College of Arts and Sciences
BA in Chemistry
Our chemistry program is certified to meet the standards set by the American Chemical Society, the largest scientific society in the world
About the Major

The Bachelor of Arts program is primarily for students who have a special interest in chemistry but who intend to pursue careers in such related fields as medicine, dentistry, education, business, or law.
Degree Requirements
A total of 58 credits is required that includes core chemistry courses and electives, as well as courses in physics, mathematics, and computer science.
Required Courses
The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry requires a total of 39 credits in core chemistry courses such as:
College Chemistry
Quantitative Analysis
Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II
Physical Chemistry I and Physical Chemistry II
For more information, and to see a complete list of degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Additional Requirements
You must complete an additional 6 credits of advanced chemistry courses, as well as 8 credits of physics and mathematics courses, and a computer science course such as:
- Calculus-Based Physics I
- Calculus-Based Physics III
- Algebra-Based Physics I
- Calculus I and Calculus II
- Programming Foundations
For more information, and to see a complete list of additional degree requirements, visit the Course Catalog.
Learning Outcomes
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry students will:
- Demonstrate a firm foundation in the fundamentals and application of current chemical theories including those in analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistries.
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, especially the ability to transmit complex technical information in a clear and concise manner.
- Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative and analytical reasoning skills.
- Design chemical experiments, properly carry out the experiments, troubleshoot experiments, appropriately record and interpret the results, and recognize what constitutes “reasonable” data.
- Use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation, and classical techniques to carry out experiments. Follow proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals.
- Function successfully as a part of a team, exhibit good citizenship in group interactions, and be an active contributor to group projects.
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with Pre-Pharmacy Option
In conjunction with the University of Saint Joseph Pharmacy School <University of Saint Joseph Pharmacy School>, you can earn a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in six years. Students who have been accepted into the Pharmacy Program at Saint Joseph’s will complete requirements for the BA in Chemistry at Saint Joseph’s during their senior year, as they begin their pharmacy coursework.
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with Pre-Pharmacy Option
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Learning Outcomes Chemistry with Pre-Pharmacy Option
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with Pre-Pharmacy Option students will:
- Demonstrate a firm foundation in the fundamentals and application of current chemical theories including those in analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistries.
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, especially the ability to transmit complex technical information in a clear and concise manner.
- Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative and analytical reasoning skills.
- Carry out chemical experiments properly, troubleshoot experiments, appropriately record and interpret the results, and recognize what constitutes “reasonable” data.
- Use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation, and classical techniques to carry out experiments. Follow proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals.
- Function successfully as a part of a team, exhibit good citizenship in group interactions, and be an active contributor to group projects.
Laura Pence, PhD
Professor of Chemistry ,
The one-on-one mentoring and coaching that I’m doing with students on what they want to do after college is huge."