Students major in chemistry to pursue industrial or graduate opportunities in medicine, environmental science, computational molecular modeling, forensics, plastics, chemistry, textiles, health sciences, materials science, energy production, biotechnology, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, ceramics, environmental engineering, or toxicology. Chemists represent the largest group of industrial scientists in the United States; approximately 50% of all research and development positions in this country are filled by professionals with chemistry or chemical engineering backgrounds.
Students majoring in chemistry can select one of seven degree tracks to tailor their curricula to meet their long-term professional objectives. Five degree tracks meet American Chemical Society (ACS) requirements for a professional certification in chemistry upon graduation:
The chemistry degree track is designed for maximum flexibility to meet a broad array of student interests or needs; the biochemistry degree track is designed to meet the needs of students interested in those health professions that do not require undergraduate research. The ACS Biochemistry track was the nation’s first American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)-Accredited program.
The minor in applied physics consists of 17 semester hours of PHYS:
9 hours from
Students with majors in biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics may count physics courses required by the major (PHYS 211-212 or 201-202) toward the physics minor.
The minor in chemistry consists of 18 semester hours of CHEM (excluding 104) to include at least 6 hours in courses numbered above 299. Chemistry courses required for other majors can also be counted for the chemistry minor.
The minor in geology consists of 18 semester hours in GEOL, including
And at least 6 hours in GEOL courses numbered above 299.
The minor in general science consists of at least 18 semester hours of coursework selected from BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, or PHYS, to include
Courses included in a major may not be counted in the general science minor. At least 6 hours must be in courses numbered above 299.
Students who wish to prepare for application to medical, dental, or pharmacy school should acquire a broad foundation in the natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and the social sciences. Chemistry is a popular major for such students since it allows them to complete the pre-professional requirements without taking a large number of courses outside the major. In addition, professional schools accept a higher percentage of chemistry applicants than most other majors. These schools generally require two semesters of each of the following courses: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics (preferably calculus), and English Composition and Literature. Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Genetics, and Microbiology are also strongly recommended. All of these courses can be used to fulfill requirements necessary for a major in chemistry.
Engineering programs require students to complete fundamental math and science courses to include Calculus I, II, & III, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, General Chemistry I & II, Calculus-based Physics I & II, computer science, and several engineering science courses during their first several years of college. The Pre-Engineering program at Winthrop provides an opportunity to take these courses in a setting characterized by small classes, individual faculty attention, and access to modern instrumentation. Former Winthrop students in this program have successfully transferred into engineering programs at Clemson, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Florida State and North Carolina State.
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