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Chemistry (BS) - Environmental

About

Chemistry is the study of matter, so understanding chemistry means understanding the world around you. Environmental chemists monitor what is in the air, water and soil, determine effects and evaluate how human activity influences the environment.  This work may include researching pollution and contamination and promoting policy that supports protection of the environment.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry - Environmental provides a broad and rigorous curriculum in the natural sciences. Students completing this degree will be prepared to enter environmental chemistry positions in industry, business or government. Most pursue post-graduate studies in various areas of environmental science.

Like other degrees in Appalachian’s Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, 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 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.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumna Profile: Stacey Hughes ’12
    Alumna Profile: Stacey Hughes ’12

    As a graduate student researcher in an atmosphere-chemistry lab at the University of California, Irvine, Stacey Hughes has been studying samples of air from all over the world.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Carol Babyak

    When a TVA coal ash spill impacted rural Tennessee’s Emory River, environmental chemistry Dr. Carol Babyak was there to monitor toxic heavy metals and found some levels 300 times the allowable amounts in drinking water.

    Meet more faculty

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    – click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Chemistry (BA)
  • Chemistry (BS) - Certified Chemist
  • Chemistry (BS) - Fermentation Sciences
  • Chemistry (BS) - Forensic Science
  • Chemistry (BS) - Individually Designed
  • Chemistry (BS) - Marketing and Business
  • Chemistry (BS) - Secondary Education
  • Chemistry (BS) - Biochemistry

Minors

A minor is optional. Chemistry majors often minor or take courses in Physics, Geology, Math, Spanish, Criminal Justice, Marketing or Biology.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Forensic Science 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.

Club of the Environmental Sciences – a student organization that welcomes anyone interested in environmental science.

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.

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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.

Location

Boone 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

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Contacts

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences

Dr. Petia Bobadova
Chair
bobadovap@appstate.edu
828-262-8478

  • A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences

    The A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with eight different concentrations and an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in fermentation sciences. The department’s programs prepare students to attend graduate and professional schools, as well as for employment in the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries and other business sectors.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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