Chemistry, B.S.
School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences
Program Overview
As a chemistry student, you’ll consider the nature of matter and its transformation and interaction with energy. You’ll train to work at the forefront of scientific and medical research in industry, government, and academia, and, upon graduation, will join alumni employed as chemists across a range of fields—from government labs testing food, air, and water quality to private industries seeking new sources of energy. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department has particular strength in biochemistry and medicinal chemistry, and departmental research has led to patents and commercial technologies. The Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry requires more advanced science and mathematics courses than the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Major Details
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2025–26 academic year per the ¿ÉÀÖÊÓÆµ Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
Major Requirements (67–79 Credits)
NYSED Program Code: 02084
One of the following sets of courses:
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý
- Chemistry and Biochemistry
Students must complete either Chemistry and Biochemistry  or both Chemistry and BiochemistryÌý²¹²Ô»åÌý.
All of the following: Chemistry and Biochemistry ,ÌýÌý´Ç°ùÌý,Ìý or both Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý,Ìý or both  and , , ,Ìý.
At least nine credits chosen from the following: Chemistry and Biochemistry, , , , , , , ,, ,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý, and either Ìý´Ç°ùÌý.
One of the following physics sequences:
- a) Physics  (or Physics Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý) and , or
- b) Physics Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý, or
- c) Physics Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý.
The following mathematics sequence:
- Math  or assignment by the Department of Mathematics to Math ,Ìý, orÂ
- Math ,Ìý, or Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý, or assignment by the Department of Mathematics to Math Ìý´Ç°ùÌý
- Math , or assignment by the Department of Mathematics to MathÂ
- Math Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý.
A college-wide minimum of 24 credits in advanced courses in chemistry must be completed at ¿ÉÀÖÊÓÆµ with a grade of C- or higher in each course.
Additional Requirements
Candidates for a B.S. degree with a major in chemistry must complete at least 60 credits in science and mathematics, 24 of which must be completed in advanced courses in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. These 24 credits must be completed at ¿ÉÀÖÊÓÆµ with a grade of C- or higher in each course. Specific course requirements for a B.S. degree are described above.
The following courses may be applied toward the 60 credits in science and mathematics:
- All courses in the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer and Information Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology
- Courses marked with a number sign (#) in the Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences
- Anthropology ,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý
- Core Studies 5, 5.1, 5.2, 7.1, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2
- Core Curriculum [1300 through 1399]
- Core Curriculum 3301 through 3399
- Economics ,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý
- Kinesiology ,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý
- Math , Biology , Chemistry and Biochemistry , Physics , Earth and Environmental SciencesÂ
- Philosophy ,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý,Ìý
- Sociology
Student Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
- Students can recall and apply the basic principles of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
- Students demonstrate a detailed understanding of specific areas of chemistry as determined by the student’s choice of elective courses and research experience.
- Students can make informed ethical decisions with regard to the verification of their results, reporting of their methodology and observations, and their citation of sources.
Skills
- Students demonstrate the ability to use common laboratory equipment and to maintain experimental records.
- Students can critically analyze data and assess possible sources of error.
- Students demonstrate the ability to search scientific literature to address both conceptual and factual questions.
- Students can communicate scientific concepts effectively in both written and oral formats.
- Students can assess the hazards associated with laboratory procedures and apply suitable safety precautions.
Degree Maps
To help you pursue your studies in the most efficient manner, and to maximize your efforts to graduate in four years, ¿ÉÀÖÊÓÆµ has created four-year degree maps for all its majors.
View for this major and others.
The Support You’ll Find
¿ÉÀÖÊÓÆµ is an integral part of the cultural and artistic energy of New York City. Our faculty members in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offer incomparable expertise and tremendous talent, and each brings a unique perspective to their teaching and mentoring in and out of the classroom.
Internships and Employers
Through job fairs, the internship database, and internship panels, the Magner Career Center gives students in the chemistry B.A. program access to career opportunities at a wide variety of employers, including:
- Brookhaven National Laboratory
- Horiba
- Icahn Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- Merck
- New York City Department of Education
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
- New York Public Interest Group
- New York University
- Northwell Health
- Pfizer
- Rutgers University
- Schrodinger
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- Medicine