About this Program

• Customize your curriculum by choosing to pursue either a B.A. or B.S. in chemistry and selecting a specialized track, including ones in medicinal chemistry and biological chemistry.
• Make social connections by participating in first-year orientation events specifically for chemistry majors.
• Learn from your peers and pursue special professional development opportunities by joining Syracuse’s student chapter of the American Chemical Society and/or Alpha Chi Sigma, a professional chemistry society for undergraduate students.
• Use cutting-edge, research-grade instrumentation in both freshman-level and upper division lab courses.
• Learn about the latest advances in chemistry via weekly seminars with visiting professors from around the world.
• Contribute to important chemical research by joining one of our faculty’s research groups as early as freshman year.
• Present your research findings at national or regional chemistry meetings, publish your research, and pursue national and regional honors.
• Receive special distinction that is given to students who maintain a strong GPA, conduct research and write a thesis during their senior year.
• Prepare for the job market, graduate school or medical school, joining recent graduates who are working at Pfizer, Merck, Moderna, Regeneron, Xerox, and Estee Lauder or continuing their education at Cornell, Duke, Harvard, University of North Carolina, Tufts, Yale and, of course, Syracuse University.

Chemistry Undergraduate Overview

The faculty of the Department of Chemistry, through courses and research opportunities, provides a nurturing but challenging environment for students pursuing undergraduate degrees in chemistry. Undergraduate students in our department typically take a total of 45 credits in chemistry courses for a B.S. degree and 36 credits for a B.A. degree. The courses offered range from general chemistry, to the two-semester sequence of organic chemistry and more advanced courses in physical, organic and inorganic chemistry. Many students also choose to do research, as hands-on laboratory experience is vital in the development of a chemist. When graduating from our department, undergraduate students follow diverse paths, such as working for the chemical industry or going to graduate and medical school.

Which degree in chemistry is right for you, the B.A. or the B.S.?

B.S. in Chemistry

The major that works best for you depends mostly on what careers you are thinking about. If you are considering going to medical school than the B.S. in chemistry on the medicinal chemistry track might be right for you. If you do not know yet if you wish to go to medical school, or the medical side of chemistry is not your primary focus and you wish to develop a different focus, consider the ACS-recognized B.S. in chemistry. The B.S. in chemistry provides paths to narrow your interests.

B.A. in Chemistry

If you are considering double majoring in another department, or just want a more general education in chemistry, then the B.A. in chemistry is right for you. With fewer required courses, you have more time to explore chemistry course offerings and discuss your options with your advisor or faculty mentor.

B.S. in Biochemistry

If you have strong interests in the biological side of chemistry, then a biochemistry major might be best for you. Realize, however, that majoring in chemistry does not mean that you cannot go to graduate school in biochemistry or vice versa. You may have an easier time with course requirements and with beginning research if your undergraduate major is in the same subject, but this sort of crossover is very common.

According to admissions data and statistics compiled by the American Association of Medical Schools, chemistry and biochemistry majors are very competitive candidates for, and have high rates of admission to, medical school.

Bachelor’s Degree with Distinction

A new development is the Degree in Chemistry with Distinction. To receive this degree, a student must graduate with a 3.4 GPA (both overall and in chemistry) and complete a thesis describing a significant research project.