Chemistry

A chemistry degree serves as an integral component of modern research in medicine, the environment, new materials and energy technology. Chemists study the atomic and molecular properties of materials and are easily placed in thriving professional opportunities.

Beyond careers in chemistry, chemists are needed in engineering, medicine, business, education and law where a technical background is highly recommended for work in patents and environmental law.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees in chemistry. Students also can pursue a combined bachelor's and master's program to complete both degrees in five years.

The bachelor's degree is certified by the American Chemical Society. Supporting work in mathematics and physics and a personal selection of electives allow each student to customize his or her degree to match their career objectives.

The bachelor of arts option is well suited for students with an interest in chemistry but with career aspirations in law, business, education or fields requiring technical literacy.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Biochemistry

Students who complete the undergraduate program should be able to:

1. Describe the structure, composition and properties of various chemical substances.
2. Plan the synthesis of various inorganic and organic substances.
3. Characterize substances based upon analysis of their physical and chemical properties.
4. Use theories of microscopic properties to explain macroscopic behavior.
5. Explain the role of energy in determining structure and reactivity.
6. Employ chemical theory to explain the rate and outcome of chemical reactions.

Core Skills – Upon completion of the undergraduate program, students should have developed a set of core skills which they use in approaching the fundamental concepts. These include the ability to:

1. Conduct meaningful and successful experiments.
2. Communicate results.
3. Think critically.
4. Apply ethical reasoning.
5. Extend results through lifelong learning.

Let’s start with your grade point average (GPA). Yale admissions officers will calculate based on your high school transcript, which you’ll submit with your overall application.

Last year, the reported average high school GPA of an admitted student at Yale was a 4.19 out of 4.0, what we call a “weighted” GPA. However, unweighted GPAs are not very useful, because high schools weight GPAs differently. In truth, you need close to a 4.0 unweighted GPA to get into Yale. That means nearly straight As in every class.

Yale, like the rest of the Ivy League and most other colleges, requires either the SAT or ACT for admission. They have no preference between them, so choose the test that’s a better fit for you, thoroughly prepare for it, and plan to take it multiple times.

The average SAT and ACT composite scores for admitted students at Yale varies, as you can see in the table below. However, keep in mind that unless you fall into certain privileged categories (athletes, legacies, donors, etc.), your SAT/ACT score should be closer to the 75th percentile than the 25th percentile to ensure you’re maximizing your chances of admission.

TOEFL or IELTS is required of most applicants whose native language is not English.

If you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years, you are exempt from the English Language Test requirement and are not required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS. 

No exemptions are made on the basis of an advanced degree (e.g. M.A./M.S. or Ph.D.) from any institution.

When you complete your application, you will answer questions about your native language and the primary language of instruction at your baccalaureate institution. If either was English, you will not be required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores when you submit your application. No separate documentation is necessary. 

Identify the program and degree you want.

Verify the application deadline for your program.

Determine what standardized tests you need to take. Register early.

Determine what standardized tests you need to take. Register early.

Complete your application.