Chemistry is a diverse discipline that encompasses living processes, inorganic interactions, and analytical methods. Chemistry deals with the basic laws of the physical world and the composition and properties of matter. Students trained in chemistry enter careers in academia, research, pharmacy, forensics, medicine, the environment, space exploration, and national defense. Students can select an emphasis that best prepares them for their chosen career path.
The breadth of the field of chemistry requires a wide range of knowledge and skills. The goal of the NAU chemistry degree program is to ensure that our graduates:
This program is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS)
If you're excited by the possibilities in test tubes and eager to find adventure in the laboratory, then discover chemistry. Chemistry deals with the basic laws of the physical world and the composition and properties of matter. Advances in computer technology, pharmaceuticals, space exploration, and medicine all have their roots in the chemical sciences. Demand for well-trained technicians and researchers is rising. Our programs prepare you for careers in industry (about seventy-five percent of chemists are employed privately), pure science, or the health care professions. Many students prepare for medical, dental, or veterinary school with a chemistry major. Depending on your career path, you can choose one of several emphases. The Chemistry program also offers opportunities to participate in faculty-led undergraduate research or independent study projects.
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.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
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 |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Research | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
| Emphasis Required | An emphasis is required for this major. |
Purpose Statement
Chemistry is a diverse discipline that encompasses living processes, inorganic interactions, and analytical methods. Chemistry deals with the basic laws of the physical world and the composition and properties of matter. Students trained in chemistry enter careers in academia, research, pharmacy, forensics, medicine, the environment, space exploration, and national defense. Students can select an emphasis that best prepares them for their chosen career path.
The breadth of the field of chemistry requires a wide range of knowledge and skills. The goal of the NAU chemistry degree program is to ensure that our graduates:
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
CS plans are certified by the American Chemical Society. Students must meet the following requirements to be admitted into an ACS plan:
CHM 485 is recommended, especially for students planning to attend graduate school.
This major requires 68-89 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 68 - 89 units:
Students must complete all Chemistry courses with no more than two grades of D. (Note that some prerequisite courses required a C or better).
Take the following 39 units:
*CHM 238L is not required if electing to complete the Chemistry BS with a non-Chemistry minor.
Emphasis Requirements (Select One)
Comprehensive - Certified by the American Chemical Society - Emphasis (29 units)
Students enrolled in this emphasis may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
Biochemistry - Certified by the American Chemical Society - Emphasis (50 units)
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.
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.