The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry has fewer required courses than the Bachelor of Science program, which allows students greater flexibility in choosing electives and additional concentrations. Although not intended for students planning to become practicing chemists, this degree program is well suited for those needing a strong chemistry background as preparation for other career opportunities. The degree may be used to meet pre-medicine and pre-dentistry requirements when appropriate courses from the biological sciences are used to fulfill elective hours. However, the B.S. in Chemistry–Biochemistry is strongly recommended for students interested in medical or dental school.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society and consists of four concentrations: Biochemistry, Biochemistry - Pre-Medicine/Pre-Osteopathy/Pre-Dentistry, Chemistry and Materials Chemistry.

The Biochemistry concentration provides strong preparation for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in biochemistry or planning a career as a practicing biochemist in industrial research and development, government research laboratories, or in academia. It also provides ideal preparation for students intending to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, having been designed to closely fit the requirements of the Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). With careful planning students may transfer to NEOMED after three years at Kent, using 16 credit hours of courses from NEOMED to complete their Kent State degree requirements. With the appropriate electives, this degree concentration may be certified by the American Chemical Society.

The Biochemistry–Pre-Medicine/Pre-Osteopathy/Pre-Dentistry concentration provides one of the strongest possible preparations for medical and dental school, and is the recommended track for students intending to go on to medical or dental school.

The Chemistry concentration is designed for students interested in careers as practicing chemists in industrial research and development, in government research laboratories or in academia. It includes a strong foundation in both chemistry and related disciplines (physics and mathematics), and provides opportunities to pursue advanced chemistry electives. This concentration meets the requirements for certification by the American Chemical Society and is ideal for students who plan to pursue graduate studies in chemistry.

The Materials Chemistry concentration is recommended for students interested in pursuing graduate study or industrial careers in materials science, including nanotechnology. Its requirements, similar to those of the traditional chemistry concentration, provide an opportunity for more in-depth study in the synthesis and characterization of inorganic and organic materials, including polymers.

B.A. and B.S. Chemistry students have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program with the University of Leicester (UK).