Program Overview
Chemistry, BA
The Bachelor of Arts program in chemistry develops a well-rounded understanding of atomic and molecular-level science, with applications that span energy and sustainability, new materials, medicine, nanoscience, environmental science, forensics, cosmetics, food chemistry, patent law, sales, and marketing. Students gain a solid foundation in physical science within a liberal arts context.
Program Description
Students in the program cultivate vital critical thinking and problem-solving skills for diverse career paths. The curriculum encompasses a wide variety of coursework, including lectures and laboratory sciences, enabling students to apply atomic and molecular-level thinking to applicable societal problems. Although research is not the primary focus of this program, students may have opportunities to engage in laboratory research or projects.
At a Glance
- College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online, ASU Local
- Second language requirement: Yes
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 270 - Calc w/Analytic Geometry I or MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers
- Math intensity: Substantial
Curriculum
The curriculum for the Chemistry, BA program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of chemistry and its applications. Students can view the 2025 - 2026 curriculum and curriculum archives for more information.
Concurrent Program Options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
- First-year
- Transfer
- International
- Readmission
Tuition Information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors. Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Predict molecular structure and reactivity using knowledge from organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biological chemistry.
- Clearly communicate their findings from a basic chemical experiment.
- Analyze chemical data using common statistical methods.
Global Opportunities
When studying abroad, chemistry students can gain valuable experience in a diverse set of programs. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses while staying on track for graduation. Students who study abroad acquire heightened skills in communication, critical thinking, and leadership.
Career Opportunities
A degree in chemistry provides graduates with the background for careers in chemical and electronics industries and in national research labs, environmental labs, and forensic labs. Chemistry can be combined with law for patent work, with economics for sales and marketing careers, and with computer science for careers in information technology. Students with a strong liberal arts background are also prepared for careers in scientific sales, marketing, human development, and training. Students often take chemistry degree programs to be competitive applicants for admission to medical, dental, or pharmacy schools.
Example Job Titles and Salaries
- Chemical Technician: 3.7% growth, $57,790 median salary
- Chemist: 4.9% growth, $84,150 median salary
- Crime Scene Investigator: 12.8% growth, $67,440 median salary
- High School Teacher: -1.6% growth, $64,580 median salary
- Hydrogeologist: 3.7% growth, $161,180 median salary
- Materials Scientist: 4.9% growth, $104,160 median salary
- Medical Doctor (MD): 3.3% growth, $236,350 median salary
- Pharmacist: 4.6% growth, $137,480 median salary
- Soil Scientist: 5.4% growth, $71,410 median salary
- Water/Wastewater Engineer: 5.0% growth, $99,590 median salary
Accelerated Programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
Concurrent Programs
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Joint Programs
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
New Programs
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
Online Programs
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. Students from western states who select this major may be eligible for a reduced nonresident tuition rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.