Department of Chemistry

Chemistry Undergraduate Program

The Virginia Tech Chemistry Department consists of approximately 250 undergraduate majors, 30 faculty members, and 50 staff members in technical, instructional, and clerical support roles. In addition the Department hosts 130 graduate students pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. degrees and 30 post-doctoral associates and research scientists. The Department typically graduates 50 B.S. and B.A. chemistry majors each year, ranking in the top 50 in total graduates for the 600+ colleges and universities that offer the American Chemical Society approved degree. Approximately one-half of graduates go to graduate or professional school and half go directly to jobs. Chemistry graduates going straight to employment are equally distributed in careers in the chemical industry, government, and careers outside of chemistry. The Chemistry Department occupies Davidson and Hahn Halls in addition to the teaching facilities in the new Chemistry/Physics building (occupied during 2004).

The Virginia Tech Chemistry Department offers two undergraduate degree programs to meet the needs of students interested in chemistry:

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is the degree that meets certification by the American Chemical Society through its Committee on Professional Training. The B.S. degree provides the breadth and depth of experience to give graduates a wide choice of career options, and especially suited for further study in chemistry graduate school or a career in the chemical industry.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree has fewer required chemistry courses and less laboratory time than the B.S. It provides more flexibility for students to design a chemistry program with more electives to meet a wider set of career goals or to pursue a double major.

For more information please contact: