The B.A. degree requires fewer chemistry courses and offers the possibility of completing a double major if students have a strong interest in another field. Both degrees offer some latitude in the selection of upper level courses, thus providing the student with flexibility to pursue an interest in a particular area of chemistry. Students graduating with either the B.S. or the B.A. may also qualify for departmental honors.

Students graduating with a major in chemistry will have the necessary knowledge to prepare them for a career in chemistry or for graduate school, and the confidence and skill to succeed. They will have the ability to read, comprehend, write, and speak with clarity and understanding in technical areas. They will constantly apply critical thinking to their readings in the technical literature. They will have developed good laboratory skills and be familiar with modern instrumentation and with the use of computers in technical fields. They will have developed the skills necessary to analyze their data and to draw conclusions from it.

Chemistry is an excellent major for students interested in chemistry, biochemistry, food science, forensic science, medicine, medicinal chemistry, dentistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacy, patent law, polymer science, chemical engineering, environmental science, materials science and other interdisciplinary fields. The major is also suited to students with a complementary interest in other sciences, or in computers, education, economics or business.