Chemistry, BCH

Students pursuing a degree in chemistry typically have interests in science and/or the health professions. Chemistry graduates have strong credentials to pursue graduate degrees in chemistry or related fields, health professional programs, or careers in industry.  

Admission into the Major

Students are expected to formally declare a major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). Students can declare a major by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the Student tab of myBama.

Special Opportunities

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Honors Program is available to students pursuing either of the ACS-certified bachelor of science in chemistry tracks. To participate in the chemistry honors program, students must complete the course requirements for either track in the ACS-certified bachelor of science in chemistry degree:

• Maintain a 3.30 GPA in chemistry courses, with no more than one C, and a 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Participate in CH 491 Honors Research Sem, CH 492 Honors Research Sem, CH 493 Honors Research Sem, CH 494 Honors Research Sem, honors research seminars and research courses
• Submit an acceptable senior thesis based on research conducted under the supervision of a chemistry department faculty member
• Submit scores on the Graduate Record Examination or other appropriate examinations prior to graduation

Students are invited to apply for admission to the Chemistry Honors Program on the basis of performance in introductory chemistry courses. Contact the chemistry department director of undergraduate studies for more details.

The department sponsors several student organizations, including the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, and Gamma Sigma Epsilon (the national chemistry honorary). 

Pre-health Professional Preparation

Students completing any of the chemistry degree options or the minor in chemistry will have fulfilled all chemistry, math, and physics requirements for admission to pre-health professional programs (medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary, etc., schools). With the addition of appropriate biological sciences electives, students earning the BCh degrees will have met all math and science requirements for pre-health professional programs.

Undergraduate Research

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers two undergraduate research courses designed to provide students with a hands-on experience at the forefront of chemistry. These courses include:

In each course, students work directly with a faculty member on a research project. Chemistry majors and minors and students with an interest in chemistry are encouraged to become involved in undergraduate research through these courses. Students should receive approval from the faculty mentor before registering for a research course. Students may find descriptions of faculty research interests on the Department of Chemistry website. Students may contact potential research mentors directly or seek advice on possible mentors from their academic advisors.

• The undergraduate international admissions office will review the applicant’s transcripts within the context of the school, curriculum and country.
• GPA will be calculated on all coursework, not just core subjects. UA considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission.
• UA will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes. These can be emailed or uploaded by the student. 
  • If a student applies with unofficial documents, we MUST receive the official documents directly from the school or testing authority by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. 
  • Any student who does not provide official copies will not be able to enroll for courses. 
  • If a student’s official documents are not available by that time, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting an exception must email [email protected] before the deadline to be considered.
• For academic admission, students must meet the English proficiency requirement. For more information see UA’s English Language Proficiency page. 
• Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
  • Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have satisfied English proficiency. 
  • For more information see UA’s conditional admission page.
• Students requiring F-1 and J-1 visas must also send documentation in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2010.
• Successful candidates for UA will have completed a college preparatory curriculum.

• The undergraduate international admissions office will review the applicant’s transcripts within the context of the school, curriculum and country.
• GPA will be calculated on all coursework, not just core subjects. UA considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission.
• UA will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes. These can be emailed or uploaded by the student. 
  • If a student applies with unofficial documents, we MUST receive the official documents directly from the school or testing authority by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. 
  • Any student who does not provide official copies will not be able to enroll for courses. 
  • If a student’s official documents are not available by that time, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting an exception must email [email protected] before the deadline to be considered.
• For academic admission, students must meet the English proficiency requirement. For more information see UA’s English Language Proficiency page. 
• Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
  • Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have satisfied English proficiency. 
  • For more information see UA’s conditional admission page.
• Students requiring F-1 and J-1 visas must also send documentation in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2010.
• Successful candidates for UA will have completed a college preparatory curriculum.

The BCh degree prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in chemistry and biochemistry, as well as related sciences (toxicology, forensics, environmental science).  The BCh degree also prepares students for careers in medical fields.

Types of Jobs Accepted

Recent graduates have gone on to enroll in graduate programs in chemistry and related sciences.  These students often pursue careers in academia (high school and college teachers) or in the chemical industry.  Chemistry graduates also enroll in health professional programs leading to careers as doctors, pharmacists, dentists, and veterinarians.  Chemistry graduates also take jobs directly after graduating working in the chemical industry technicians or quality control scientists, as high school teachers, or in related fields where they can use their chemistry background, such as pharmaceutical sales, patent law, or technical writing.

Jobs of Experienced Alumni

academic careers, physicians, dentists, pharmacists, industrial researchers, entrepreneurs

Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center

• Copy of your passport
• Relevant visa and immigration documents (This includes PR card, current visa, or F-1/ J-1 visa request and supporting documents)
• Unofficial transcript copies from every secondary school you have attended. This includes academic transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, diplomas or certificates, national standardized examination results, or other academic course work.
  • Include an English translation for all documents not written in English. If you need assistance translating your documents into English, we recommend using the American Translators Association to find a certified translator.
  • Students graduating high school in Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, The Gambia or Sierra Leone must submit a copy of their WASSCE results and scratch card information (serial number and PIN) in order to complete their application.
• Students that graduated 6 or more months ago should also provide a brief statement listing any academic activities since graduation (including any post-secondary coursework at institutions inside or outside of the US, English language programs, study abroad programs, etc.) List name(s) of the institutions and dates of attendance. If you have no additional academic activities, please write a short statement that speaks to your activities during the gap period. In the statement, please include the following and send to International Admissions at [email protected]:
  • Full Name
  • Address
  • High School/Secondary School
  • Graduation Date