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group of students concentrate on chemistry experiment

Chemistry Major

Earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry

A chemistry degree from Southwest Baptist University will give you a solid foundation for a wide variety of science careers in fields such as in general chemistry, biochemistry or forensic science, or in health-related careers such as in pharmacy, medicine or in becoming a physician's assistant.

As a chemistry major at SBU, you will earn a chemistry degree under the direction of expert faculty and by engaging in intriguing and stimulating classroom and laboratory experiences. You will receive one-on-one advising to help you pursue your personal and professional goals.

The chemistry degree is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences.

Resources

Major Map (PDF)

Degree Plan

Professor and students in chemistry class

The SBU Advantage

Work alongside expert faculty to do research while still an undergraduate student through SBU's Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program.
One-on-one academic advisement by a faculty member will set you up for success as they guide you through making an academic plan that will help you achieve your goals.
Small lecture and lab class sizes allow for more hands-on learning opportunities and closer interactions with faculty and other students.

Faith Integration

SBU is home to the Darrell R. Strait Center for the Integration of Science and Christian Faith, which is intentionally focused on equipping students to study the history and philosophy of science, Biblical hermeneutics, and the integration of science and faith. Faculty encourage discussion of ethical issues that arise in the world of science and challenge students to use their Christian faith as the basis for approaching all issues. SBU believes strongly that science and Christian faith can be integrated and support each other.

As a chemistry major, you will take a course from the Strait Center — Chemistry Through the Eyes of Faith. You will have the option to add a second major in Integration of Science and Christian Faith by taking the other Strait Center courses including: Methods of Biblical Interpretation, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, and History and Philosophy of Science and Technology.

Careers in Chemistry

Chemistry graduates have pursued a variety of careers working at places such as:

Eutical
Mallinckrodt
Sigma-Aldrich
U.S. Air Force
Brewer Science

Graduate Schools

Most SBU students with a chemistry degree continue their education in various disciplines such as biochemistry, chemistry, forensic science, medicine or statistics at institutions including:

Iowa State University
Purdue University
St. Louis University
University of Central Florida
University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Wake Forest University

"The academics at SBU established the background in chemistry I need to be a successful forensic scientist. More than that, at SBU you receive an individualized education. Professors are readily available and students aren't just a number."

Serena Baird '11

Group Lead Forensic Scientist at Quest Diagnostics

Pre-Health Society

Pre-Health Society is an open club for students who are interested in pursuing a career in a health-related field. The club meets once a month for group meetings, planning service events and hearing from guest speakers from various health fields. The club is a mix of under and upperclassmen, giving younger students the chance to meet peers and mentors who can encourage them in their chosen fields and through the challenges of pursuing a health-related career.

Full-Time Faculty

Dr. Isaac Corn, Assistant Professor

Dr. Jena Whetstine, Associate Professor

Scholarships

SBU chemistry students have the opportunity to apply for several privately funded scholarships including:

Bill Little Chemistry Scholarship
Friends of the College of Science and Mathematics Scholarship
James Lightfoot Scholarship
Marie Colvin Scholarship
Smith-Glynn-Callaway Medical Foundation Scholarship

Chemistry Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

BIB 1013	Old Testament History	3
BIO 1004	Principles of Biology	4
CHE 1115	General Chemistry I	5
ENG 1113	English Composition I	3
UNI 1111	University Seminar	1
Total hours		16

Spring Semester

BIB 1023	New Testament History	3
MAT 1195	Calculus I	5
CHE 1115	General Chemistry II	5
ENG 2213	English Composition II	3
UNI 1121	Critical Thinking	1
Total hours		17

Sophomore

Fall Semester

CHE 3304	Organic Chemistry I	4
MAT 3343	Mathematical Statistics	3
CIS 1003	Foundations of Computer Science	3
PHY 1115	Physics I	5
Total hours		15

Spring Semester

CHE 3314	Organic Chemistry II	4
PHY 1125	Physics II	5
KIN 1162	Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness	2
COM 1103	Fundamentals of Speech Communication	3
	Humanities Elective	3
Total hours		17

Junior

Fall Semester

CHE 3364	Biochemistry	4
CHE 4413	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry	3
SCF 3412	Chemistry Through the Eyes of Faith	2
PSY 1013	Psychology	3
	Cultural Studies Elective	2-3
Total hours		14-15

Spring Semester

CHE	Upper-level elective	4
CHE 3371	Seminar in Chemistry I	1
CHE 3345	Analytical Chemistry	5
SPF 2012	Introduction to Spiritual Formation	2
HIS 22X3	U.S. History I or II	3
Total hours		17

Senior

Fall Semester

CHE 3323	Physical Chemistry	3
CHE	Upper-level Elective	4
POL 1113	American Government and Politics	3
	Elective hours	7
Total hours		17

Spring Semester

CHE 4412	Advanced Chemistry lab	2
CHE 4471	Seminar in Chemistry II	1
ECO 2003	LIFE Economics	3
	Elective hours	9
Total hours		15

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:
Chemistry Plan (PDF)