B.S. in Chemistry
Find Your Element with a Degree in Chemistry
Pursue your B.S. in Chemistry at ETSU and become a chemist who transforms everyday materials into something amazing.
Through your work in the chemistry program, you will learn the intricacies of each
chemical that makes up our world. You’ll then take that extensive knowledge and apply
it to hands-on research and experiences that will prepare you for a career as a chemist.
Whether you work on a cure for cancer, monitor the ozone layer, or create medicines
for patients in need, you’ll be prepared to make a difference in the lives of your
community and beyond.
At ETSU, you can study many facets of chemistry, including:
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
Analytical and Physical Chemistry
Health Sciences
Choose Your Focus Based on Your Chemistry Career Goals
The B.S. in Chemistry at ETSU offers various concentrations catered to your career goals and interests.
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ACS Chemistry
The ACS Chemistry Concentration is ideal for students who intend to make a career in the field of chemistry, either directly with the bachelor’s degree or after graduate studies, and it also provides outstanding preparation for health professions. Students receive thorough grounding in all areas of chemistry coupled with extensive laboratory work, preparing them to hit the ground running wherever they land.
The ACS Chemistry Concentration follows the guidelines of and is approved by the American Chemical Society, which assures a rigorous program of study that is respected by employers, graduate programs and professional schools alike. Because of its comprehensive science-intensive curriculum, the ACS Chemistry Concentration does not require a minor. -
Biochemistry
The Biochemistry Concentration, offered jointly with the Department of Biological Sciences, is ideal for students who plan to enter professions such as medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, agriculture, biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, synthetic biology, environmental science or any other area where Chemistry and Biology meet.
The Biochemistry Concentration in Chemistry follows the guidelines of and is approved by the American Chemical Society, which assures a rigorous program of study that is respected by employers, graduate programs and professional schools alike. Because of its comprehensive science-intensive curriculum, the Biochemistry concentration does not require a minor.
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Chemical Physics
The Chemical Physics Concentration, offered jointly with the Department of Physics & Astronomy, is for those who love the physical and mathematical worlds. It integrates the rigorous ACS Chemistry concentration with a minor in Physics, and it is geared toward students planning a career in fields such as materials science, nanotechnology, computational chemistry and science education. However, it also provides excellent preparation for health professions.
The Chemical Physics Concentration follows the guidelines of and is approved by the American Chemical Society, which assures a rigorous program of study that is respected by employers, graduate programs and professional schools alike. Because of its embedded Physics minor, the Chemical Physics concentration does not require a separate minor.
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Chemistry
The Chemistry Concentration is our most popular offering, and our most flexible because it is paired with a minor that allows students to round out and tailor their studies as they choose. It is ideal for students pursuing chemically-oriented occupations and graduate or professional programs that require a solid grounding in Chemistry but not the in-depth coverage found in the ACS Chemistry, Biochemistry or Chemical Physics concentrations. Through choice of a suitable minor and electives, students can prepare for a wide range of careers and post-graduate studies, including health professions, business, teaching, master’s programs or doctoral programs.
ETSU offers more than 100 minors, any of which may be paired with the Chemistry Concentration. Popular options include Biology, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Geosciences, Psychology, Forensic Science, Brewing & Distillation Studies, Synthetic Biology, General Business, Secondary Education, Music and foreign languages.
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Chemistry and Pharmacy 3 + 1 Program
The Chemistry and Pharmacy 3+1 Program is specifically for pre-Pharmacy students. It allows students to complete the B.S. in Chemistry (Chemistry Concentration) while working toward the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, shaving a year off the time required to earn the B.S. and Pharm.D. separately. Pharmacy is the most chemical of the health professions, so the B.S. in Chemistry provides ideal preparation.
Students complete all the requirements for the B.S. in Chemistry and additional Pharmacy pre-requisites in their first three years at ETSU. If accepted into the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, students begin Pharmacy studies at Gatton in their fourth year, and first-year Pharmacy (P1) courses are credited toward the B.S. in lieu of a minor. Students not matriculating to Gatton can add a minor to complete the B.S. in Chemistry (Chemistry Concentration).
What Can You Do with a Degree in Chemistry?
With a chemistry degree from ETSU, you will be prepared for various careers related to the chemical sciences, such as:
- Physician, Dentist, Veterinarian, Pharmacist, or Optometrist
- Analytical chemist
- Organic chemist
- Inorganic chemist
- Physical or theoretical chemist
- Forensic chemist
- Food chemist
- Environmental chemist
- Medicinal chemist
- Brewing chemist
- Nanotechnologist
- Pharmaceutical research scientist
- Laboratory manager
- Science educator
- Patent lawyer
- Technical sales representative
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow
6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Academic and Career Advising Through CASE
The ETSU Center for Advisement and Student Excellence (CASE) provides academic advisement, career guidance, and opportunities for engagement and growth for students in the College of Arts and Sciences.
You’ll be assigned an advisor who will challenge and support you as you determine
your academic and career goals.
Learn More About CASE
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