The department offers both, B.A. and B.S. degree programs. The B.A. degree includes a minimum of 32 hours of chemistry. The Plan 1 B.S. degree requires at least 38 hours. The Plan 2 B.S. requires 46 hours of chemistry courses. Since the chemistry required in the first two years of all programs is the same, students interested in pursuing a chemistry major can elect any program initially. Discussions with a departmental adviser will allow students to choose the most appropriate major for their career objectives. In general, students planning graduate work in chemistry should elect one of the B.S. programs. The B.A. program has a more liberal content with additional electives. It would support careers in business, law and advanced study in areas needing a strong chemistry background such as toxicology or forensic science.
A B.A. is suitable for students in the College of Education who wish to obtain an A&S degree, and may also be appropriate for some premedical tracks. The Plan 2 (CACS) program is designed to meet standards set by the American Chemical Society (ACS). A student who completes the Plan 2 B.S. program will be certified by the Department of Chemistry to the ACS as having met the specific ACS requirements for undergraduate professional training in chemistry. Students must obtain a grade of C- of higher in each of the chemistry, physics or math courses specifically required for their degree.