B.A. Degree in Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter. Chemists not only study the nature of all substances that exist, they also create many new substances. Some study the composition, properties, and structure of compounds, and others delight in investigating the reactions in which substances are converted into others. Knowledge of the changes in structure and energy during these reactions, and of how various factors affect the rate of reactions, helps chemists to develop theories and techniques to meet the new challenges of our time. Chemists usually specialize in Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Physical or Biochemistry. The SDSU undergraduate program covers the fundamentals of each of these areas with an emphasis in laboratory study and practical applications of chemistry. Chemistry is a great career choice because it is fascinating, it contributes to society, and it is readily employable. Production, research, teaching and administration each appeal to many chemists. There are exciting and rewarding chemical careers in evaluating environmental problems, in developing new pharmaceuticals, in finding alternative energy sources, in creating new processes and products, in studying the nature of matter, identifying and characterizing natural products, and in tracing the processes in living cells to name just a few possibilities. Chemistry is referred to as the central science because it intimately overlaps with other sciences, such as astronomy, biology, geology, mathematics, physics, and psychology. Every level of industry and every level of government require chemists, and many chemists go into business for themselves. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Chemistry, with the certificate of the American Chemical Society, meets the needs of other students. The B.A. degree requires a foreign language, greater subject matter breadth, and less upper-division chemistry than the B.S. It is a true liberal arts education. A second Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Chemistry is designed for students in a pre-medical, pre-dental or pre-veterinary program. A student in this program is expected to minor in biology.