2013-2014

Chemistry, Bachelor of Science

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

Chemistry is a diverse discipline that encompasses living processes, inorganic interactions, and analytical methods. Students trained in chemistry enter careers such as academia, research, pharmacy, forensics, medicine, the environment, space exploration, and international defense. This degree produces graduates who are well versed in chemistry and also allows for different chemistry emphases.

  • Available Emphasis Areas:
  • Chemistry ACS - Emphasis (ending Summer 2020)
  • Chemistry Advanced - Emphasis
  • Biochemistry ACS - Emphasis (ending Summer 2020)
  • Forensics & Criminalistics - Emphasis
  • Health Preprofessional - Emphasis

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • At least 39-47 units of major requirements
  • At least 21-50 units of Emphasis Requirements or at least 18 units of minor requirements
  • Be aware that you may not use courses with a CHM prefix to satisfy liberal studies requirements
  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 137
Additional Admission Requirements Required
Emphasis, Minor, or Certificate Required Required
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional
Research Optional
University Honors Program Optional
Progression Plan Link Not Available

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

Major Requirements
    • Chemistry - Advanced (21 units)

      • Select additional units from non-duplicating courses in Chemistry and/or Biology (6 units)

  • CHM 485 and CHM 498 are recommended, especially for students planning to attend graduate school.

Minor Requirements

  • For those electing to complete a minor, select at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that's appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.

General Electives

  • Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.

    We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.

Additional Information

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.