B.S. in Chemistry
Harrisonburg, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
USD 6,434 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* regular admission | November 1st, 2022: early admission
** in-state tuition fee | $15,076: out-of-state tuition fee. Additional fees may apply
Introduction
Chemistry is a diverse field that involves the study of the properties, composition, and structure of substances.
At JMU, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is large enough to offer modern laboratories and advanced instrumentation, and small enough for students to gain hands-on experience with this research-grade equipment and to pursue individualized programs of study. Our faculty members specialize in all major areas of chemistry, including organic/inorganic chemistry, environmental chemistry, computational chemistry, and a variety of other subdisciplines.
The Chemistry major focuses on the study of the composition and behavior of matter, emphasizing hands-on learning. Students take foundational lecture and laboratory courses in all sub-disciplines of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical. There are opportunities to take advanced courses in these areas, as well as courses in cross-disciplinary areas such as environmental, materials, nuclear, and polymers.
The undergraduate experience is further enhanced by participation in undergraduate research with a faculty member, using modern laboratories and state-of-the-art instrumentation. Conducting research and presenting results builds technical, critical thinking, and communication skills that are highly valued by graduate and professional schools, as well as industry and government employers.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
Degree and Major Requirements
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
- General Education 41 Credit Hours1
- Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education) 3 Credit Hours2
- Scientific Literacy requirement (in addition to General Education) 3-4 Credit Hours2
- Major requirements and electives 70-74 Credit Hours
Footnotes
1The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary. Some courses that are required for this major will meet General Education requirements.
2The quantitative and scientific literacy requirements are met by courses required in the major.
Additional Information
Students must complete all coursework in one of the six concentrations listed to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. The credit hours for major requirements will vary based on the chosen concentration.
Core Requirements for all concentrations
- CHEM 131. General Chemistry I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 132. General Chemistry II Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 135L. Special General Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1.001
- CHEM 136L. Special General Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 2.001
- CHEM 241. Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 242. Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 270. Inorganic Chemistry I Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 287L. Integrated Inorganic/Organic Laboratory I Credits: 2.00
- CHEM 288L. Integrated Inorganic/Organic Laboratory II Credits: 2.00
- CHEM 331. Physical Chemistry I Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 351. Analytical Chemistry Credits: 4.00
- CHEM 361. Biochemistry I Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 481. Literature and Seminar I Credits: 1.00
- CHEM 482. Literature and Seminar II Credits: 1.00
Required Cognate Courses for all Concentrations
- MATH 235. Calculus I [C3QR] Credits: 4.00
or
- MATH 231. Calculus with Functions I [C3QR] Credits: 3.00 and
- MATH 232. Calculus with Functions II Credits: 3.00
- MATH 236. Calculus II Credits: 4.00
- PHYS 240. University Physics I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 250. University Physics II Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 240L. University Physics Laboratory I [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 250L. University Physics Laboratory II Credits: 1.00
Footnote
1CHEM 131L-CHEM 132L may be substituted.
Electives
The well-prepared student is encouraged to take as many of the additional departmental offerings as possible as electives with attention being given to junior and/or senior research projects.
Three credits of undergraduate research (CHEM 390A/CHEM 390B/497A/499A) may be used to satisfy chemistry elective requirements if the research project is completed with the same faculty mentor over multiple semesters.
Courses
Students completing concentration V must complete the courses below in addition to core courses.
- CHEM 336L. Applied Physical Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 2.00
- CHEM 352. Instrumental Analysis Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 352L. Instrumental Analysis Laboratory Credits: 2.00
- Upper-division chemistry elective 3 Credit Hours
Chemistry B.S. Recommended Schedule for Majors
First Year
- CHEM 131. General Chemistry I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 132. General Chemistry II Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 135L. Special General Chemistry Laboratory I Credits: 1.00
- CHEM 136L. Special General Chemistry Laboratory II Credits: 2.00
or - CHEM 131L. General Chemistry Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- CHEM 132L. General Chemistry Laboratory Credits: 1.00
- MATH 235. Calculus I [C3QR] Credits: 4.00
- MATH 236. Calculus II Credits: 4.00
- BIO 140. Foundations of Biology I [C3NS] Credits: 3.00 and
- BIO 140L. Foundations of Biology I Laboratory [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- General Education courses or electives Credits / Units: 10.00
Second Year
- CHEM 241. Organic Chemistry I Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 242. Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 270. Inorganic Chemistry I Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 287L. Integrated Inorganic/Organic Laboratory I Credits: 2.00
- CHEM 288L. Integrated Inorganic/Organic Laboratory II Credits: 2.00
- PHYS 240. University Physics I [C3PP] Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 250. University Physics II Credits: 3.00
- PHYS 240L. University Physics Laboratory I [C3L] Credits: 1.00
- PHYS 250L. University Physics Laboratory II Credits: 1.00
- General Education courses or electives 9 Credit Hours
Third Year
- CHEM 331. Physical Chemistry I Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 351. Analytical Chemistry Credits: 4.00
- CHEM 352. Instrumental Analysis Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 352L. Instrumental Analysis Laboratory Credits: 2.00
- CHEM 361. Biochemistry I Credits: 3.00
- CHEM 481. Literature and Seminar I Credits: 1.00
- CHEM 482. Literature and Seminar II Credits: 1.00
- Courses in the concentration, General Education or electives 13 Credit Hours
Fourth Year
- Courses in the concentration, General Education or electives 29 Credit Hours
Career Opportunities
A successful career and a meaningful life is what it’s all about. Whether it’s an internship, a great first job or a top graduate school appointment, JMU Dukes make their dreams ignite. You will, too.
