Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry - Biochemistry

University of Missouri - St. Louis

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers courses leading to the following baccalaureate degrees:B.A. in ChemistryB.A. in Chemistry with a Biochemistry EmphasisB.S. in Chemistry (with a Chemistry or Biochemistry Option)B.S. Ed. in Secondary Education with Emphasis in Chemistry (in cooperation with the College of Education)B.A. or B.S. in Chemistry with Master’s Level Coursework for Secondary Teacher Certification (in cooperation with the College of Education)The B.S. degree offered by the department is certified by the American Chemical Society. Students completing the B.S. degree (chemistry or biochemistry option) are certified by the American Chemical Society. The B.S. degree is the professional degree in chemistry, and students who earn the B.S. degree are well prepared for a career in the chemical industry or for graduate work in chemistry. The department provides opportunities for undergraduates to become involved in ongoing research projects. The B.A. degree with an emphasis in biochemistry is especially suited for pre-health students such as pre-medical, pre-dental, or pre-pharmacy students.The department also offers graduate work leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree in chemistry with most graduate courses being scheduled in the evening. A student may earn a M.S. degree with or without a thesis. The non-thesis option provides a convenient way for students who are employed full-time to earn an advanced degree. The department also offers a non-thesis M.S. with a professional science emphasis. This option includes 9 credit hours of business courses and an internship practicum.Research leading to a M.S. thesis or Ph.D. dissertation may be conducted in one of five emphasis areas, namely, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, or biochemistry. The nature of the graduate program allows each student to receive individualized attention from his/her research mentor, and to develop hands-on experience with major instrumentation in the department.The St. Louis metropolitan area has long been a major center for industrial chemistry, and in the past decade it has become a focus for the establishment of life sciences research and development. A bachelor’s degree in chemistry provides a student with the professional training needed to play a part in this ever-changing industry.A major in chemistry provides excellent preprofessional training in the health sciences, and major in biochemistry and biotechnology is often chosen by premedical and predental students and those interested in graduate work in biochemistry and biology. A minor in chemistry provides the minimum qualification and training for a position as a laboratory technician in industry, hospital laboratories, etc.A Master’s degree in chemistry is often required for further advancement in the chemical industry, whereas a doctoral degree opens the door to many opportunities, including careers in the academic world, industrial research and development, and in government laboratories.