Chemistry - San Diego State University

Chemistry from San Diego State University is a Campus Bachelor Chemistry degree that prepares you for a Science career. Chemistry is the study of matter. Chemists not only study the nature of all substances that exist, they also create many new substances. Some study the composition, properties, and structure of compounds, and others delight in investigating the reactions in which substances are converted into others. Knowledge of the changes in structure and energy during these reactions, and of how various factors affect the rate of reactions, help chemists to develop theories and techniques to meet the new challenges of our time. Chemists usually specialize in Analytical, Inorganic, Organic, Physical or Biochemistry. The SDSU undergraduate program covers the fundamentals of each of these areas with an emphasis in laboratory study and practical applications of chemistry . Chemistry is a great career choice because it is fascinating, it contributes to society, and it is readily employable. Production, research, teaching and administration each appeal to many chemists. There are exciting and rewarding chemical careers in evaluating environmental problems, in developing new pharmaceuticals, in finding alternative energy sources, in creating new processes and products, in studying the nature of matter, identifying and characterizing natural products, and in tracing the processes in living cells to name just a few possibilities. Chemistry is referred to as the central science because it intimately overlaps with other sciences, such as astronomy, biology, geology, mathematics, physics, and psychology. Every level of industry and every level of government require chemists, and many chemists go into business for themselves. Program Overview The Department of Chemistry offers a variety of degree programs to meet the goals of its undergraduate and graduate students. LaboratoryThe Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry, with the certificate of the American Chemical Society, is the core curriculum. It is designed to prepare the student for the broadest range of opportunities in employment or graduate studies. A modification of the B.S. degree leads to an Emphasis in Biochemistry, which is often selected by students preparing for pharmaceutical or medical careers, as well as aspiring biochemists. This major requires some biochemistry and biology courses in lieu of some classical chemistry courses. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Chemistry, with the certificate of the American Chemical Society, meets the needs of other students. The B.A. degree requires a foreign language, greater subject matter breadth, and less upper-division chemistry than the B.S. It is a true liberal arts education. A second Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Chemistry is designed for students in a pre-medical, pre-dental or pre-veterinary program. A student in this program is expected to minor in biology. The department offers a B.S. Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences, which prepares students for the Single Subject Teaching Credential. Career Opportunities A wide variety of career opportunities are open to chemistry graduates. As expected, many chemistry students are employed by chemical and petrochemical corporations. Locally, many of our students are employed by biotechnology, pharmaceutical and electronics firms. There are SDSU graduates in the EPA, the DEA, and crime laboratories. The City and County of San Diego employ many chemists in providing safe drinking water and preventing pollution. Others find careers in management, market research, and sales. The department is particularly proud of the large number of our graduates who are high school, community college, and university teachers. Although San Diego is not known as an industrial area, the San Diego Section of the American Chemical Society is comprised of over 2,100 local chemists. View more details on San Diego State University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Chemistry courses.