration of six credit hours of technical electives. Many Chemical Biology BA majors participate in undergraduate research within the Department of Chemistry or in other science departments, including those in the medical school.

The Differences

As the goals of each program are different, the course work requirements for each degree is different. In particular, the BS program is quite rigorous, while the BA program features flexibility and room for additional courses to allow students to specialize in pre-professional subject areas like dentistry or law. Furthermore, many of the BA degree candidates pursue dual majors, such as Chemistry and Biology degrees.

The BS chemistry degree fulfills all of the requirements of the American Chemical Society (ACS) for ACS certification. BA majors who desire to have ACS certification for their degree must complete additional coursework in chemistry.

 

Teacher Licensure in Physical Science The Chemistry Department offers a special option for undergraduate students who wish to pursue a Chemistry major and a career in teaching. The Adolescent to Young Adult (AYA) Teacher Education Program in Physical Sciences prepares CWRU students to receive an Ohio Teaching License for grades 7-12. Students declare a second major in Education – which involves 34 hours in Education and practicum requirements – and complete a planned sequence of Chemistry content coursework within the context of the B.A. Chemistry major. The program is designed to offer several unique features not found in other programs and to place students in mentored teaching situations throughout their teacher preparation career. This small, rigorous program is designed to capitalize on the strengths of CWRU’s Chemistry Department, its Teacher Education Program, and the relationships the University has built with area schools. For details, please see the Teacher Education Program website.

Integrated Graduate Studies in Chemistry The Integrated Graduate Studies in Chemistry degree program is available to candidates for a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Bachelor of Arts in Chemical Biology, or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree who also wish to obtain a Master of Science in Chemistry degree. For a description of the Integrated Graduate Studies Program (IGS), please see the School of Graduate Studies website.

Chemistry Minor For those students who wish to study chemistry but do not desire a degree in the area, the department offers a minor.

More Information

For official details on anything related to undergraduate academics, please find the information withing the departmental webpage.

The Department of Chemistry offers excellent opportunities for undergraduate research to all majors.

For internships, employment, research, and graduate programs outside of CWRU, please see our Chemistry Opportunities Blog.