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A Solution to the World’s Problems
You and AUM have chemistry! Our chemistry degree program is committed to creating a dynamic and stimulating environment focused on the scientific method. Our professors foster open inquiry and encourage critical thinking. Maybe your passion is making that next big scientific discovery or protecting the environment by analyzing and reporting on contaminated water. The next generation of chemists will solve our future problems including sustainable energy and food production. With its low student-professor ratio, AUM offers you plenty of opportunities to strap on your goggles and join your professors in hands-on experiments.
As a student you will work closely with a faculty advisor on a shared research project. The research options are almost limitless and the experience is invaluable.
In addition to the general chemistry curriculum, the College of Sciences offers two additional specializations; Chemistry/Professional, for students who wish to pursue graduate school or further their career in chemistry, and Chemistry/Health Sciences, preparing students for medical school or schools in pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, or physical therapy.
There’s a lot of variety when it comes to careers in chemistry. With additional study and experience, you could find yourself working in fields such as:
A degree in chemistry is fiercely challenging, you will find the rewards worthwhile when you begin your career as a respected scientist working with your team on the newest discoveries.
If your degree focus is in one of the S.T.E.M. fields—science, pre-engineering, computer science or mathematics—AUM provides an automatic scholarship to minor in Education and earn an Alabama teaching certificate. This unique program is called “AUMTeach.”
The Know How
What you will know with a Chemistry degree from AUM
Know how to provide students with everything to be successful, including mentoring, tutoring, expert advising, hands-on learning, and more.
Know how to hit the ground running in graduate school, prepared for conducting research and excelling in advanced classes.
Know how your research could contribute to breakthroughs in all areas of medicine, industry, and the environment.
Know how to use your moral compass when faced with ethical dilemmas while conducting advanced research.
Points of Pride
Soaring Warhawks
Customize Your Degree
Rewarding Occupations and Job Growth
Many graduates go on to a master’s degree program, but others work in manufacturing or technology firms with job titles like analytical chemist, materials scientist, toxicologist, geoscientist and others. Check out our Interactive Career Discovery Board, below on this page.
Here are the basic differences: Chemistry: ready to work in a laboratory. Chemistry/Professional: ready for graduate school for chemical sciences. Chemistry/Health Sciences: ready for medical or dental school.
Chemistry is a rigorous course of study. But at AUM we balance work and life with our world-class Wellness Center, clubs and organizations, fun campus events and more.
Yes, a strong math background is required to major in chemistry. Foundations in calculus, trigonometry, geometry, and algebra are essential.
Students seeking to continue their education in Medical, Veterinary, or Dental school are given dedicated resources that provide class schedule advising focused on career choice, assistance with graduate school applications, and more.
Is a Degree in Chemistry right for me?
With this bachelor’s degree as your educational foundation, you have many career possibilities.
Career/Job Title | Entry-level Education Requirements | Job Growth 2020-2030 | Annual Median Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Analytical Chemist/ Materials Scientist | Bachelor’s Degree | 5% (Faster than average) | $80,680 |
Toxicologist | Bachelor’s Degree | 14% (Much faster than average) | $60,590 |
Geoscientist | Bachelor’s Degree | 5% (Faster than average) | $93,580 |
Water Chemist/ Hydrologist | Bachelor’s Degree | 5% (Faster than average) | $80,040 |
Chemical Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | 4% (As fast as average) | $108,540 |
Environmental Scientist/ Hazardous Waste Chemist | Bachelor’s Degree | 8% (Much faster than average) | $73,230 |
Chemistry Teacher | Master’s Degree | 9% (Much faster than average) | $80,790 |
Analytical Chemist/ Materials Scientist | Bachelor’s Degree | 5% (Faster than average) | $80,680 |
Note: Salaries vary depending on several factors including your level of experience, education, training, demographics, and industry. Here is a sampling of the future job growth and salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Quick Facts
College of Sciences
At AUM’s College of Sciences, you will have hands-on learning experiences, working side by side with scholars and researchers using state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment.
Our academic departments include Biology and Environmental Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Psychology. To help you pay for college, you might qualify for one of our scholarships.
Official Name of the Chemistry Degree
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Modality
This degree requires students to meet on campus. Students in these courses enroll in a program to connect in a campus setting and to collaborate using a variety of technological and educational tools. Professors play an inspirational role in building relationships among teams and individuals in this setting. The criteria for many programs can only be met with In-Class coursework. Be sure to check with your advisor to understand the best route to take.
Required Courses
To complete this degree concentration, you will need to complete courses in the university core, chemistry requirements, related science areas, and electives. Contact the Chemistry Department for a current listing of required courses.
The course listings below are only a few of the classes this concentration requires. For a full review of this program in detail, please see our official online catalog AND consult with an academic advisor.
Course Number | Course Name | What you will know… |
---|---|---|
CHEM 3300/3301 | Biochemistry/Lab | A standard biochemistry course focusing on the major biomolecules and basic metabolism. |
CHEM 2300/2301 | Survey of Organic Chemistry/Lab | A descriptive course in applied organic chemistry with applications in the general, environmental and health sciences. |
CHEM 1100/1101 | General Chemistry/Lab | A detailed study of atomic theory, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions and acid-base theory. |