Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry is designed to provide a thorough foundation in the various fields of chemistry and the related sciences. The program is for students planning careers in the chemical industries or governmental laboratories, or who intend to do graduate work in chemistry. Students in the program have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program with the University of Leicester in England.

The Chemistry major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Biochemistry concentration provides strong preparation for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in biochemistry or planning a career as a practicing biochemist in industrial research and development, government research laboratories or in academia. It also provides ideal preparation for students intending to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, having been designed to closely fit the requirements for admission to the Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). With careful planning students may transfer to NEOMED after three years at Kent State, using 16 credit hours of courses from NEOMED to complete their Kent State degree requirements. With the selection of appropriate elective courses, this concentration meets the minimum requirements for certification by the American Chemical Society.
• The Biochemistry–Pre-Medicine/Pre-Osteopathy/Pre-Dentistry concentration is the recommended track for students intending to go on to medical or dental school.
• The Chemistry concentration is designed for students interested in careers as practicing chemists in industrial research and development, in government research laboratories or in academia. It includes a strong foundation in both chemistry and related disciplines (physics and mathematics) and provides opportunities to pursue advanced chemistry electives. This concentration meets the requirements for certification by the American Chemical Society and is ideal for students who plan to pursue graduate studies in chemistry.
• The Industrial Chemistry concentration provides solid background training in the major areas of chemistry, as well as practical training and related experiences in fields sought by local and regional chemical industries.
• The Materials Chemistry concentration is recommended for students interested in pursuing graduate study or industrial careers in materials science, including nanotechnology. Its requirements, similar to those of the traditional chemistry concentration, provide an opportunity for more in-depth study in the synthesis and characterization of inorganic and organic materials, including polymers.