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Curricula

Curricula

Tracks

The B.S. degree in chemistry has two available tracks.

The ACS-certified Track One is suitable for students intending to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry or a closely related area. It provides the most rigorous and complete chemistry, physics and mathematics background and the most extensive laboratory experience.

The multi-disciplinary Track Two is designed to enhance preparation for employment or graduate study in a variety of areas reflected in the available options for that track. These options are structured to provide a chemistry major with a second area of expertise.

More information on tracks

Track one options

Advanced chemistry

Knowledge and skills are developed in organic, analytical, physical and inorganic chemistry. Six advanced laboratory courses. Choice of electives that support career goals.

Learn more about the advanced chemistry option

Advanced biochemistry

The mix of advanced courses is modified to emphasize biochemistry principles and laboratory techniques.

Learn more about the advanced biochemistry option

Track two options

Biochemistry

Designed for those interested in working in biotechnology areas. 9 courses in biology, biochemistry including lab, & genetics. A strong option for pre-pharmacy.

Learn more about the biochemistry option

Business

Created for chemists interested in working in marketing and sales or starting a small business. Reduces time to obtain MBA at OSU. Good stepping stone for law school. 8 courses in accounting, law, finance, organizational systems.

Learn more about the business option

Chemical education

Designed to interface with the M.S. in Teaching program for high school teachers in Science & Math Education at OSU. 11 courses in teaching methods, a secondary area, and undergraduate teaching internship and seminar in chemistry.

Learn more about the chemical education option

Chemical engineering

Designed to offer selected chemical engineering concepts that may enhance career opportunities in areas such as electronics, polymers, and biotechnology. 9 courses in basic engineering & chemical engineering including mass and fluid transport, reaction engineering, & separations processes.

Learn more about the chemical engineering option

Environmental chemistry

Structured to provide a quality foundation for working in government, industrial or university labs studying the behavior of chemicals in the environment. 11 courses in biology, microbiology, toxicology, environmental chemistry and health, soil science, & hydrology.

Learn more about the environmental chemistry option

Forensic science

A combination of courses designed to provide a chemistry major with a background in biology, biochemistry, and related areas and emphasis in analytical chemistry that is appropriate for work in a crime lab or to pursue a graduate degree in forensic science.

Learn more about the forensic science option

Materials science

Customized to include applied courses in a variety of materials areas to enhance career opportunities in, for example, electronics, polymers and biotechnology.

Learn more about the materials science option

Premed

Directed at students planning to apply to medical or dental school who also like chemistry as a second career pathway. 9 courses in biology, biochemistry, bioethics, genetics, & statistics.

Learn more about the premed option

Chemistry course information

Examples of courses that chemistry majors take

Chemistry minor

Earning a minor in a challenging subject like chemistry adds academic rigor and breadth to your education and helps demonstrate that you are serious about learning science. This can be beneficial if you are anticipating a career in fields such as environmental sciences, business, secondary education, or medicine.

Learn more about the chemistry minor

Transfer students

About half of the chemistry graduates each year are transfer students from around the world, including many from right here in Oregon. Transfer students wishing to earn a chemistry major with a strong preparation in chemistry, math and physics can transfer into the junior level for chemistry majors with advanced planning.

Learn more about the curriculum for transfer students