A student conducting research in a chemistry lab.

Bachelor of Science in
Chemistry

Investigate the Laws of Matter for a Professional Career in Chemistry-Related Fields

Gain a robust understanding of chemical principles while learning about the molecules and atoms that make up our universe. With a strong emphasis on lab work and analytical thinking, the bachelor’s in chemistry program will prepare you for graduate studies or a career in areas including medicine, forensics, pharmacology, and environmental science.

Program of Study

programofstudy

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program is a combined major and minor sequence. You can follow one of three tracks:

  • General Chemistry
  • Chemical Biology
  • Forensic Chemistry

Each of these tracks features an honors program option. The chemistry curricula is designed according to American Chemical Society standards, which means you'll study two semesters of General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, along with formal laboratory experience.

Honors Program

The honors program in chemistry is designed for outstanding students enrolled in the general program leading to the B.S. degree, Chemistry Emphasis, or Chemical Biology Emphasis, or Forensic Chemistry Emphasis.

Program Tracks
Chemistry Emphasis

(70- 71 credits)


Chemistry Courses

  • General Chemistry I or Advanced General Chemistry I or General Chemistry I Lecture and Lab
  • General Chemistry II or Advanced General Chemistry II or General Chemistry II Lecture and Lab
  • Organic Chemistry I & II
  • Organic Chemistry Laboratory I & II
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Quantitative Analysis Lab
  • Introduction to Biochemistry or Comprehensive Biochemistry I
  • Physical Chemistry I & II
  • Physical Chemistry Lab
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Advanced Synthesis Laboratory
  • Inorganic Chemistry I
  • 3 or 4 credits in advanced chemistry laboratories from Undergraduate Research in Chemistry or Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Lab
  • 3 credits in advanced chemistry in courses other than Retrieval and Presentation of Chemical Information, Introduction to Undergraduate Research in Chemistry, Undergraduate Research in Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry I or Biophysical Chemistry II


Mathematics Courses

  • Algebra and Calculus II or Calculus I
  • Calculus II
  • Calculus of Several Variables


Physics Courses

  • Physics I: Mechanics
  • Physics II: Electromagnetism
  • Physics Lab I & II


Chemistry Emphasis Four-Year Plan

Chemical Biology Emphasis

(75 credits)


Chemistry Courses

  • General Chemistry I or Advanced General Chemistry I or General Chemistry I Lecture and Lab
  • General Chemistry II or Advanced General Chemistry II or General Chemistry II Lecture and Lab
  • Organic Chemistry I & II
  • Organic Chemistry Laboratory I & II
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Quantitative Analysis Lab
  • Physical Chemistry I or Biophysical Chemistry I
  • Physical Chemistry II or Biophysical Chemistry II
  • Physical Chemistry Lab
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Advanced Synthesis Laboratory
  • Inorganic Chemistry I
  • Comprehensive Biochemistry I & II
  • Chemical Biology Laboratory


Biology Courses

  • General Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Physiology
  • General Biology: Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Introduction to Biological Investigations I &II
  • Introductory Genetics


Mathematics Courses

  • Algebra and Calculus II or Calculus I
  • Calculus II


Physics Courses

  • Physics I: Mechanics
  • Physics II: Electromagnetism
  • Physics Lab I & II

 

Chemical Biology Emphasis Four-Year Plan

Forensic Chemistry Emphasis

In the forensic chemistry track you will collaborate with the departments of criminal justice and biology, as well as the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center. It's a challenging degree that integrates additional coursework in math and physics that will prepare you for work in forensic or analytical chemistry. Staff from the Forensic Investigation Center provide coursework related to law, courtroom testimonial and drug chemistry. (75 credits)


Chemistry Courses

  • General Chemistry I or Advanced General Chemistry I or General Chemistry I Lecture and Lab
  • General Chemistry II or Advanced General Chemistry II or General Chemistry II Lecture and Lab
  • Organic Chemistry I & II
  • Organic Chemistry Laboratory I & II
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Quantitative Analysis Lab
  • Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
  • Introduction to Forensic Chemistry Lab
  • Introduction to Biochemistry or Comprehensive Biochemistry I
  • Physical Chemistry I or Biophysical Chemistry I
  • Physical Chemistry II or Biophysical Chemistry II
  • Physical Chemistry Lab
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Advanced Synthesis Laboratory
  • Inorganic Chemistry I
  • Instrumental Analysis
  • Instrumental Analysis Lab
  • Advanced Forensic Chemistry
  • Advanced Forensic Chemistry Lab I & II


Mathematics Courses

  • Elementary Statistics
  • Algebra and Calculus II or Calculus I
  • Calculus II


Physics Courses

  • Physics I: Mechanics
  • Physics II: Electromagnetism
  • Physics Lab I & II

 

Forensic Chemistry Emphasis Four-Year Plan

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Options


You can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you’ll complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately. Choose to combine your Chemistry undergraduate degree with the following graduate programs:

combined

MS in Chemistry
This master’s program offers in-depth theoretical and practical expertise to prepare you for a career as a scientist in areas like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, agriculture, forensics and government.
 

