This degree offers three emphases to allow students to tailor the program to their career goals.
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 75% 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 |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Research | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
| Emphasis or Minor Required | An emphasis or minor 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:
This major requires 57 - 80 units distributed as follows:
Students must complete all Chemistry coursework with no more than two grades of D. Some prerequisite courses require a C or better.
Take the following 57 - 80 units:
Chemistry Common Courses (39 units)
Emphasis or Minor Requirement - Select One (18 - 41 units)
Chemistry - Advanced Emphasis (22 - 23 units)
Students enrolled in this emphasis may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
Minor Option (18 units)
If selecting the Minor option, complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in the catalog. In consultation with an adivsor, students should select a minor that's appropriate for their career aspirations and educational needs.
If electing to complete the Chemistry BS with a (non-Chemistry) minor, take the following 10 - 11 units plus at least 18 units of minor requirements.
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.