Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemistry
Drexel’s Department of Chemistry offers two undergraduate degrees to meet the goals and interests of its students. A BS in chemistry provides a certified curriculum with substantial research experience, while a BA in chemistry provides a solid chemistry core within a flexible curriculum.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is certified by the American Chemical Society. The chemistry BS program provides a complete introduction to the many subfields of chemistry, along with significant hands-on laboratory research experience. All students are required to earn at least 9 credits of undergraduate research experience prior to graduation. The BS degree in chemistry is well suited for students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in chemistry or a related discipline. The degree also assures that students are properly trained and prepared for rewarding careers as chemists in a range of industries, including pharmaceutical, biotech, environmental, manufacturing or other allied fields.
Learn More in the Course Catalog
Biochemistry Concentration — (BS) in Chemistry
Pursue your interest in biochemistry without taking additional courses with our new biochemistry concentration. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry majors in this concentration gain an enhanced ability to engage in critical thinking and communicate scientific ideas across disciplines. Interested students can contact their academic advisors for more information.
Chemistry undergraduates benefit from the personalized guidance of a departmental faculty adviser, who will be assigned to them during their freshman year.
Learn More in the Course Catalog
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemistry
The BA in Chemistry is designed for students who want a foundational education in chemistry and the flexibility to select courses in other fields of science. The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry program is less demanding mathematically compared to the Bachelor of Science, and is well suited for those interested in entering medical school and other chemistry-related fields, as well as those aspiring to careers in biotechnology, forensic chemistry and environmental chemistry. BA in Chemistry graduates might opt to work as laboratory technicians in the pharmaceutical industry, as research assistants in medical school science departments such as toxicology or biochemistry, or as technicians in biotechnology and forensic firms.
Learn More in the Course Catalog
Chemistry Student & Alumni Stories
"I am interested in research in fields that broadly impact public health and create global solutions for a better world."
Ann Haftl
BS + MS Chemistry '19
"I’ve learned to take charge of my education and manage my time to optimize what I am able to accomplish."
Kiana Williams
BA Chemistry '19
"Because the chemistry department is small, I really got to know my classmates and professors. Everyone is extremely supportive of one another."
Matthew Levine
BS Chemistry '18
Meet More Chemistry Students and Alumni
Drexel Co-op for Undergraduate Chemistry Students
The high concentration of pharmaceutical and chemical firms in the Philadelphia area provides a wide range of co-op and professional opportunities, in addition to co-ops across the country and abroad. Past chemistry co-ops have included positions at GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Merck, Ethicon and Arkema. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is offered in three formats: a five-year, three co-op option; a four-year, one co-op option; and a four-year, no-co-op option. The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry is offered in a four-year, one co-op format. Past chemistry co-ops have included positions at:
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Johnson & Johnson
- NASA
- Merck
- Fox Chase Cancer Center
- Arkema
- And many more!
Drexel University renowned cooperative education program allows students to alternate periods of full-time, career-related employment with academic study. BS in Chemistry students participate in three separate six-month periods of employment, building their resumes and professional network while finding a career that’s right for them.
This option allows chemistry students to participate in one six-month co-op placement during the spring and summer quarters of their junior year. To successfully complete this option, elective courses that are usually scheduled for the spring quarter of the junior year must be taken at another time: the student may take an increased load during other terms on campus or elect to stay on campus and make up courses during the summer between sophomore and junior years. Those interested in this option should consult with the departmental academic adviser as early as possible.
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry can also be completed in four years without co-op employment. Students are not required to pursue studies during any of the summer quarters.
Chemistry Undergraduate Research
Students who show initiative and laboratory ability are encouraged to develop an individual research project in collaboration with one of the departmental faculty members who agrees to act as the student's research adviser. This research may be done for credit by signing up for the CHEM497 Undergraduate Research course. Generally it is recommended that the student become familiar with the research interests of the department faculty as early as possible. This may be done by reading papers written by the faculty, reviewing faculty profiles, attending the departmental "faculty mini-symposia" held during the fall quarter of each year, or by simply talking with the individual faculty members.
During senior year, all chemistry undergraduate students are required to select a research adviser and enroll in three quarters of CHEM493 Senior Research Project. Students in the Pennoni Honors Program are required to write a bachelor's thesis describing the work accomplished during this year; other students may choose to write either a bachelor's thesis or a Research Report.
Learn More
Discover Careers in Chemistry
The technical and creative-thinking skills acquired in Drexel’s Chemistry program prepare students for careers in a wide range of specialties. Our graduates often work in development, testing or manufacturing within the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Others have gone on to graduate school to prepare for chemical research positions or for faculty positions in academia. Students who opt for the BA degree typically enroll in professional schools to prepare for careers in medicine, dentistry or law.