Chemistry | LSU Majors

Chemistry

You are curious about what makes up the world around you and how materials combine and react to create something new.

About Chemistry

Learn about the properties and composition of matter and the interactions and alterations of substances. Chemistry is at the core of most scientific disciplines, including the study of polymers, biotechnology, pollution control, and energy. There are nine available concentrations, which will allow you to narrow your focus to the career track that works best for you or help you prepare for graduate study.  

Concentrations Available:

  • Biological Chemistry: This concentration strengthens the student’s knowledge in the chemistry and structure of living systems.
  • Chemical Physics: A subdiscipline of chemistry and physics, this emphasizes understanding chemical systems based on fundamental physical, mathematical, and theoretical principles.
  • Chemistry and Second Discipline: Through this concentration, you can develop your interests and abilities in other disciplines outside of chemistry, whether or not graduate education is contemplated. You may choose a second discipline such as computer science, biological sciences, geology, engineering, business administration, ecology, history, foreign languages, oceanography and coastal sciences, political science, sociology, and others.
  • Environmental Chemistry: Recommended for students pursuing careers as a chemical professional or for entrance to graduate study in chemistry, this area focuses on the study of the sources, reactions, transport, effects, and fates of chemical species in the air, soil, and water environments.
  • Materials: Make the connection between chemistry and a wide range of practical materials used to fabricate electronic, optical, and other devices.
  • Polymers: This area of focus is designed for students with career objectives in the science of synthetic or biological macromolecules, including plastics.
  • Pre-professional Chemistry: This area of focus is designed primarily for students who will apply for graduate education in another profession, such as medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine.
  • Secondary Education: Allows you to pursue an undergraduate degree in chemistry and earn a secondary teaching certificate at the same time though the LSU GeauxTeach Math & Science program.

Possible Careers 

  • Chemist
  • Chemical physicist
  • Environmental chemist
  • Grades 6-12 teacher
  • Molecular chemist

Program Requirements

Once you're an LSU student, you'll need to meet the requirements below to continue pursuing this major.

  • 24 credit hours in 1000-level courses or higher
  • 2.5 LSU and cumulative GPA (2.5 GPA for transfer)
  • grade of "C" or better in ENGL 1001
  • grade of "C" or better in all math and science courses
  • grade of "C" or better in any of the following: Math 1022, Math 1023, Math 1550, or Math 1551

Senior College

College of Science

Degree

B.S., Bachelor of Science

Course Load by Subject Area

  • Lab Hours or Field Work:  High Intensity
  • Science:  High Intensity
  • Math:  Medium Intensity
  • Foreign Language:  Low Intensity
  • View all course loads

Related Majors

Fast Tracks Available

 

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