Median Pay: $80, 670

Typical Entry-Level Education: 

Number of Jobs: 83,940

Job Outlook: Overall employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

Above information sourced from 2022 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A minimum 2.0 GPA is the requirement for admission at Union Commonwealth University. 

*Students should be aware that these courses have MATH prerequisites beyond MATH 241

Bachelor of Arts Chemistry Major Requirements (44-48 Semester Hours)

28 semester hours in Chemistry including:

CHEM 121 General Chemistry I (4 Credit Hours)

Chem 121-122. A 2-semester sequence. A systematic study of the fundamentals and applications of the experimental and theoretical laws of chemistry. Major topics include nomenclature, stoichiometry, chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base reactions, atomic and molecular theory and structure, chemical kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. Examples and problems are drawn from all areas of chemistry. Laboratory experiments in general chemistry illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. Experiments are coordinated with the General Chemistry topics. Inorganic qualitative analysis is included in CHEM 122. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A working knowledge of algebra such as is acquired in two years of high school algebra, or MATH 131 (which may be taken concurrently), or a composite ACT score of 21. CHEM 121 and CHEM 122 are prerequisites to all other chemistry courses.

CHEM 122 General Chemistry II (4 Credit Hours)

Chem 121-122. A 2-semester sequence. A systematic study of the fundamentals and applications of the experimental and theoretical laws of chemistry. Major topics include nomenclature, stoichiometry, chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base reactions, atomic and molecular theory and structure, chemical kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. Examples and problems are drawn from all areas of chemistry. Laboratory experiments in general chemistry illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. Experiments are coordinated with the General Chemistry topics. Inorganic qualitative analysis is included in CHEM 122. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A working knowledge of algebra such as is acquired in two years of high school algebra, or MATH 131 (which may be taken concurrently), or a composite ACT score of 21. CHEM 121 and CHEM 122 are prerequisites to all other chemistry courses.

CHEM 212 Analytical Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)

A study of important volumetric and gravimetric analyses presented from a modern theoretical standpoint. Also an introduction to the study of advanced methods of analysis including some newer instrumentation techniques. Prerequisites: CHEM 122 or consent of instructor.

CHEM 311 Organic Chemistry I (5 Credit Hours)

A 2-semester sequence. A course in the chemistry of organic compounds. Unitized laboratory work is designed to illustrate the basic principles of organic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 122. (CHEM 311- Fall; CHEM 312- Spring). 

One of the following 3 courses:

CHEM 313 Descriptive Physical Chemistry (3 Credit Hours)

A study of the fundamentals of thermodynamics, quantum theory, chemical kinetics, and statistical mechanics. Prerequisites: CHEM 121 and CHEM 122, or PHYS 111 and PHYS 112, or PHYS 211 and PHYS 212.

CHEM 332* Physical Chemistry (3 Credit Hours)

A study of atomic structures and chemical bonding in terms of modern quantum theory. Topics include quantum mechanics, molecular spectra, and chemical kinetics. Prerequisites: MATH 242 and PHYS 212. Odd years only

PHYS 331* Heat and Thermodynamics (3 Credit Hours)

Thermodynamic systems and processes, equations of state, PVT surfaces and real substances, laws of thermodynamics, energy equations, enthalpy, entropy, thermodynamic potentials, and application of thermodynamics to simple systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 212. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 243. Odd years only.

CHEM 314 Physical Chemistry Lab (1 Credit Hour)

A laboratory course designed to accompany CHEM 313, CHEM 332, and PHYS 331.

CHEM 411  Inorganic Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)

A systematic study of the structure, properties and reactions of non-carbon elements, with emphasis on the non-metals and the transition metals. Topics include atomic-molecular structure and bonding, physical methods of investigation, organometallic chemistry, and bioinorganic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 121 and CHEM 122.

