Chemistry - American Chemical Society, Bachelor of Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Northern Arizona University

Program Overview

The Chemistry – American Chemical Society, Bachelor of Science at Northern Arizona University gives students a strong foundation in chemical principles, laboratory science, mathematical methods and modern chemical analysis, with the flexibility to choose either a Comprehensive or Biochemistry emphasis. It is well suited to students interested in laboratory research, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, forensics, healthcare, government or further study, while its American Chemical Society certification provides a structured chemistry education aligned with professional standards.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by developing their core chemistry and laboratory skills through CHM 151 General Chemistry I, CHM 151L General Chemistry I Lab, and subsequent general chemistry coursework. Mathematics and university general studies are introduced alongside chemistry, establishing the quantitative and scientific foundation needed for more advanced laboratory work.

Year 2: The programme moves into more specialised chemistry with CHM 235 General Organic Chemistry I, CHM 235L General Organic Chemistry I Lab, CHM 238 General Organic Chemistry II, and MAT 137 Calculus II, while students also develop their physics background through University Physics. Students begin taking courses connected to their selected ACS-certified emphasis.

Year 3: Students progress into advanced chemical concepts through CHM 341 Physical Chemistry I and higher-level emphasis courses. Depending on their chosen pathway, students can explore areas such as analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry and instrumental analysis while strengthening scientific writing and research communication.

Year 4: The final year focuses on advanced emphasis coursework and preparation for professional or postgraduate pathways. Students in the Comprehensive emphasis can take advanced chemistry options such as CHM 360, CHM 425LC Instrumental Analysis, CHM 442LC, or CHM 450LC, while the Biochemistry emphasis provides advanced study in areas including biochemistry and biological chemistry.

Focus Areas

General chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical and instrumental chemistry, biochemistry, chemical analysis, chemical synthesis, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, biomolecules, research and laboratory science.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop knowledge of atomic and molecular chemistry, thermodynamics, chemical reactions and synthesis, biomolecular processes and chemical analysis, while gaining experience with modern laboratory instrumentation, scientific problem-solving, teamwork, data interpretation and oral and written scientific communication.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is American Chemical Society (ACS) certified, with both the Comprehensive and Biochemistry emphases certified by the ACS. The ACS-certified structure supports students seeking professional chemistry careers as well as postgraduate study in chemistry and related fields.

Reputation (Employability)

NAU’s official programme information states that chemistry graduates can pursue careers across industry, research, healthcare, government, pharmaceuticals, forensics, environmental science and other scientific fields. The university also notes that about 75% of chemists are employed in the private sector, although this figure is presented by NAU as a general chemistry employment statistic rather than a specific graduate-outcome rate for this programme.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in NAU’s ACS-certified Chemistry B.S. develop practical skills through extensive laboratory coursework, modern chemical instrumentation, research opportunities and independent study. The curriculum specifically expects students to work with traditional and modern laboratory equipment, perform chemical measurements, interpret experimental data and collaborate with other students, while the department provides opportunities for faculty-led undergraduate research and independent projects.

Students can build their practical experience through:

Hands-on chemistry laboratories: Courses such as General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis provide laboratory-based experience alongside classroom study.
Modern chemical instrumentation: NAU’s chemistry laboratories use analytical instruments including GC, GC/MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, FAA, GFAA, UV-Vis and FTIR, giving students exposure to techniques used for chemical analysis and research.
Faculty-led undergraduate research: The department offers opportunities for students to participate in faculty-led research or independent study projects, with NAU’s undergraduate research office helping students identify mentors and research opportunities.
Research for academic credit: Students may be able to receive academic credit for independent research projects, while funded research opportunities can also provide paid experience.
Research presentation and communication: NAU’s undergraduate research opportunities allow students to present and potentially publish their work, helping develop scientific communication and professional research skills.
Internship and research funding: The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department’s Craig Family Elevate Award can support travel, lodging and research expenses associated with internships or other research opportunities.
Team-based laboratory work: The programme learning outcomes specifically require students to work independently with laboratory tools while also working in teams to share tasks, results and interpretations.
Chemistry research environment: NAU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has faculty engaged in teaching and research, including analytical chemistry, organic chemistry and other specialised areas that can provide potential undergraduate research directions.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Chemistry – American Chemical Society B.S. prepares graduates for laboratory, research, pharmaceutical, government, agricultural chemical and analytical testing careers, while also supporting progression into professional health programmes and postgraduate study. NAU specifically highlights opportunities in biological and analytical testing laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies and agricultural chemical companies, with further education opening pathways such as medicine, veterinary medicine, crime-lab analysis and university teaching.

Typical career roles include Chemist, Analytical Laboratory Technician, Pharmaceutical Researcher and Research Laboratory Scientist.

Students can strengthen their transition from university to employment through:

Career Development: NAU Career Development provides career advising, Handshake, internships and funding resources, job-shadowing opportunities, student employment support and professional-development resources.
Career preparation: NAU’s Career Steps programme includes modules covering career exploration, internships, job searches, résumé writing, professionalism, networking and transferable skills.
Research-to-career preparation: Undergraduate research can provide technical experience, professional networking, stronger résumés and preparation for graduate or professional school. Students may also present or publish research through NAU opportunities.
Employment statistics: NAU’s official Chemistry and Biochemistry programme information states that approximately 75% of chemists are employed privately. This is a general chemistry-sector statistic cited by the university, not a programme-specific graduate employment rate.
Salary figures: NAU’s official programme pages reviewed for this programme do not provide a programme-specific graduate salary figure, so no salary value is included here.
Industry and professional alignment: The degree is ACS certified, and NAU's department provides research and internship opportunities that can connect students with professional laboratory and scientific environments. The department also supports research through faculty-led projects and dedicated research funding opportunities.
Long-term accreditation value: ACS certification demonstrates that the curriculum meets the requirements of an ACS-certified chemistry programme and gives students a recognised academic foundation for chemistry-related careers and postgraduate study.
Graduation outcomes: The programme can lead directly into chemistry-related employment or provide preparation for medical, dental, veterinary and other professional programmes, as well as graduate study in chemistry and related scientific disciplines.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue into graduate-level chemistry or related scientific programmes, or pursue professional education in areas such as medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine. NAU specifically recommends CHM 485 Undergraduate Research for students planning graduate school, while the ACS-certified curriculum provides advanced preparation in chemistry, biochemistry, analytical science and laboratory research.