Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts

The chemistry degree program at VMI provides cadets with a thorough foundation in chemistry, mastery of modern chemical instrumentation, excellent analytical and mathematical skills and the ability to think things through and solve problems. These skills are highly sought after in every career field. The department offers two degree tracks; the B.S. degree and the B.A. degree in chemistry. The B.S. degree provides the most comprehensive preparation for further work or study in chemistry or a related field.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

The Chemistry Department’s B.S. degree is approved by the American Chemical Society and cadets fulfilling the requirements for a B.S. are certified as having met the standards of professional training by the society. The B.S. degree has two tracks to choose from: a pre-med option and a research option.

Program and Degree Overview

Pre-Med Track Degree Curriculum

Research Track Degree Curriculum

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

The B.A. degree provides cadets with an opportunity to pursue other interests in preparation for a career of their choosing while providing a solid foundation in the basic areas of chemistry. This degree requires cadets to choose another focus area outside of chemistry and complete either a minor, concentration or certification. Faculty members will work closely with B.A. majors to design a program that best meets the cadets’ career goals.

Degree Requirements & Year-by-Year Course Planning

Concentration

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) - The Concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is a collaborative effort between the biology and chemistry departments and is designed for the biology, chemistry, or other science or engineering majors who wish to emphasize biochemical or molecular issues in their studies. It is also designed to offer students undergraduate research opportunities in these areas. This option does not change the credit hours needed for the B.S./B.A. in biology or the B.S./B.A. in chemistry degree.

Chemistry Minor

The Department of Chemistry offers a minor in chemistry to those cadets wishing to expand their scientific knowledge beyond their declared major. A cadet wishing to obtain a minor in Chemistry must submit a plan of study to the Department Head in Chemistry for approval. The plan of study must include no less than 21.5 credit hours of chemistry courses selected from the courses listed below. As part of the 21.5 credit hour requirement for the minor, a student must first complete the three courses listed below as “Non-Elective Requirements.” To insure a breadth of coverage in the field of chemistry, a minimum of three courses listed below as “Group I Electives” must be chosen, and each selected course must be in a different area of chemistry; biochemistry, organic, physical, inorganic, or analytical. Finally, at least one laboratory course listed below as “Group II Electives” must be completed.

Curriculum Requirements & Year-by-Year Course Planning