GNSC 471 Science Seminar (1 Credit Hour)

A lecture/discussion of selected topics of interest, led by faculty members of the School of Health and Natural Sciences, invited speakers, and student participants. May be repeated once; a student can earn a maximum of two credit hours through this course. All natural science majors must take this course at least once. Prerequisite: Natural science major with junior or senior standing, or permission from instructor. General Science, (On Demand) (1 to 3). Supervised field experience at an approved health care site. Students will gain experience about the operation of such facilities. A daily journal is required, as well as an end-of-term reflection paper on how the intern experience has influenced the student’s career plans. The course will be taken on a credit/fail basis only.

MATH 241 Differential Calculus & Analytic Geometry (4 Credit Hours)

Review of algebra, limits, the derivative, differentiation of algebraic and trigonometric functions, applications of the derivative, extrema, and the antiderivative. Prerequisite: MATH 134 or permission from instructor.

CHEM, PHYS, MATH Electives (MATH 132 or higher) 6-8 credit hours

One of the following groups:

PHYS 111 College Physics I (3 Credit Hours)

A two-semester sequence, these courses are intended for life science and non-science students. They must be taken sequentially. PHYS 111 topics include mechanics of motion; the properties of solids, liquids, and gases; and thermal phenomena. PHYS 112 topics include wave motion and vibrations; electricity and magnetism; optics; and selected topics in modern physics. Does not count toward a minor. Corequisite: MATH 131 or permission from instructor

PHYS 112 College Physics II (3 Credit Hours)

A two-semester sequence, these courses are intended for life science and non-science students. They must be taken sequentially. PHYS 111 topics include mechanics of motion; the properties of solids, liquids, and gases; and thermal phenomena. PHYS 112 topics include wave motion and vibrations; electricity and magnetism; optics; and selected topics in modern physics. Does not count toward a minor. Corequisite: MATH 131 or permission from instructor

PHYS 113 College Physics Lab I (1 Credit Hour)

Laboratory experiments accompanying PHYS 111 and PHYS 112 respectively to illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. No credit may be received for these laboratory courses without concurrent or prior completion of the corresponding lecture course.

PHYS 114 College Physics Lab II (1 Credit Hour)

Laboratory experiments accompanying PHYS 111 and PHYS 112 respectively to illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. No credit may be received for these laboratory courses without concurrent or prior completion of the corresponding lecture course.

PHYS 211 General Physics I (4 Credit Hours)

A two-semester sequence which must be taken in order. Mechanics of solids, liquids and gases; laws of thermodynamics; kinetic-molecular theory, vibrating bodies; wave physics; laws of Coulomb, Faraday, Ampere, Ohm, Joule, and Lenz; electromagnetism; and optics. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 242

Or

PHYS 212 General Physics II (4 Credit Hours)

A two-semester sequence which must be taken in order. Mechanics of solids, liquids and gases; laws of thermodynamics; kinetic-molecular theory, vibrating bodies; wave physics; laws of Coulomb, Faraday, Ampere, Ohm, Joule, and Lenz; electromagnetism; and optics. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 242

PHYS 213 General Physics Lab I (1 Credit Hour)

Laboratory components accompanying PHYS 111 and PHYS 112 respectively. A general physics laboratory course involving experiments in mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Experiments are coordinated with PHYS 211-PHYS 212. No credit may be received for these laboratory courses without concurrent or prior completion of the corresponding lecture course.

PHYS 214 General Physics Lab II (1 Credit Hour)

Laboratory components accompanying PHYS 111 and PHYS 112 respectively. A general physics laboratory course involving experiments in mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Experiments are coordinated with PHYS 211-PHYS 212. No credit may be received for these laboratory courses without concurrent or prior completion of the corresponding lecture course.

*Students should be aware that these courses have MATH prerequisites beyond MATH 241

Bachelor of Science Chemistry Major Requirements (54 Semester Hours)

32 semester hours in Chemistry including:

CHEM 121 General Chemistry I (4 Credit Hours)

Chem 121-122. A 2-semester sequence. A systematic study of the fundamentals and applications of the experimental and theoretical laws of chemistry. Major topics include nomenclature, stoichiometry, chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base reactions, atomic and molecular theory and structure, chemical kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. Examples and problems are drawn from all areas of chemistry. Laboratory experiments in general chemistry illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. Experiments are coordinated with the General Chemistry topics. Inorganic qualitative analysis is included in CHEM 122. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A working knowledge of algebra such as is acquired in two years of high school algebra, or MATH 131 (which may be taken concurrently), or a composite ACT score of 21. CHEM 121 and CHEM 122 are prerequisites to all other chemistry courses.

