Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Hours: 120 On-Campus

About

Chemistry is a demanding yet rewarding discipline that requires critical thinking and analytical prowess. Our programs will nurture these essential skills, preparing students to tackle complex scenarios and make informed decisions in the laboratory and beyond.

Fort Hays State University’s B.A./B.S. in Chemistry programs explore the intricacies of chemistry, covering a wide range of topics. With access to high-tech equipment and instruments, students gain practical experience, preparing them for future careers.

Why pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Fort Hays State University?

Our B.A./B.S. in Chemistry programs go beyond traditional chemistry education. A dedicated faculty member designs and develops engaging chemistry experiments for all our lab courses. These manuals, also known as lab separates, are then printed and sold to students at a discounted price. The proceeds generated from the sale of these separates are generously donated back to the Chemistry Student Club, further supporting our students' academic and professional endeavors.

Who is this program for?

Fort Hays State University’s curriculum provides a strong foundation in chemistry and research methodologies and appeals to a broad range of people. Here are the beneficiaries of this degree:

Students interested in medical careers
Individuals interested in research and development
Those embracing a broad educational spectrum
People seeking analytical and critical thinking skills
Those aiming for research opportunities

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes of the B.A./B.S. in Chemistry programs align with the American Chemical Society (ACS) guidelines. They are created to ensure graduates have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a competitive job market.

Analytical Chemistry Proficiency

Students will master the theory and practice of analytical chemistry, developing the expertise needed for precise scientific analysis. This enables them to pursue careers as laboratory technicians, where their skills are crucial for quality control and research roles.

Knowledge of Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a critical component of many other fields. This focus prepares students for specialized careers and provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing medical school or graduate study in biochemistry concentrations.

Communication and Information Management Skills

These skills include effectively communicating chemical information in both written and oral form. They also contain the ability to find, evaluate, and interpret chemical literature. Thanks to this, graduates are prepared for leadership roles, where effective communication is key.

Physical Chemistry Competence

Students will acquire a solid foundation in the theory and practice of physical chemistry, gaining a skill set applicable to diverse career paths. They include opportunities in biological sciences, materials science, and graduate degrees in related fields.

Real-World Applications

Real-world applications are the practical employment of scientific knowledge and principles in everyday life. This is important because it demonstrates the relevance of chemistry to solving actual challenges.

The B.A./B.S. in Chemistry programs provide students with hands-on experience using advanced chemical instrumentation routinely employed in industries and graduate-level chemistry research. This exposure gives students the practical skills to conduct cutting-edge research in careers requiring advanced instrumentation.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The commitment to staying ahead of the curve extends to our hands-on learning opportunities. We provide our chemistry students with ample exposure to current software and instrumentation commonly used professionally. This allows them to develop practical skills and gain hands-on experience with the tools that will be essential in their future careers.

Additionally, a broad range of courses delves into the core principles of chemistry, including physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. We also provide elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas that pique their interest, such as analytical chemistry, environmental science, forensic chemistry, chemistry education, and chemical biology.

Hands-on Activities

The capstone seminar course allows our students to focus on a specific area of chemistry and present their findings to their peers. It is an excellent opportunity to synthesize their knowledge and skills in chemistry by conducting independent research on a topic of their choice.

Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in professional conferences as presentations, gaining valuable experience in presenting their research to a wider audience. These conferences cover regional, national, and international venues, such as those organized by the American Chemical Society.

What You’ll Learn:

Master analytical chemistry principles and practices
Acquire in-depth knowledge of biochemistry
Develop effective communication and information management skills
Develop proficiency in the application of chemistry principles to materials science and engineering
Build proficiency in physical chemistry for diverse career applications
Develop strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

How You’ll Learn:

Engage in hands-on experiments using cutting-edge chemical instrumentation
Develop practical skills using current software and instrumentation
Gain exposure to a broad range of chemistry courses
Specialize in areas that interest you
Conduct independent research and present findings to peers

Courses

FHSU provides students with a comprehensive education in chemistry's fundamental principles and applications. The B.A./B.S. in Chemistry requires completion of beginning and mastery levels of general, organic, analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry. This way, students can gain a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry and prepare for specialized areas within the discipline.

CHEM 120/120L: University Chemistry I/Laboratory

University Chemistry I is the first course in a two-semester sequence, which serves as an introduction to chemistry for science majors and pre-engineering, pre-veterinary, pre-pharmacy, and pre-medical science students.

