The B.S. degree with honors in chemistry will be awarded to students who have a minimum 3.20 overall GPA and a 3.20 GPA in all requirements, both in and outside the department, and who complete 13 semester hours of honors chemistry courses numbered CHEM 325 and above (not including CHEM 370). The honors chemistry course work must include CHEM 499 (2-4 credits) and the presentation of a capstone thesis. Virtually everything we do involves chemistry, which can be used to improve our health, lives and environment. NIU ranks among the top universities for the number of American Chemical Society-certified bachelor's degrees awarded annually. Most chemists work in research, with about two-thirds of our graduates working at for-profit businesses. Once you earn your degree, you could find yourself working with a cosmetic company, medical laboratory, petroleum company, utility, pharmaceutical business, chemical manufacturer or environmental-assessment firm. You also could work in government, education, nonprofits or research foundationsor go on to pharmacy, medical or graduate school.