Chemistry, B.S.

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in chemistry provides excellent preparation for students seeking employment in industry (chemical, pharmaceutical, agriculture, etc.) or the government (Department of Defense labs, regulatory agencies, law enforcement). It also provides a solid foundation for students who want to continue their studies in professional (medical, dental, veterinary, law, etc.) or graduate school.

SLU's Department of Chemistry places a great emphasis on undergraduate research. Chemistry majors have ample opportunity to pursue research projects under the close mentorship of a full-time faculty member. Students use a variety of specialized equipment and computers in their laboratories and in their research. 

Program Highlights 

• The chemistry program provides a rigorous curriculum, making graduates competitive for employment in STEM areas.
• Students in upper-level chemistry courses enjoy small classes and personalized attention.
• The chemistry program offers opportunities for students to strengthen their scientific communication skills through research activities that pair an undergraduate with a faculty researcher.
• SLU provides a unique mentoring program freshman through senior year to guide and support students in reaching their professional goals.

Curriculum Overview

• First Year: General Chemistry 1 and 2, Calculus I and II
• Second Year: Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, Analytical Chemistry 1, Engineering Physics I and II
• Third Year: Physical Chemistry 1 and 2, Biochemistry, physical chemistry lab, Organic Spectroscopy, Chemical Literature, undergraduate research
• Fourth Year: Analytical Chemistry 2 and 3, General Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, inorganic chemistry lab, undergraduate research, and Mathematical Techniques in Chemistry

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

The benefits of SLU's chemistry program also include internship and career opportunities. Selected undergraduate students can apply to work with faculty in undergraduate laboratories as laboratory assistants. Lab assistants receive a stipend. Internships in the St. Louis area are also available.

Undergraduates who study chemistry at SLU can attend professional meetings and present their research results. SLU students have presented numerous talks and poster presentations at regional and national meetings of the American Chemical Society and other scientific conferences in recent years.

Careers

Career options in chemistry include:

• Education
• Chemical research and development in industry or government laboratories
• Pharmaceutical research and drug development
• Environmental research
• Management and administration in the chemical industry
• Chemical and pharmaceutical sales

Other graduates continue through law school and specialize in patent law or environmental law. The public health sector is also a common area for chemists to work.

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry has been continuously certified by the American Chemical Society since 1946.

1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate a foundational understanding of inorganic, physical, and biochemistry and advanced knowledge in organic and analytical chemistry.
2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency of basic (general, physical, inorganic) and advanced (organic and analytical) laboratory techniques and conduct laboratory experiments safely.
3. Graduates will be able to collect, interpret, and analyze quantitative data.
4. Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results effectively, especially through written reports and oral presentations.
5. Graduates will be able to design and conduct independent research.

 Chemistry students must complete a minimum total of 64 credits for the B.S. major.

¹

Students take three semesters, one credit per semester.

²

Engineering Physics I and II with lab are recommended for majors unless they are pre-medical. Physics I and II with lab (PHYS 1310 College Physics I (3 cr), PHYS 1320 College Physics I Laboratory (1 cr), PHYS 1330 College Physics II (3 cr), and PHYS 1340 College Physics II Laboratory (1 cr)) also fulfill the physics requirement and are recommended for pre-medical students

For any of the B.S. programs, a combination of MATH 2530 Calculus III (4 cr) and MATH 3110 Linear Algebra for Engineers (3 cr) can be used as a substitute for CHEM 4300 Mathematical Techniques in Chemistry (3 cr).

Non-Course Requirements

All undergraduate majors must complete an exit interview with the Department Chair during their final semester. B.S. majors are required to submit an undergraduate thesis prior to graduation.

Continuation Standards

The following standards apply to all new freshmen and transfer students:

• Students must earn a "C-" or better in General Chemistry I (CHEM 1110 General Chemistry 1 (0,3 cr)/CHEM 1130 General Chemistry 1 for Majors (0,3 cr) and a "C-" or better in General Chemistry II (CHEM 1120 General Chemistry 2 (0,3 cr), CHEM 1140 General Chemistry 2 for Majors (0,3 cr), or the equivalent in transfer.
• Students must earn a "C-" or better in CHEM 2200 Analytical Chemistry 1 (2 cr).

Students who do not earn a "C-" in any of the identified courses must retake the course at SLU in the following semester. If a "C-" is not earned on the second attempt the student will be dismissed from the major. A student who withdraws from one of these courses on the first attempt thus has one more attempt to earn a "C-."

Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in their major (CHEM) and required related courses (BIOL, PHYS, MATH, etc.) If a student falls below a 2.0 major GPA the student must meet with the undergraduate program director to review their academic performance. If the student cannot raise their major GPA to 2.0 in two semesters, the student will be dismissed from the major.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 120 credits (excluding pre-college level courses numbered below 1000).
• Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
• Complete major requirements: minimum 30 credits required.
• Complete remaining credits with a second major, minor, certificate and/or electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for graduation.
• Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s) and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate, or related elective credits.
• Complete department-/program-specific academic and performance requirements.
• Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
• Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study abroad program.
• Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Program Notes

Engineering Physics (PHYS 1610 University Physics I (3 cr)-PHYS 1640 University Physics II Laboratory (1 cr) is recommended. However, Physics (PHYS 1310 College Physics I (3 cr)-PHYS 1340 College Physics II Laboratory (1 cr) also fulfills the physics requirement.