COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Chemistry at Wright State University is a flexible 120-credit-hour program designed for students interested in chemistry, healthcare professions, or interdisciplinary careers that combine science with other fields such as business, arts, or education. While both the B.A. and B.S. programs prepare students for medical, dental, and other professional schools, the B.S. is more suitable for students planning to become professional chemists or pursue graduate studies in chemistry. The B.A. curriculum provides a strong foundation in chemistry through courses in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, Physical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Chemical Literature and Composition, and laboratory-based scientific training. Students also complete Calculus I and II, a two-semester physics sequence, and advanced chemistry electives in areas such as environmental chemistry, spectroscopy, polymers, nanoscience, biochemistry, research, and analytical chemistry. A distinctive feature of the program is its flexibility, allowing students to combine chemistry studies with substantial coursework outside the sciences. B.A. chemistry majors must complete at least 18 credit hours outside the Colleges of Science and Mathematics and Engineering and Computer Science, beyond general education requirements, enabling broader academic and career preparation. The program emphasizes laboratory skills, scientific communication, critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and problem-solving. Students interested in research can participate in independent projects and, if academically qualified, may apply to the departmental honors program, which includes faculty-mentored research, advanced coursework, and presentation of research findings at scientific conferences. The degree includes 37 credit hours of general education, 15 credit hours of chemistry core courses, 19 credit hours of advanced chemistry requirements and electives, 28 credit hours of related mathematics and physics coursework, and additional electives to reach 120 credits. Overall, the Chemistry B.A. offers a versatile scientific education that prepares graduates for professional schools, technical careers, research support roles, interdisciplinary fields, and a wide range of opportunities where scientific knowledge and analytical skills are valued.