CHEM 350/350L: Chemical Analysis/Laboratory

This course covers the principles and practices of volumetric and gravimetric analysis, introducing modern instrumental techniques. Students will participate in three weekly recitation sessions and a laboratory component.

CHEM 634L/634LG: Advanced Physical and Inorganic Laboratory

This course is an integrated laboratory that combines inorganic synthesis with physical chemistry techniques to study inorganic compounds.

Discover the full B.A./B.S. in Chemistry course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Graduates will obtain a solid basis in chemistry's fundamental principles, enabling them to explore diverse career paths. There are several jobs that require a B.A./B.S. in Chemistry.

Environmental Scientist

Environmental chemists study the chemical processes that impact the environment. They develop and implement pollution control strategies, assess the impact of human activities on the environment, and develop new technologies to clean up contaminated sites.

Materials Scientist

Material scientists study natural and synthetic materials' physical and chemical properties. They focus on the fabrication and process development of synthetic materials and are involved in inventing and discovering new solid materials. These materials scientists and chemists apply their expertise in areas such as nanotechnology, energy storage, medical technologies, and electronic/artificial devices.

Chemical Process Engineer

As chemical process engineers, graduates play a pivotal role in manufacturing. Their responsibilities include optimizing chemical processes, ensuring efficiency, and maintaining quality control. From researching and developing new compounds to troubleshooting production issues, these professionals contribute to advancing the chemical industry.

Biotechnologist

The growth of the biotechnology industry has created a demand for chemists with expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry. Our graduates are well-positioned for careers in this field, which includes research and development, drug discovery, and genetic engineering.

Geochemist

Geochemistry is the study of the chemical composition of the Earth and its relationship to geology. The field investigates the formation of minerals, the movement of elements through the Earth's systems, and the origin of life. Our graduates can work in mineral exploration, oil and gas exploration, and environmental remediation.

Agricultural Chemist

Agricultural chemistry plays a vital role in ensuring the production and safety of food and fiber. The specialists develop new fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals to improve crop yields and protect crops from pests and diseases. Ultimately, their role focuses on improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

Several related programs may interest students considering pursuing a chemistry path. All of them were created to cater to varied passions and career aspirations. Some other propositions include:

FAQ

What can you do with a B.A./B.S. in Chemistry?

A B.A./B.S. in Chemistry can lead to various careers in biotechnology, environmental chemistry, food and flavor chemistry, materials science, education, and much more.

Is inorganic chemistry a part of the curriculum?

Yes, inorganic chemistry is a required part of the curriculum.

How long does obtaining a B.A. or a B.S. in Chemistry take?

The usual time to obtain this degree is four years. However, students may be able to complete their degree in less time if they transfer credits from other institutions.

Can you get a B.A./B.S. in Chemistry online?

FHSU does not currently offer a fully online B.A./B.S. in Chemistry program.

What is the difference between the B.S. and B.A. in Chemistry programs?

Students pursuing a B.A. in Chemistry are required to complete ten credit hours of instruction in a language other than English. This requirement is designed to provide students with a broader cultural and linguistic perspective.

In contrast, the B.S. in Chemistry does not mandate foreign language study, allowing students to focus more intensively on technical and scientific coursework within their field of study. Despite this key difference, both degree programs share similar overall requirements in terms of total credit hours and core coursework. This equivalence ensures that students achieve a comprehensive education within their major field of study regardless of the degree path chosen.

Information about the Department of Chemistry

The Chemistry Department at FHSU offers a comprehensive education that equips students with advanced chemistry knowledge and effective research skills. With the support of highly trained faculty, you will gain the technical and problem-solving abilities needed for success in both the job market and professional or graduate schools. Students engage in extensive research and hands-on learning with cutting-edge equipment, preparing them for careers in various scientific and healthcare fields.

Whether your goals include teaching, conducting research, or entering professional schools like medical or dental programs, our department provides in-depth undergraduate and pre-professional programs tailored to your ambitions. Graduates of our chemistry programs are highly sought after in a wide range of chemistry-related careers. With a strong academic foundation and the guidance of dedicated faculty, you will be well-prepared to pursue a successful career after completing our program.

Student Organizations

Chemistry

Minor
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