Program Overview

Chemistry B.A.

Study analytical, biological, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry in lectures, seminars and laboratory-style courses. Choose from four chemistry degree programs based on your unique interests.

About this Program

• Customize your curriculum by choosing to pursue either a B.A. or B.S. in chemistry and selecting a specialized track, including ones in medicinal chemistry and biological chemistry.
• Make social connections by participating in first-year orientation events specifically for chemistry majors.
• Learn from your peers and pursue special professional development opportunities by joining Syracuse’s student chapter of the American Chemical Society and/or Alpha Chi Sigma, a professional chemistry society for undergraduate students.
• Use cutting-edge, research-grade instrumentation in both freshman-level and upper division lab courses.
• Learn about the latest advances in chemistry via weekly seminars with visiting professors from around the world.
• Contribute to important chemical research by joining one of our faculty’s research groups as early as freshman year.
• Present your research findings at national or regional chemistry meetings, publish your research, and pursue national and regional honors.
• Receive special distinction that is given to students who maintain a strong GPA, conduct research and write a thesis during their senior year.
• Prepare for the job market, graduate school or medical school, joining recent graduates who are working at Pfizer, Merck, Moderna, Regeneron, Xerox, and Estee Lauder or continuing their education at Cornell, Duke, Harvard, University of North Carolina, Tufts, Yale and, of course, Syracuse University.

Program Information

• Degree Type: B.A.
• Major: Chemistry
• Outcome: Modality: In-person
• College or School: College of Arts and Sciences
• Career Path: Science and Mathematics, STEM

Curriculum

Coursework for the B.A. in chemistry addresses general, organic and physical chemistry with reduced emphasis on laboratory research, compared to the B.S. in chemistry. Choose from either the chemistry track or biological chemistry track within the B.A. program, depending on your interests. Since this program is designed to work for students interested in double majoring and/or pursuing academic interests outside the field of chemistry, the curriculum is flexible and requires fewer chemistry courses compared to Syracuse’s other undergraduate degree options in chemistry.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Develop quantitative and qualitative problem-solving skills in core disciplines of chemistry.
• Develop accurate and safe laboratory techniques, recognize hazards and wastes and disseminate results.
• Train on modern instrumentation, interpret results, analyze data.
• Communicate effectively, work in small groups, perform database literature reviews.
• Design experiments using ethical behavior.
• Understand the impact of chemistry on society.

Degree Options

The decision to pursue a B.A. or B.S. in chemistry depends mostly on the careers you’re considering. If you are considering a double major or just want a more general education in chemistry, then the B.A. in chemistry is right for you. With fewer required courses, you’ll have more time to explore chemistry course offerings alongside courses in other academic areas. As a B.A. student, you will choose between the chemistry or biological chemistry track options depending on your interests.

If you are considering a medical career, the B.S. in chemistry is a good choice. You should also consider our special medicinal chemistry track, which can be completed as part of the B.S. in chemistry. The American Chemical Society-approved B.S. program (which differs slightly from the standard B.S. program) is a good choice if you are less interested in medicine, but seeking a rigorous education in chemistry. This degree will prepare you for advanced STEM degrees and careers in which strong analytical and laboratory skills are required.

Sample Courses

• Organic Chemistry Laboratory
• Forensic Chemical Analysis
• Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry
• Life Sciences Calculus I and II
• Advanced Physical Chemistry

Extracurricular Opportunities

• Student organization: Alpha Chi Sigma
• Campus facilities: Center for Science and Technology
• Research: Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research

Related Programs

• Biochemistry B.S.
• Biotechnology B.S.
• Chemistry B.S.
• Forensic Science B.A.
• Neuroscience B.A.
• Physics B.A.