Chemistry - B.A. and B.S. Download to print

The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry has fewer required courses than the Bachelor of Science program, which allows students greater flexibility in choosing electives and additional concentrations. Although not intended for students planning to become practicing chemists, this degree program is well suited for those needing a strong chemistry background as preparation for other career opportunities. The degree may be used to meet pre-medicine and pre-dentistry requirements when appropriate courses from the biological sciences are used to fulfill elective hours. However, the B.S. in Chemistry–Biochemistry is strongly recommended for students interested in medical or dental school.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry consists of five concentrations: Biochemistry, Biochemistry - Pre-Medicine/Pre-Osteopathy/Pre-Dentistry, Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry and Materials Chemistry.

The Biochemistry concentration provides strong preparation for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in biochemistry or planning a career as a practicing biochemist in industrial research and development, government research laboratories, or in academia. It also provides ideal preparation for students intending to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, having been designed to closely fit the requirements of the Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). With careful planning students may transfer to NEOMED after three years at Kent, using 16 credit hours of courses from NEOMED to complete their Kent State degree requirements. With the appropriate electives, this degree concentration may be certified by the American Chemical Society.

The Biochemistry–Pre-Medicine/Pre-Osteopathy/Pre-Dentistry concentration provides one of the strongest possible preparations for medical and dental school, and is the recommended track for students intending to go on to medical or dental school.

The Chemistry concentration is designed for students interested in careers as practicing chemists in industrial research and development, in government research laboratories or in academia. It includes a strong foundation in both chemistry and related disciplines (physics and mathematics), and provides opportunities to pursue advanced chemistry electives. This concentration meets the requirements for certification by the American Chemical Society and is ideal for students who plan to pursue graduate studies in chemistry.

The Industrial Chemistry concentration provides solid background training in the major areas of chemistry as well as practical training and related experiences in fields sought by local and regional chemical industries.

The Materials Chemistry concentration is recommended for students interested in pursuing graduate study or industrial careers in materials science, including nanotechnology. Its requirements, similar to those of the traditional chemistry concentration, provide an opportunity for more in-depth study in the synthesis and characterization of inorganic and organic materials, including polymers.

B.A. and B.S. Chemistry students have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program with the University of Leicester (UK).

The American Chemical Society (ACS) reports (2014) that 62% of new BS and BA chemistry graduates seek employment while 38% pursue graduate study. 52% of ACS members work in industry, 8% are employed in government positions, and 39% hold positions in academia. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, chemists held approximately 85,000 jobs in 2012, with materials scientists holding an additional 8,000 positions and biochemists/biophysicists holding 29,000 jobs.

Graduating chemists find employment in government research and analysis, forensic science, industrial research and development and manufacturing in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, materials (liquid crystals, plastics, ceramics, paints and coatings, composites, nanotechnology), energy (petrochemicals, biofuels, energy storage), agriculture, the food industry, environmental science (water resource management, pollution monitoring), and instrument design. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

General Admissions for Freshman Students: Admission Requirements at the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy at the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends.

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago. For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

Minimum 120 total credit hours and 42 upper-division credit hours. Minimum 2.000 overall GPA and 2.000 major GPA .

B.A. Chemistry

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to apply the chemical knowledge taught in the courses that comprise the degree.

B.S. Chemistry

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to apply the chemical knowledge taught in the courses that comprise the degree.
2. Develop their abilities to plan and execute chemical experiments in the Individual Investigation course (CHEM 40796) or senior honors research/thesis courses.

B.S.: American Chemical Society