Chemistry, BA
Do you want to help solve today's big challenges in energy, the environment, medicine and new materials? You'll get practical lab experience and discover how atoms and molecules can create powerful solutions. Build strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare you for many exciting careers.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Bachelor of Arts program in chemistry offers a flexible and well-rounded path if you want to explore how chemistry shapes the world. You study how atoms and molecules work and how chemistry connects to areas such as energy, sustainability, medicine, the environment, forensics, cosmetics, and even patent law and marketing.
Through a combination of lectures and hands-on lab courses, you learn to think critically and solve real-world problems using chemistry. This program combines science with liberal arts, helping you build strong communication and analytical skills that apply to many careers.
While research isn't the main focus, you have opportunities to join lab projects or explore topics that match your interests. The program's flexibility makes it a great choice if you want to combine science with other fields, including policy, law, business and public service.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you're interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| CHM 117 General Chemistry for Majors I |
| CHM 118 General Chemistry for Majors II |
| CHM 233 General Organic Chemistry I |
| CHM 237 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I |
| CHM 234 General Organic Chemistry II |
| CHM 238 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory II |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Predict molecular structure and reactivity using knowledge from organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biological chemistry.
- Clearly communicate their findings from a basic chemical experiment.
- Analyze chemical data using common statistical methods.
Predict molecular structure and reactivity using knowledge from organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biological chemistry.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
When studying abroad, chemistry students can gain valuable experience in a diverse set of programs. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while staying on track for graduation. Students who study abroad acquire heightened skills in communication, critical thinking and leadership.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Technician | 4.9% | $60,390 | Learn more |
| Chemist | 6.4% | $91,240 | Learn more |
| Crime Scene Investigator | 13.3% | $72,060 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Hydrogeologist | 8.2% | $167,220 | Learn more |
| Materials Scientist | 8.3% | $117,790 | Learn more |
| Medical Doctor (MD) | 4.0% | $256,560 | Learn more |
| Pharmacist | 5.2% | $140,910 | Learn more |
| Soil Scientist | 6.7% | $78,850 | Learn more |
| Water/Wastewater Engineer | 6.4% | $100,840 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
A degree in chemistry provides graduates with the background for careers in chemical and electronics industries and 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. Graduates with a strong liberal arts background are also prepared for careers in marketing and scientific sales.
Graduates are competitive applicants for admission to medical, dental or pharmacy school.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Molecular Sciences
|
PSC 116
SMSadvising@asu.edu
480-965-7667
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
