Chemistry

Have you ever wondered about what makes up our world, down to the smallest particle? Studying chemistry at Clemson won't just give you a close-up look at atoms, molecules and chemical reactions. It will also prepare you for a career in medicine, research, pharmacy and many other industries. If you find yourself thinking about where the molecules you inhale come from, majoring in chemistry can turn your thoughts into engaging research projects conducted with approachable and knowledgeable faculty members. Chemistry has a hand in almost every part of the scientific process. Our Bachelor of Science degree - which is certified by the American Chemical Society - will prepare you for a professional career in chemistry, while our Bachelor of Arts degree gives you a broad education needed for a career dependent on a basic knowledge of chemistry. 

Along with general education requirements, chemistry majors will engage in an in-depth, hands-on course of study that takes you from the basics all the way to organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry, just to name a few. You might also take part in Clemson's undergraduate research program, called Creative Inquiry. 

The Bachelor of Science in chemistry emphasizes the technical and communication skills needed for a professional career in chemistry. You'll be required to participate in undergraduate research teams on projects such as synthesis of new compounds with materials potential, bioorganic and medicinal chemistry, polymers, thin films and surfaces, electrochemistry and much more. You will work with cutting-edge laboratory tools and instruments and will have the opportunity to do a cooperative education internship where you'll apply your education in the workplace.

A Bachelor of Arts in chemistry provides you with a broad education and focuses on areas in medicine, pharmacy and law. There are fewer chemistry courses, but a requirement of two years of a foreign language along with a minor. You'll be prepared for careers dependent on a basic knowledge of chemistry, and a B.A. is an excellent preprofessional curriculum for medicine, pharmacy and law. 

For the 2022 admissions cycle, Clemson has adopted a test-optional policy. Applicants are not required to submit a standardized test score to be considered for admission to Clemson for the 2022-2023 academic year.

If you choose that test scores should be used, your scores must be submitted electronically by the respective testing agency. Clemson’s institutional code for SAT is 5111, and the code for ACT is 3842. Clemson super-scores both the SAT and the ACT. For the SAT, this means that the overall total SAT score will then be derived by taking the highest of the evidence-based reading and writing/math scores.

According to The ACT, superscoring at Clemson means that we “consider a student’s highest ACT section (or subtest) scores regardless of test date. The super composite ACT score is calculated as the average of the best ACT English, Reading, Math, and Science subject scores and is used as one of multiple factors in admission and financial aid.”