MS in Information Science 
This ALA-accredited master's program covers a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library science, information processing, information management and data analysis.
 

MS in Secondary Education
This New York State-approved teacher preparation program provides you with initial certification to teach a specific subject to students in grades 7-12 in New York State public schools.

UAlbany graduate at Commencement

Career Outcomes

A BS in Chemistry is an excellent building block if you want to go onto medical or dental school. You may also want to apply your education in chemistry to legal, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, aerospace, teaching, writing or environmental fields.

Potential job titles for a chemistry degree include:

  • Chemical engineer
  • Forensic scientist
  • Pharmacist
  • Science writer
  • Pharmaceutical sales
  • Toxicologist
  • Chemistry teacher
  • Aerospace engineer

 

 

Two students working on formulas with a professor in a chemistry classroom.
career

 "I think the research being done on campus is huge in terms of getting people the experience and sort of education, furthering what they're using in the classroom and using that in a lab to help them get somewhere after they graduate."

- Christina Karadiakos BS '24, MS '25

UAlbany Majors: Chemistry
Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Bachelor of Science
  • Development of analytical problem solving skills in the major areas of chemical study.
  • Understanding of the underlying theoretical principles that explain chemical behavior at the atomic, molecular, and macroscopic levels.
  • Development of  laboratory skills, including preparative techniques, methods for the disposal and handling of toxic compounds, and usage of modern instrumentation.
  • Preparation for employment or advanced study in chemistry or any of the allied fields listed in the B.A. objectives.
slo

What Makes The University at Albany Great

Student move-in day.

Living-Learning Communities

Live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share your personal interests, passions or intended academic major.

A student abroad visiting a monument.

Study Abroad

Become a global citizen: international experience is crucial to success in business, education, research, and public policy.

A student conducting undergraduate research.

Undergraduate Research

Research, scholarship, and creative activities at the University at Albany is an option for all students, across all academic disciplines. You will be able to learn more about a specific academic field or career path all while building a long-lasting mentoring relationship with a faculty member or principal investigator.

Explore Minors

Build competency in a passion or strengthen your resume.

A minor consists of 18–24 graduation credits which must include a minimum of 9 graduation credits of advanced coursework at or above the 300 level. Most undergraduate degrees require completing a minor and it has to have a different title from your major.

Full List of Minors
  • Acting
  • Africana Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Atmospheric Science
  • Bioethics
  • Biology
  • Broadcast Meteorology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Chinese Studies
  • Cognitive Science
  • Communication (Fully Online Option)
  • Computer Science
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminal Justice Studies (Fully Online Option)
  • Cybersecurity (Fully Online Option)
  • Documentary Studies
  • East Asian Studies
  • Economics
  • Educational Studies
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Electronics
  • Film Studies
  • Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (Fully Online Option)
  • English
  • Forensic Science
  • French
  • Game Design and Development
  • Geographic Information Science
  • Geography
  • Globalization Studies
  • Hebrew
  • History (Fully Online Option)
  • Informatics (Fully Online Option)
  • Instrumental Performance
  • International Studies
  • Italian
  • Japanese Studies
  • Journalism (Fully Online Option)
  • Judaic Studies
  • Korean Studies
  • Latin American and Caribbean Studies
  • Law and Philosophy
  • Leadership
  • Legal Studies
  • LGBTQ Studies
  • Library and Information Science
  • Linguistics
  • Machine Learning
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Music
  • Musical Performance
  • Musical Theatre
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Portuguese
  • Pre-Education
  • Psychology (Fully Online Option)
  • Public Health
  • Public Policy
  • Religious Studies
  • Russian
  • Russian and Eastern European Studies
  • Social Welfare Studies
  • Sociology (Fully Online Option)
  • Spanish
  • Statistics
  • Sustainability
  • Theatre
  • Theatrical Design/Technology
  • Urban Studies and Planning
  • U.S. Latino Studies
  • Vocal Performance
  • Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Take the next step!