The B.S. in Chemistry degree prepares a student for graduate school or a career as a professional chemist. This degree program is technically oriented, requiring greater depth of mathematics, physics, and chemistry than does the Bachelor of Arts degree. This degree requires 120 credit hours and has a heavier chemistry requirement than the B.A. degree program. As a result, students have fewer elective courses to pursue other interests. Completion of the B.S. curriculum leads to automatic American Chemical Society certification of a student as the recipient of a professional degree. The undergraduate student may take courses leading to a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. Either program offers a wide choice of minor subjects in Arts & Sciences or other colleges. Consult the undergraduate advisor prior to registration for a particular minor program.<br><br>The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers four undergraduate degree programs in chemistry and biochemistry. The Bachelor of Science degree programs are most appropriate for students who plan to pursue a professional, research-based career in chemistry or biochemistry. The Bachelor of Arts options provide a strong undergraduate background in the central sciences of chemistry and biochemistry as preparation for other objectives, such as health-related professional schools, teaching, or sales. The undergraduate advisor provides career counseling and assists students in selecting courses and fulfilling degree requirements. The department offers honors-level courses to qualified students (admitted to the Honors College) in both general and organic chemistry. Highly motivated undergraduate chemistry or biochemistry majors are strongly encouraged to complete an individual research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Undergraduate research students gain a working knowledge of research methods in a specialized area and familiarity with a wide range of instrumentation and techniques. The department has very active chapters of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).