B.A. in Chemistry

Program Overview

Chemistry is a broad technical field that is the “central science” for many disciplines. The B.A. with major in chemistry program is for the student who wants to obtain a premier degree in chemistry while being able to learn in a variety of different subject matters along the way. A UVM B.A. with major in chemistry degree provides a solid foundation for pursuing a career in chemistry, while still giving you space in your schedule for non-chemistry courses that will prepare you for any career path.

The B.A. with major in chemistry program features small classes, plenty of interaction with instructors, and research opportunities that, at most schools, are only open to graduate students. The large number of electives allows for a flexible academic agenda, letting you tailor the program to your own academic interests. Students have endless options, from taking extra foreign language courses to chemistry courses.

Curriculum

Chemistry B.A. Catalogue

Outcomes

A B.A. in chemistry is a valuable tool for those interested in obtaining jobs in and out of the chemistry field. Job opportunities in technical writing, patent law, small business, technical-based product sales, high technology manufacturing, government, medicine, and pharmacy are likely for B.A. chemists. A B.A. in chemistry allows the simultaneous pursuit of other undergraduate areas, including premedical training, environmental studies, business, computer science, and bioinformatics, so the number of possible career paths is endless.

Chemistry B.A. Learning Goals: 

1. Demonstrate general knowledge in chemistry across all subdisciplines and be able to apply chemical and physical principles in the solution of qualitative and quantitative chemical problems.
2. Solve qualitative and quantitate problems by developing a rational strategy, including the ability to estimate the solution and test the validity of the solution. 
3. Demonstrate proficiency in experimental chemical techniques and be able to apply these to practical and current problems in research.
4. Describe the objective of a chemical experiment, execute the experiment correctly, and collect and analyze relevant data, akin to the scientific method. 
5. Understand and adhere to procedures and regulations for the safe handling, use, and disposal of chemical reagents. 
6. Collect data digitally and analyze such data with appropriate software.
7. Locate, retrieve, and determine the utility of chemical information using modern library search techniques. 
8. Use chemical principles to critically evaluate current scientific literature.
9. Present scientific data clearly and effectively through both written and verbal communication.

After Graduation

Careers

• Analytical Chemist
• Research Assistant
• Pharmacologist
• Project Manager
• Research Coordinator
• Healthcare Scientist

Graduate Schools

• Broad Institute
• Cal Tech
• University of Wisconsin
• Harvard University
• Stanford University