Chemistry and Biochemistry

(770) 423-6159
chem@kennesaw.edu
http://science.kennesaw.edu/chem

The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry offers class and laboratory instruction in all areas of chemistry and biochemistry. The department’s two degree programs, the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, offer students a wide range of options to prepare them for employment in the chemical industry in a variety of different roles, for graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry, for entrance into pre-professional schools (medical, dental, pharmacy, or law), for secondary school education as a chemistry educator, for government or health care profession as a skilled laboratory scientist, or for many other opportunities in the government and private sector for which the critical thinking skills that accompany a chemistry degree are needed. Internships and cooperative employment opportunities are also available and provide the students valuable field-related work experience and an advantage when searching for employment. Many students are involved in research projects with faculty, and this experience provides important lessons in how science is really done.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) has continuously approved degree programs in the department since 1987. The department offers B.S. degrees in both chemistry and biochemistry that are approved by the ACS. In addition, the Bachelor of Science in Secondary Chemistry Education (track) is fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), fully approved by Georgia’s Professional Standards Commission for 6-12 teacher certification (GPSC), and is nationally recognized by the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA).

Within the Chemistry degree program there are several options, differentiated as tracks. Completion of the Professional Chemistry track earns the student a certificate from the ACS, which recognizes them as having completed an ACS approved program. The Professional Chemistry track prepares the student for graduate school in chemistry or biochemistry and for employment in industry, government, or other agencies doing research and development, quality control, environmental studies, or other applications of chemistry and/or biochemistry.

The General Chemistry track was designed to provide for more flexibility by allowing more electives. This track allows the student significant flexibility to prepare for professional schools (medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, or optometry), for a career in secondary school education, for law school, or for a position in sales or management in the chemical or biochemical industry. Students also have the option of taking either the Forensic Chemistry track, the Chemistry Education track, or the Pharmaceutical Chemistry track. Because of the flexibility in the degree program, it is important that students seek advice from an advisor during their first semesters at KSU.