Choose from four undergraduate chemistry degrees:
- B.S. in chemistry
- B.S. in chemistry (medicinal chemistry track)
- B.A. in chemistry
- B.A. in chemistry (biological chemistry track)
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The founding college of Syracuse University remains at the center of undergraduate learning. The College is divided into the natural sciences and mathematics, the humanities, and the social sciences, with the lattermost offered in partnership with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.
B.A. or B.S.?
The big difference between the degrees:
- The B.S. is accredited by the American Chemical Society. A potential employer or graduate school, presented with an accredited degree, can know without any further information that the degree is sound. If you are planning to go to graduate school or to do anything in chemistry, the B.S. is the better degree to get.
- The B.A. might be better for a double major or someone who has more limited time to complete the degree. For degree requirements, visit chemistry.syr.edu .
Whichever route you choose, your education will include opportunities for practical application that to prepare you for jobs in:
- Industrial and government laboratories
- Pharmaceuticals
- Forensics
- Biotechnology
- Medicine
- Health sciences
Sample Courses
Chemistry is taught through courses in analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry and through direct participation in original research. Sample courses include:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry Laboratory
- Forensic Chemical Analysis
- Introduction to Chemical Research
- Organic Spectroscopy
- Organic Chemistry of Biological Molecules
Practical Experience
In addition to coursework, the chemistry major provides extensive field and extracurricular opportunities so students can earn hands-on experience in the industry.
- In the Introduction to Chemical Research course, you’ll carry out research under the supervision of a faculty member.
- You can opt to present your thesis before the end of your final semester at a symposium designed for undergraduate researchers.
- Get involved with Alpha Chi Sigma, the professional chemistry fraternity that works to advance knowledge of chemistry in the community and on campus.
Study Abroad
Broaden your perspective and enhance your resume with a study abroad experience during your college years. Consistently ranked among the top 25 international education providers in the U.S., Syracuse Abroad has more than 100 programs in 60 countries.
Chemistry majors most often go abroad to Syracuse University centers in Florence, London, and Madrid, and to our World Partner programs at the University of New South Wales and the University of Queensland.
Life After Syracuse University
With a degree in chemistry, you can explore careers in areas such as:
- Chemical technology
- Forensic science
- Environmental chemistry
- Medicine
- Pharmaceuticals
- Petroleum and natural gas industry
Or pursue a graduate degree in medicine, chemistry, education, public health, public administration, and more. Recent graduates of the program have attended some of the top graduate schools in the U.S.