CHEM 122 General Chemistry II (4 Credit Hours)

Chem 121-122. A 2-semester sequence. A systematic study of the fundamentals and applications of the experimental and theoretical laws of chemistry. Major topics include nomenclature, stoichiometry, chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base reactions, atomic and molecular theory and structure, chemical kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. Examples and problems are drawn from all areas of chemistry. Laboratory experiments in general chemistry illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. Experiments are coordinated with the General Chemistry topics. Inorganic qualitative analysis is included in CHEM 122. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A working knowledge of algebra such as is acquired in two years of high school algebra, or MATH 131 (which may be taken concurrently), or a composite ACT score of 21. CHEM 121 and CHEM 122 are prerequisites to all other chemistry courses.

CHEM 212 Analytical Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)

A study of important volumetric and gravimetric analyses presented from a modern theoretical standpoint. Also an introduction to the study of advanced methods of analysis including some newer instrumentation techniques. Prerequisites: CHEM 122 or consent of instructor.

CHEM 311 Organic Chemistry I (5 Credit Hours)

A 2-semester sequence. A course in the chemistry of organic compounds. Unitized laboratory work is designed to illustrate the basic principles of organic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 122. (CHEM 311- Fall; CHEM 312- Spring). 

CHEM 312 Organic Chemistry II (5 Credit Hours)

A 2-semester sequence. A course in the chemistry of organic compounds. Unitized laboratory work is designed to illustrate the basic principles of organic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 122. (CHEM 311- Fall; CHEM 312- Spring). 

CHEM 314 Physical Chemistry Lab (1 Credit Hour)

A laboratory course designed to accompany CHEM 313, CHEM 332, and PHYS 331.

CHEM 332* Physical Chemistry (3 Credit Hours)

A study of atomic structures and chemical bonding in terms of modern quantum theory. Topics include quantum mechanics, molecular spectra, and chemical kinetics. Prerequisites: MATH 242 and PHYS 212. Odd years only

GNSC 471 Science Seminar (1 Credit Hour)

A lecture/discussion of selected topics of interest, led by faculty members of the School of Health and Natural Sciences, invited speakers, and student participants. May be repeated once; a student can earn a maximum of two credit hours through this course. All natural science majors must take this course at least once. Prerequisite: Natural science major with junior or senior standing, or permission from instructor. General Science, (On Demand) (1 to 3). Supervised field experience at an approved health care site. Students will gain experience about the operation of such facilities. A daily journal is required, as well as an end-of-term reflection paper on how the intern experience has influenced the student’s career plans. The course will be taken on a credit/fail basis only.

MATH 241 Differential Calculus & Analytic Geometry (4 Credit Hours)

Review of algebra, limits, the derivative, differentiation of algebraic and trigonometric functions, applications of the derivative, extrema, and the antiderivative. Prerequisite: MATH 134 or permission from instructor.

MATH 242 Intermediate Calculus & Analytic Geometry (4 Credit Hours)

Course contains the integral, applications of the integral, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions, techniques of integration, L’Hospital’s Rule and indeterminate forms, and improper integrals. Prerequisite: MATH 241.

PHYS 211* General Physics I (4 Credit Hours)

A two-semester sequence which must be taken in order. Mechanics of solids, liquids and gases; laws of thermodynamics; kinetic-molecular theory, vibrating bodies; wave physics; laws of Coulomb, Faraday, Ampere, Ohm, Joule, and Lenz; electromagnetism; and optics. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 242

PHYS 212* General Physics II (4 Credit Hours)

A two-semester sequence which must be taken in order. Mechanics of solids, liquids and gases; laws of thermodynamics; kinetic-molecular theory, vibrating bodies; wave physics; laws of Coulomb, Faraday, Ampere, Ohm, Joule, and Lenz; electromagnetism; and optics. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 242

PHYS 213* General Physics Lab I (1 Credit Hour)

Laboratory components accompanying PHYS 111 and PHYS 112 respectively. A general physics laboratory course involving experiments in mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Experiments are coordinated with PHYS 211-PHYS 212. No credit may be received for these laboratory courses without concurrent or prior completion of the corresponding lecture course.

