Bachelor of Arts Degree In Chemistry

Biochemistry Emphasis

Relative to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in the sciences are designed to provide an opportunity for a broader education, with greater exposure to multiple disciplines. As such, they tend to require fewer hours within the major, and more hours of liberal arts (i.e. general education) courses, including a foreign language. BA degrees at ESU also require at least fifteen hours in a second field of study. The chemistry BA degree, biochemistry emphasis, requires 38 hours of chemistry courses, 5 hours of calculus, and 10 hours of algebra-based physics, plus 19 hours of biology courses as the second field. This degree option, with a scientifically-rigorous curriculum built into a broader education in the liberal arts, thus makes an ideal major for students who need or desire a strong science background, but are not necessarily planning a career as a scientist. Examples of career options for which a BA is appropriate include pharmaceutical sales, instrument sales, scientific writing, or patent law. With judicious choice of electives, it can also serve as an excellent option to prepare for medical school or other professional programs.

For the BA in Chemistry, Biochemistry Emphasis, students must satisfy the following requirements in addition to the General Education courses:

Chemistry Requirements

*In certain cases, it may be appropriate for the student to take the one-semester organic course rather than the two semester organic sequence. This substitution can be made with the approval of the advisor and the department chair.

Biology Requirements (second field of study)

Required Associated Courses

In addition to the 72 hours indicated above, the student must complete

• University-wide general education requirements for the BA degree (additional 43 hours)
• life skills graduation requirements (5 hrs)
• enough additional electives to total 124 hours

Students should also be sure to choose upper-level electives to ensure that at least 45 hours of coursework are completed at the 300 level or above.