The B.A. in Chemistry degree requires 120 credit hours for graduation and has a curriculum primarily designed for those interested in using an undergraduate major in chemistry as the background for a career in which extensive training in chemistry is either valuable or essential (e.g., medicine, dentistry, forensics, environmental protection, clinical and pharmacological chemistry, technical sales, and chemical patent law). Though a B.S. is generally preferred by employers, a B.A. may also provide a sufficient background in chemistry for employment as a chemist in a small laboratory or for entry into a graduate program leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree in chemistry. 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).