PHYS 214* General Physics Lab II (1 Credit Hour)

Laboratory components accompanying PHYS 111 and PHYS 112 respectively. A general physics laboratory course involving experiments in mechanics, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, and optics. Experiments are coordinated with PHYS 211-PHYS 212. No credit may be received for these laboratory courses without concurrent or prior completion of the corresponding lecture course.

PHYS 331 Heat and Thermodynamics (3 Credit Hours)

Thermodynamic systems and processes, equations of state, PVT surfaces and real substances, laws of thermodynamics, energy equations, enthalpy, entropy, thermodynamic potentials, and application of thermodynamics to simple systems. Prerequisite: PHYS 212. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 243. Odd years only.

CHEM 300+ Chemistry Electives at or above 300-level (6 Credit Hours)

Chemistry Minor Requirements (22 Semester Hours)

22 semester hours in Chemistry including:

CHEM 121 General Chemistry I (4 Credit Hours)

Chem 121-122. A 2-semester sequence. A systematic study of the fundamentals and applications of the experimental and theoretical laws of chemistry. Major topics include nomenclature, stoichiometry, chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base reactions, atomic and molecular theory and structure, chemical kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. Examples and problems are drawn from all areas of chemistry. Laboratory experiments in general chemistry illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. Experiments are coordinated with the General Chemistry topics. Inorganic qualitative analysis is included in CHEM 122. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A working knowledge of algebra such as is acquired in two years of high school algebra, or MATH 131 (which may be taken concurrently), or a composite ACT score of 21. CHEM 121 and CHEM 122 are prerequisites to all other chemistry courses.

CHEM 122 General Chemistry II (4 Credit Hours)

Chem 121-122. A 2-semester sequence. A systematic study of the fundamentals and applications of the experimental and theoretical laws of chemistry. Major topics include nomenclature, stoichiometry, chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium, acid-base reactions, atomic and molecular theory and structure, chemical kinetics, and nuclear chemistry. Examples and problems are drawn from all areas of chemistry. Laboratory experiments in general chemistry illustrate basic principles and develop laboratory skills. Experiments are coordinated with the General Chemistry topics. Inorganic qualitative analysis is included in CHEM 122. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A working knowledge of algebra such as is acquired in two years of high school algebra, or MATH 131 (which may be taken concurrently), or a composite ACT score of 21. CHEM 121 and CHEM 122 are prerequisites to all other chemistry courses.

CHEM 311 Organic Chemistry I (5 Credit Hours)

A 2-semester sequence. A course in the chemistry of organic compounds. Unitized laboratory work is designed to illustrate the basic principles of organic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 122. (CHEM 311- Fall; CHEM 312- Spring). 

CHEM 312 Organic Chemistry II (5 Credit Hours)

A 2-semester sequence. A course in the chemistry of organic compounds. Unitized laboratory work is designed to illustrate the basic principles of organic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 122. (CHEM 311- Fall; CHEM 312- Spring). 

And either of the following courses:

CHEM 212 Analytical Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)

A study of important volumetric and gravimetric analyses presented from a modern theoretical standpoint. Also an introduction to the study of advanced methods of analysis including some newer instrumentation techniques. Prerequisites: CHEM 122 or consent of instructor.

Or

CHEM 411  Inorganic Chemistry (4 Credit Hours)

A systematic study of the structure, properties 

and reactions of non-carbon elements, with emphasis on the non-metals and the transition metals. Topics include atomic-molecular structure and bonding, physical methods of investigation, organometallic chemistry, and bioinorganic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 121 and CHEM 122.