Guide To Majors
A Career Planning Tool
Smith Career Center (0128)
Corner of Washington Street and West Campus Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061
phone (540) 231-6241
fax (540) 231-8018
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Printer-friendly report for Chemistry
Related information:
| Description of Major | Department Contacts | Change of Major Process | Graduate Study | Career Resources |
| Skills Developed | Entry-level Opportunities | Getting Experience | VT CareerLink | Post-Graduation Report |
Chemistry: Description of Major
Chemistry deals with the properties of substances—the changes they undergo and the natural laws describing these changes.
The department offers both B.S. and B.A. degrees in chemistry. The B.S. program provides the more rigorous and theoretical education in chemistry, and is accredited by the American Chemical Society. The B.A. degree has fewer course requirements, allowing students the flexibility to complete a double major or to meet additional requirements for pre-professional schools. Both the B.A. and B.S. programs will prepare graduates for post-graduate study or for careers as professional scientists. As an experimental science, the department strongly encourages all chemistry majors to take part in undergraduate research.
Program Areas / Concentrations / Options:
Adhesion Science Option - B.A. & B.S.
Adhesives and sealants are important materials in areas as diverse as biology and space exploration. The Chemistry Department has a close working relationship with companies that produce these materials, and students who pursue this option are afforded numerous job opportunities. As with the other options, we replace upper-level chemistry electives with courses in the specialty. Also, undergraduate research is required.
Environmental Chemistry Option - B.A. & B.S.
Students who wish to pursue environmental science from a chemical perspective will find this to be an attractive option. Students take courses in the Department of Civil Engineering, Geological Sciences, and Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences in place of upper-level chemistry electives. Research on an environmental topic is also required.
Materials Chemistry Option - B.A. & B.S.
The Chemistry Department works closely with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering to provide this degree option. Students replace (and supplement) upper-level chemistry electives with courses in the M.S.E. Department in metals, ceramics, polymers, and electronic materials. Undergraduate research on a materials-related topic is also required.
Polymer Chemistry Option - B.A. & B.S.
More chemistry graduates work in the field of polymers than any other. This degree option affords students excellent preparation for employment immediately after graduation or for graduate study in polymer science. Upper-level chemistry electives are replaced and supplemented with polymer courses and undergraduate polymer research.