About
Understanding chemistry means understanding the world around you – from how cooking works to how detergent gets clothes clean. Chemists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels to develop new and improved products, test the quality of manufactured goods and develop new theories. Chemistry majors graduate with strong problem-solving skills that are transferrable to a number of professions.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Appalachian State University combines an innovative and intellectually challenging curriculum with scholarship and service/engagement opportunities that employ state-of-the-art technologies. Like most BA degrees at Appalachian, it has a foreign language requirement.
After Graduation
Employment: Many graduates go directly into jobs in industry or government, with employers including GlaxoSmithKline, Exela, the Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute of Health, and the FBI.
Graduate School: The demand for qualified chemistry majors wishing to pursue graduate studies is high. More than half of Appalachian’s chemistry majors go on to graduate schools all over the country, mostly for chemistry, environmental science, pharmacy and medical school. Recent destinations include Duke University, University of Virginia, University of Colorado, University of California Irvine, Virginia Tech, N.C. State, University of Michigan, University of Charleston, UNC-Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University.
People
Courses
A 40-hour chemistry core, plus 10 hours of physics, 8 hours of mathematics and an additional 6-8 semester hours selected from astronomy, biology, geology, or physics. This degree also has a 6-hour language requirement at the intermediate level or higher.
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is required. Students often minor in a foreign language.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
Appalachian Chemical Society – the campus chapter of the American Chemical Society.
Forensic Club – for students interested in forensic science, computer forensics, toxicology or a career in law enforcement.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
Depending on their research topic, chemistry majors may want to connect with scholars in other countries. Students are allowed to conduct research with faculty at any of Appalachian’s international partners.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- Chemistry majors from Appalachian typically graduate with multiple job offers and can work in any area of the profession, regardless of their concentration.
- State-of-the-art technology gives students job-ready skills, while also providing services to research and industry partners.
- Professors focus exclusively on undergraduates, and about half of all chemistry majors conduct research directly with a faculty member and present at national or regional conferences.
- Employers comment that Appalachian chemistry majors need minimal on-the-job training.
- Weekly seminar discussions bring national leaders to campus, enhancing learning and career opportunities for upper-level students.
Number of Students
About 5% of current chemistry majors pursue the Chemistry (BA) degree.
Method of Delivery
On campus only
Careers
The American Chemical Society details career options in industry, academia, government, non-profit and entrepreneurship.
Career options with any chemistry degree can include the following, with some requiring more than a bachelor’s degree:
- Analytical Chemist
- Biochemist
- Brewer Lab Assistant
- Laboratory Technician
- Chemical Oceanographer
- Clinical Chemist
- Color Development Chemist
- Development Chemist
- Environmental Health Specialist
- Fire Protection Engineer
- Food and Drug Inspector
- Food Scientist Technician
- Forensic Chemist
- Hydrologist
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Pharmacologist
- Sanitation Inspector
- Toxicologist
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Dr. Claudia Cartaya-Marin
Chair
cartayacp@appstate.edu
828-262-2763