About
Chemistry is the study of matter, so understanding chemistry means understanding the world around you – from how cooking works or detergent gets clothes clean to how grape juice turns into wine.
Appalachian’s Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry - Fermentation Sciences is a highly applied degree for the wine, beer and cheese industries. You will learn how to analyze the chemical properties of these and similar products. North Carolina has more than 100 wineries and a rapidly growing craft beer industry, providing plenty of internship host sites where you can get practical experience in addition to the two major on-campus facilities: Fermentation Sciences pilot plant and the Enology Services Laboratory.
Like other degrees in Appalachian’s Department of Chemistry, this one combines an innovative and intellectually challenging curriculum with scholarship and service/engagement opportunities that employ state-of-the-art technologies. Chemistry majors graduate with strong problem-solving skills that are transferrable to a number of professions.
After Graduation
Employment: Many graduates go directly into jobs with the beer, wine and other fermentation-related industries. In general, chemistry majors also find 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 37-hour chemistry core, 10 hours of physics, 8 hours of mathematics, 7 hours of biology, plus the 18-hour fermentation science concentration consisting of Social Implications of Fermented Beverages, Facility Design and Operation, Sensory Analysis of Wine and Beer, Beverage Management, Wine Production and Analysis, and Brewing Science and Analysis.
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is optional. Chemistry majors often minor or take courses in Physics, Geology, Math, Spanish, Criminal Justice, Marketing or Biology.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
Forensic Club – for students interested in forensic science, computer forensics, toxicology or a career in law enforcement.
Appalachian Chemical Society – the campus chapter of the American Chemical Society.
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, students may want to connect with scholars in other countries. Chemistry majors 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 Fermentation Sciences concentration
Method of Delivery
On campus only
Careers
The American Chemical Society details career options in industry, academia, government, non-profit and entrepreneurship. Learn more
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