Arizona State University (Tempe campus)
Chemistry, BS
Study detals
: Bachelor's degree : Chemistry, BS LACHMBS : Full time : 48 MonthRequirements
Academic requirements
First-year students must:
- Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
- Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
- Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.
Conditional admission
ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.
Competency requirements
International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:
- Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
- Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).
Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)
Speciality
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
Additional information
Program description
Students in the BS program in chemistry acquire the profound understanding and practical skills needed to address complex scientific challenges at the atomic and molecular levels. The expertise they gain spans diverse fields, including energy, sustainability, technology materials, medicine, nanoscience, environmental science, forensics, cosmetics and food chemistry. Graduates emerge well prepared for advanced studies in chemistry and material science, positioning them competitively for graduate degree programs.
The curriculum encompasses a rigorous set of courses, integrating lectures and laboratory sessions. This approach equips students with a deep understanding of atomic and molecular principles and hones their problem-solving abilities. The program encourages critical inquiry, fostering the development of scientific thinking and analytical skills.
Students are strongly encouraged to join laboratory research groups, providing hands-on experience in scientific investigation and the opportunity to delve into advanced research. Given the nature of faculty research in the School of Molecular Sciences, Bachelor of Science in chemistry students generally have the widest selection of faculty to choose from and hence the greatest number of possible research opportunities.
Accreditation by the American Chemical Society underscores the program's quality and aligns students with industry standards. With a solid foundation in chemistry, hands-on laboratory experience and critical thinking skills, students are poised to make significant contributions to scientific advancement and address complex problems in their chosen disciplines.
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
- Biochemistry (Medicinal Chemistry), MS
- Materials Science and Engineering, MS
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.
Global opportunities
Global experience
When studying abroad, chemistry students can gain valuable experience in a diverse set of programs, and they acquire heightened skills in communication, critical thinking and leadership, which will enable them to stand out competitively in their chosen field. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while staying on track for graduation.
Career opportunities
A degree in chemistry provides the background for careers in chemical and electronics industries, in national research labs, environmental labs and forensic labs. Chemistry can be combined with law for patent work, with economics for sales and marketing careers, and with computer science for careers in information technology. Students often take Bachelor of Science in chemistry degree programs to become competitive applicants for admission to medical, dental or pharmacy schools.
Chemists conduct both research and routine work in laboratories; they study the environment; they work in manufacturing, sales and marketing; they work in the public sector deciding policy and regulation; and they teach.