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Degrees & Programs

Undergraduate Chemistry Degrees

  • The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry provides a graduate with a thorough understanding of synthetic methods, analytical and physical measurements, the use of the scientific literature, computational methods, and communication in science. The B.S. degree, which is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS), provides the "wide and deep" intellectual and practical basis for a wide variety of careers, especially those in which chemistry plays a significant role, including careers in the chemical industry, secondary teaching, and government-based scientific work.  The B.S. degree also prepares students for graduate study in chemistry, pharmacy, medicine, and related fields.
  • The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Chemistry also provides a foundation in the theory and practice of chemistry, but without the most advanced lecture courses and laboratories of the B.S. degree, leaving more room for electives.  The B.A. degree affords more flexibility in the student's schedule, for example to accommodate a "double major," thereby allowing students to tailor their degree programs toward specific career goals.

The Honors Program

The Chemistry Department is an active participant in the University Honors Program.  We offer honors sections of several lecture courses to all students of the University, and we encourage our majors who are eligible to join the Honors Program and participate fully.

Additional information on Honors eligibility can found on Virginia Tech's University Honors website.

Pre-Professional Programs

Students who desire to go to medical, dental, pharmacy, or veterinary school often major in chemistry. Although the majority of Pre-medical and Pre-dental students major in a science, any major is acceptable as long as the specific admission requirements are satisfied. Thus, "pre-medicine" is an interest, not a degree program. There is no Pre-Med major at Virginia Tech. Since only about 5% of the students who are considering medical school as entering freshmen actually apply and are accepted into medical school, students are strongly advised to major in something that offers preparation for other careers they would enjoy.  A student who does not like chemistry should never major in chemistry just because he or she thinks a degree in chemistry is a ticket to medical school. Students are urged to look at the Virginia Tech Office of Health Professions Advising web pages for further guidance.