Undergraduate Programs in Chemistry
Two different programs in Chemistry are offered to potential students of chemistry at CWRU. Each program has been designed specifically for the needs of each type of student.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program is designed for a student who seeks a solid background in chemistry in order to enter medical school or some other field related to chemistry. The program may also be enhanced by additional Chemistry Electives to provide the background necessary for admission to graduate programs in Chemistry.
Bachelor of Science (BS)
A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program provides an intensive coverage of the field for the student who desires to become a professional chemist. The BS program prepares the student for entry into graduate programs in Chemistry leading to advanced degrees or for direct entry into the job market at the baccalaureate level. Many of the CWRU BS chemistry majors are highly recruited by the top national Ph.D. graduate programs.
The Differences
As the goals of each program are different, the course work requirements for each degree is different. In particular, the BS program is quite rigorous, while the BA program features flexibility and room for additional courses to allow students to specialize in pre-professional subject areas like dentistry or law. Furthermore, many of the BA degree candidates pursue dual majors, such as Chemistry and Biology degrees.
The BS chemistry degree fulfills all of the requirements of the American Chemical Society (ACS) for ACS certification. BA majors who desire to have ACS certification for their degree must complete additional coursework in chemistry.
Teacher Licensure in Physical Science
The Chemistry Department offers a special option for undergraduate students who wish to pursue a Chemistry major and a career in teaching. The Adolescent to Young Adult (AYA) Teacher Education Program in Physical Sciences prepares CWRU students to receive an Ohio Teaching License for grades 7-12. Students declare a second major in Education – which involves 34 hours in Education and practicum requirements – and complete a planned sequence of Chemistry content coursework within the context of the B.A. Chemistry major. The program is designed to offer several unique features not found in other programs and to place students in mentored teaching situations throughout their teacher preparation career. This small, rigorous program is designed to capitalize on the strengths of CWRU’s Chemistry Department, its Teacher Education Program, and the relationships the University has built with area schools. For details, please see the Teacher Education Program website.
Chemistry Minor
For those students who wish to study chemistry but do not desire a degree in the area, the department offers a minor.
More Information
For official details on anything related to undergraduate academics, please see the Chemistry Undergraduate Handbook.
The Department of Chemistry offers excellent opportunities for undergraduate research to all majors.
For internships, employment, research, and graduate programs outside of CWRU, please see our Chemistry Opportunities Blog.