Major and Minor Requirements

Chemistry is the study of matter and the transformations that occur in material things. It is one of the basic sciences, and it is fundamental to the study of all other basic sciences.

People who study chemistry are interested in explaining how our universe works. They want to harness knowledge in a way that provides for the creation of new materials that will improve our lives and our environment. In short, chemists are people who like to solve problems.

The chemistry major at the University of Richmond provides a strong basic background in the major sub-disciplines of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, physical and biochemistry).

As a result, Richmond chemistry graduates are well equipped to:

  • Go on to the best chemistry graduate programs in the country
  • Enter the work force as chemists in industry and government
  • Pursue studies in the health professions, allied health professions and law
  • Proceed into careers as secondary school teachers
  • Develop careers in sales and marketing for technical industry
  • And countless other options
  • Bachelor of Science

    The Bachelor of Science Degree

    Note: A grade of not less than C- (1.7) is required in each chemistry course applied to the major.

    Additional requirements

    • Additional upper-level elective courses in chemistry and two full years of either biology or physics are highly recommended.

    • Students may only receive credit for one of the following: CHEM-141 or CHEM-192,

    • Please note that CHEM-326 (Biochemistry) and CHEM-324 (Experimental Biochemistry) may only count towards a Biology degree (major or minor) or a Chemistry degree (major or minor), not both.

  • Bachelor of Arts

    The Bachelor of Arts Degree

    Note: A grade of not less than C- (1.7) is required in each chemistry course applied to the major.

    12 units, including:

    Additional requirements

    • Additional upper-level elective courses in chemistry and two full years of either biology or physics are highly recommended.

    • Students may only receive credit for one of the following: CHEM-141 or CHEM-192,

    • Please note that CHEM-326 (Biochemistry) and CHEM-324 (Experimental Biochemistry) may only count towards a Biology degree (major or minor) or a Chemistry degree (major or minor), not both.

  • Minor

    The Chemistry Minor

    Note: A grade of not less than C- (1.7) is required in each course in the minor.

    Six and a half units, including:

    Students may only receive credit for one of the following: CHEM 141 or CHEM 192,

    Please note that CHEM-326 (Biochemistry) may only count towards a Biology degree (major or minor) or a Chemistry degree (major or minor), not both.