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Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Department of Chemistry

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Department of Chemistry

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$5,325 per Semester

Low-Cost Textbooks

for All Students

Find Scientific Solutions to Societal Issues

Build a solid foundation for professional programs

While many chemistry graduates embark upon a career in the medical profession, a chemistry degree can unlock a variety of career options. Chemists employed in industry find scientific solutions to many societal issues, including research to cure diseases, find ways to improve the environment, discover new materials to make our homes warmer in winter, or create new textiles to be used in the latest fashions. A degree in chemistry provides a great background for entrance into medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, and many other professional medical graduate programs.

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Career Outlook

Demand for chemists and materials scientists is expected to stem from innovations in a variety of research areas, including nanotechnology and biomaterials.

Chemists will be needed to develop improved products and processes, such as new medicines and methods for ensuring food safety. Materials scientists will be needed to research and develop affordable, safe, high-quality materials for electronics, energy, transportation, and other uses.

Overall employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A degree in chemistry opens the door to a variety of career opportunities.

Job Titles Include:

  • Laboratory technician
  • Chemical engineer
  • Clinical scientist

EKU graduates work for a variety of companies.

Employers Include:

  • Eli Lilly and Company
  • University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credit hours
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Customize your degree with 1 of 4 concentration areas
  • Accredited by American Chemical Society (ACS)
  • Biochemistry option follows the curriculum recommended by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
  • Work with state-of-the-art instrumentation analyzing chemical samples
  • Opportunity to perform independent chemical research with faculty mentors

Program Options

Choose between five concentrations in chemistry that offer the opportunity to tailor the degree to specific career goals and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Options include:

The biochemistry concentration offers courses in the life sciences as well as the traditional chemistry curriculum, which helps prepare you for your medical, dental, or biochemistry graduate careers. The rigorous nature of this degree program prepares you for entrance exams into competitive, M.S., Ph.D, and M.D. programs on a national level. This program follows the curriculum recommended by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) and has received ACS (American Chemical Society) approval for student certification.

The chemistry concentration has received ACS (American Chemical Society) approval for student certification. ACS-approved programs offer a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that gives students intellectual, experimental, and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals. Our program offers you a sound foundation in both mathematics and sciences but also offers you additional coursework in Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Advanced Analytical Chemistry (Instrumentation), thus preparing you for graduate studies in many competitive graduate programs across the nation.

STEM teachers are in high demand across Kentucky, and the nation. Receiving a certification in chemistry teaching can open doors to a lifelong career anywhere in the nation.


The department of chemistry offers a B.S. degree in Chemistry with a teaching concentration that allows you to become certified to teach high school chemistry.


Already have a teaching certificate in science or mathematics? By adding a chemistry teaching minor you can become certified to teach chemistry along with your current certification.

A degree in chemistry with a pre-health concentration provides a great foundation for success in professional healthcare graduate programs. The chemistry curriculum offers you the flexibility to take elective courses in order to fulfill graduate program prerequisites and prepares you for your entrance exams. Students majoring in physical sciences such as chemistry generally perform exceptionally well on the MCAT

A degree in chemistry with a pre-pharmacy concentration provides a solid background for a successful transition into pharmacy school. The chemistry curriculum offers you the flexibility to take elective courses in order to fulfill pharmacy school prerequisites and prepares you for required entrance exams.

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry

View the full list of minors available.

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Fermentation Science

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Admission

Learn essential skills for today’s chemistry careers. Our programs are made up of high-quality courses taught by experienced professors. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as chemistry for the health sciences, general chemistry, volunteering in chemistry, descriptive inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate with a chemistry bachelor’s degree.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

ACS (American Chemical Society)
ASBMB (American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to your enrollment advisor.

Professional Headshot of Cory Park

Cory Park

Sr. Counselor, College Enrollment & Career Readiness

Call: 859-622-7959

Text: 859-544-2050

cstem.recruitment@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
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Robert Munafo

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-3101
robert.munafo@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

  • Madeline Bentsen

    EKU Forensic Science Graduate
    The faculty was tough and fair, they wanted me to succeed and they pushed me to think critically and logically. However, they were very understanding and cared deeply for their students. They helped to prepare me for the field of forensics and helped me strengthen my weaknesses.

  • Brad Rich

    EKU Forensic Science Graduate
    The thing that I feel like many people, including myself, find surprising about the program is how encompassing it is. It’s not all chemistry or biology but also public speaking and critical thinking incorporated with mock trial and capstone that truly prepare you for the field of forensic science. After graduating I realized just how well I was prepared by the faculty in my program, making the transition from education to career seamless.

  • Hannah Bussell

    EKU Forensic Science Graduate
    Earning my degree in forensic science helped me find my dream job! Not only has my degree helped me grow professionally, but it has helped me grow personally. With the help of the EKU forensic science program, I felt confident that I would succeed in my field. The courses taken for my major have tied directly into the work I do today.

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Contact Information

Department of Chemistry & Forensic Science

Science Building
Room 4126
533 John Hanlon Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1456
Fax: 859-622-8197

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