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Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry), BS

Address today's environmental challenges and make a lasting beneficial impact on the planet. Through hands-on lab work, you'll learn to create sustainable solutions. Build a strong foundation in environmental chemistry, hone your critical thinking skills, and approach problem-solving from an Earth-conscious perspective.

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Chemistry students and faculty collect samples in the field, demonstrating hands-on learning in the BS in Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry).

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial
First required math course: MAT 270 - Calc w/Analytic Geometry I
or MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers
View more details

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

In the Bachelor of Science program in chemistry with a concentration in environmental chemistry, you learn how chemistry connects to the environment. You study topics such as pollution control, energy and climate change while learning how to solve real environmental problems.

The program combines chemistry with environmental science, geology, math and physics to give you a broad understanding of how the Earth works. Through lectures and hands-on lab work, you build strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. You also have the chance to work with faculty on research projects and gain experience creating solutions that protect the planet.

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.

Get to know the Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry) degree at ASU

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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 240 Mathematical Methods in Chemistry
CHM 333 Organic Chemistry for Majors I
CHM 337 Organic Chemistry Laboratory for Majors I
CHM 334 Organic Chemistry for Majors II

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

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.

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

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:


Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

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.

Global experience

Students who participate in Global Education programs can strengthen their understanding of environmental chemistry through hands-on experience in new and exciting environments. Programs provide students with a global perspective and knowledge in preparation for a forward-thinking career.

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 opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Chemical Technician 4.9% $60,390
Chemist 6.4% $91,240
Climate Change Analyst 6.1% $82,220
College/University Professor 2.0% $77,640
Crime Scene Investigator 13.3% $72,060
Environmental Protection Specialist 6.1% $82,220
Hydrogeologist 8.2% $167,220
Meteorologist 2.6% $99,070
Park Ranger 5.3% $73,010
Soil Scientist 6.7% $78,850

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

The solid chemistry education that graduates have obtained in this program provides the necessary background for many career paths in chemical industries, government and other areas. This degree can be combined with law for patent work or government work, economics for sales and marketing careers, and computer science for careers in storage and retrieval of information related to the environment.

The environmental chemistry concentration is especially valuable for those who plan to work in areas related to the environment; graduates are also prepared for careers in environmental science, environmental monitoring, policy and regulation.

Graduates are well positioned to pursue graduate studies in environmental science, chemistry or related fields.

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.

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