Why study Chemistry?

Chemistry explores how the molecular structure of matter interacts, combines or changes over time. At UC College of Arts and Sciences, you’ll work alongside internationally renowned experts to conduct experiments and publish your results in respected journals. UC is recognized nationally as a top research university by the Carnegie Foundation. Here, your research matters. That’s why you’ll have the opportunity to dedicate yourself full time to pursuing your research interests as part of your undergraduate degree.

UC’s chemistry labs boast millions of dollars in the latest equipment, giving you the resources to follow your passion in a department that promises you personal attention. You will be able to help UC’s expert faculty investigate solutions to real-world problems such as lead poisoning or collaborate with researchers in UC’s many other fields. Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? UC’s chemistry department is at the forefront of new patents for everything from biosensors to drug-delivery methods. And in UC’s Chemistry Department, you will get a chance to contribute to meaningful work with the UC Genome Research Institute, the UC College of Medicine, Children’s Hospital and UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science on projects that suit your interests and passions. UC also partners with some of the biggest names in chemistry by offering you internships or co-ops at Fortune 500 research partners such as P&G and government institutions such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Career Possibilities

Graduates of this major are employed as:

• Chemists in the manufacturing industry and state, local or federal governments, including production, quality control and research
• Chemistry teachers and professors
• Industrial research and development scientists
• Forensic scientists
• Physicians and health care professionals
• Pharmacists

Major Maps

• Guide: CHEMISTRY (BS) CURRICULUM

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

University of Cincinnati 3 + 3 Law School Admissions

This major welcomes eligible students who would like to earn a bachelor’s degree and a UC law degree in just six years, saving a year of tuition and time over the traditional path to becoming a lawyer. Students will receive careful advising to complete their major and A&S core degree requirements in 3 years. 

Special Programs

The BS program in chemistry is a rigorous course of study that prepares graduates to be successful in a wide range of careers. Important experiential opportunities are available to students in this program, including undergraduate research and academic internships. Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged, and many undergraduates co-author journal articles from the research they conduct in the department. The optional academic internship program in chemistry allows students in the program to have industrial lab experience along with their formal course of study.

During your sophomore year, this major will allow you to choose a co-op rotation track. The optional co-op track provides an opportunity for you to engage in compensated, career-oriented experiences and reflect upon and integrate your experience within your undergraduate degree. Engaging in several meaningful career-related experiences prior to graduation provides you with an opportunity to develop transferable skills and provides you with a competitive edge as you enter the workforce after graduation.

Admission Requirements

First year applicants, please review the admission requirements.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution
• successfully completed one semester of English composition or its equivalent
• successfully completed one semester of math with a grade of C- or higher that minimally meets on of the following:
  • Mathematical Literacy (MATH 0029)
  • Intermediate Algebra (MATH 0034)
  • Algebra for College (MATH 0039)
  • Students may also take the UC Math Placement exam, but must score an MPT of 420 or higher

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in their most recent UC college.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• at least a 2.0 GPA in all college-level courses (both at UC and at other institutions)
• successfully completed one semester of English composition or its equivalent
• successfully completed one semester of math with a grade of C- or higher that minimally meets on of the following:
  • Mathematical Literacy (MATH 0029)
  • Intermediate Algebra (MATH 0034)
  • Algebra for College (MATH 0039)
  • Students may also take the UC Math Placement exam, but must score an MPT of 420 or higher

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the college.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.

Application Deadlines

While midyear admission is possible, fall semester is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that semester. Applicants to the UC College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).

Accreditation