For undergraduate study we offer:
You will also find important information for transfer students, several options for freshmen to begin chemistry, and our honors program in chemistry.
Graduates of our programs will be able to demonstrate competence in:
- Chemical knowledge.
- Scientific inquiry methods.
- Writing formal laboratory and technical reports.
- Using chemical instrumentation and the analysis of the results obtained therefrom.
- Knowledge and practice of chemical safety.
Admission Requirements
The program welcomes students to the bachelor of science (B.S.) and bachelor of arts (B.A.) programs of study who express an interest, demonstrate an aptitude, and are dedicated to pursuing excellence in their studies. Most applicants will have at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average in their college work. They will have earned a grade of C or greater in College Algebra, its equivalent, or a more advanced mathematics course. They will have earned grades of B or greater in CHEM 1400 & 1401 or equivalents, or a grade of C or greater in CHEM 1402 or equivalent. Aptitude and dedication can also be demonstrated by presenting exceptional science and mathematics preparation in high school.
Majors in Chemistry
Bachelor of Science
This degree provides intensive, focused education in chemistry, providing the graduate with the background required for post graduate study in chemistry and/or for professional positions as a chemist in private industry or government service.
The B.S. in chemistry requires at least 34 hours in chemistry above the freshman level including: CHEM 2310, 2311, 3150, 3170, 3171, 3250, 3340, 3350, 3351, 3370, 3371, 4190, 4340, and 4411. Required courses outside of the chemistry program are PHYS 2321, 2121, 2322, 2122, and MATH 1451, 1452, 2453. Additional requirements for ACS certification are: six credit hours of advanced chemistry courses to include CHEM 4420 Biochemistry, two hours of undergraduate research, and a three-hour upper-level mathematics course. A second language or a computer language is encouraged but not required. A minor is not required for this curriculum.
The program’s B.S. degree is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Students earning this degree will be certified to the ACS for full membership on graduation.
Bachelor of Arts
This degree provides a strong, broad background in chemistry which could be combined with related undergraduate disciplines such as biology, physics, mathematics, or psychology in the pursuit of postgraduate degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and other health related professions, and to provide an ample chemistry background for post graduate training in secondary science education.
The B.A. in chemistry is offered for premedical and predental students, secondary teachers, and others. Requirements for this degree include the Core Requirements, 26 hours above the freshman level including CHEM 2310, 2311, 3150, 3151, 3340, 3350, 3351, 3572, 4190, and three hours of upper-level chemistry electives. Required courses in Physics are PHYS 1321, 1121, 1322, 1122. MATH 1451 is the only required mathematics courses, but one or two semesters of calculus are strongly recommended. A minor in biology is recommended for this program.
Secondary Teacher Licensure in Science Education
This program is designed to prepare students for teacher licensure in secondary education (7th – 12th grades). Students entering this program will earn a B.S. or B.A. in Chemistry.
Minor in Chemistry
A minor in chemistry requires a minimum of 22 hours, to include CHEM 1402, CHEM 1403, CHEM 2310, CHEM 2311 or CHEM 4320, CHEM 3350, CHEM 3150, CHEM 3351, and CHEM 3151 or equivalent courses.
Transfer Students
Transfer students must meet all degree requirements. In addition, transfer students must successfully complete at UALR a minimum of six hours of upper-level chemistry courses for a major in chemistry or three hours of upper-level chemistry courses for a minor in chemistry.
Options in Freshman Chemistry
Students planning to enroll in CHEM 1402 must meet the minimum score on a placement exam if they do not meet the ACT science score. The program’s website, ualr.edu/chemistry/ has information on how to take the exam. Students who have had two units of high school algebra and high school chemistry and meet the minimum score on the chemistry placement test should start with CHEM 1402 and 1403.
Students who have had no high school chemistry and have a weak high school mathematics background but are interested in a pre-professional or science degree should take CHEM 1300, 1402, and 1403.
Students whose major field requires only eight hours of freshman chemistry should take CHEM 1402 and 1403. This sequence will prepare a student to take CHEM 2450 Organic Survey, but not other upper-level chemistry courses.
Honors Program in Chemistry
The program also offers an honors program in chemistry. To graduate with honors a student must
- maintain an overall grade point average of 3.20 or greater,
- maintain a grade point average of 3.20 or greater in chemistry courses,
- complete at least four credit hours of a faculty-directed laboratory research project and present the findings in a scientific meeting or departmental seminar, and
- meet ACS certification requirements.
