Why study chemistry?

At KU Chemistry, we have faculty dedicated to mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students and to helping each student achieve scientific maturity. In addition to required classroom and laboratory courses, options exist for doing research in exciting areas of mainstream chemistry, including emerging fields of microfluidics, precision medicine and sustainable catalysis.

Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate program in the Department of Chemistry has two primary missions. One of these is to help its majors attain a mastery of the discipline in preparation for further study in chemistry or a chemical science, or for immediate employment in chemistry. The other is to provide an opportunity for students majoring in other disciplines to acquire a basic knowledge of the fundamental areas of chemistry.

The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, a rigorous program certified by the American Chemical Society, consists of a full spectrum of chemistry courses as well as supporting courses in mathematics, physics, and biochemistry, and is designed to prepare students for a professional career in chemistry. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program, with fewer required courses, allows students to obtain a broader knowledge of areas outside of chemistry, or to tailor their chemistry program for specific or unique objectives. We also offer a minor in chemistry for those seeking a secondary area of study.

Undergraduate Admission

Admission to KU

All students applying for admission must send high school and college transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Prospective first-year students should be aware that KU has qualified admission requirements that all new first-year students must meet to be admitted. Consult the Office of Admissions for application deadlines and specific admission requirements.

Visit the International Support Services for information about international admissions.

Students considering transferring to KU may see how their college-level course work will transfer on the Office of the University Registrar website.

Requirements for the B.A. Major

Students choosing CHEM 636 will be required to take CHEM 635 as the pre or co-requisite.

Major Hours & Major GPA

Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major.

Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 12 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.

Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.

Biological and Biomedical Chemistry Concentration

This option is available to students who are on the pre-medical track or are otherwise interested in the biological applications of chemistry. 

In addition to all of the requirements for the regular B.A. major, the following courses are required:

Departmental Honors

Undergraduates may apply for admission to the departmental honors program after completion of an analytical, organic, and physical chemistry course but no sooner than the beginning of the junior year. Highly motivated and superior B.A. and B.S. students are admitted to the honors program. Honors in chemistry are awarded to students who have been admitted to the program and who have completed the following requirements with superior performance, including a major GPA of 3.5.

1. At least 2 semesters of CHEM 699 (4 hours total) resulting in a written thesis.
2. Evaluation and approval of the thesis by a faculty advisory committee.
3. Oral presentation of the thesis results at a special departmental seminar or other approved forum.

For an application form and further information, consult the department office.