Here are current openings available to JMU students.
Jobs for JMU Students
Chemist
- EUV Resist Chemistry Postdoc
- Project Manager - Eurofins Environment Testing North Central - Cedar Falls, IA
- Organic Chemist Postdoctoral Position Molecular and Medical Pharmacology
- Computational Chemistry Postdoc
- Research Scientist - Peptide Chemist
- Chemistry Technician
- Scientist, Analytical Chemistry
- Laboratory Analyst
- Microbiologist/Environmental Engineer/Chemist-ORD
- Leadership Development Program- R&D
- Entry Level Chemist
- Chemist
- R&D Chemist
- Research Associate II - Organic Chemist
- Chemistry Tutor
- Bilingual Chemistry Teacher
- Chemist
- Manufacturing Scientist/ Chemist
- R&D Engineer - VTS01UR
Environmental Consultant
- OSW / Offshore Wind IAC Installation Engineer (Entry-Level Engineer) at AVANGRID (BGC, CNG, CMP, NYSEG, RG&E, UI, SCG, NYSEG)
- Biological Field Technician - Bias Trials Administrator - (968) at Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.
- Consulting or Senior Bat Biologist - (967) at Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.
- Electrical Engineering Technician at Second Order Effects Inc
- Senior Quality Engineer at IPG Photonics
- Civil Engineering Analyst (Greater Phoenix, AZ) at Kimley-Horn
- Client Solution Specialist - Climate Change at Resilience
- Biological Field Technician - (966) at Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc.
- Architectural Associate at RS&H
- Airfield Civil Engineering Associate - Mobile, AL at RS&H
- Airfield Civil Engineering Associate - Austin, TX at RS&H
- Airfield Civil Engineering Associate - Duluth, MN at RS&H
- Airfield Civil Engineering Associate - Columbus, OH at RS&H
- Airfield Civil Engineering Associate - Fort Lauderdale, FL at RS&H
- Architectural Associate at RS&H
- Water Resources Engineering Associate at RS&H
- Graduate Students-Policy Analytics Senior Consultant (Master's) at Booz Allen Hamilton
- Senior Permit and Policy Consultant (Natural Resource Specialist 4) at Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Pharmaceutical
- Manufacturing Engineer at Fresenius Kabi
- Mechanical Engineer (Entry Level) at L&T Technology Services
- Clinical Trial Coordinator at Merck & Co., Inc.
- Organic Prep Analyst 1 - Environment Testing at Eurofins
- Sample Registration Technician at Eurofins
- Automation Engineering, Future Leaders Program, US, 2023 at GSK
- Associate Scientist / Scientist - Mammalian Expression at PPD, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Scientist- Cell Line Development and Engineering at AstraZeneca
- 336852 Senior Scientist, Cell Biologist at GSK
- Validation Engineer at Fresenius Kabi
- Manufacturing Engineer - Packaging at Fresenius Kabi
- Associate Scientist at Fresenius Kabi
- Scientist, Analytical Chemistry at Eurofins
- Study Technician- Animal Operations at Labcorp
- Associate Neuroscience Specialty Representative (Flint, MI) at Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Neuroscience Specialty Representative (Flint, MI) at Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Laboratory Assistant at Eurofins
- Pricing Analyst at HealthVerity
- Neuroscience Specialty Representative (Atlanta, GA) at Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Toxicologist
- Physical Scientist / Life Scientist / Ecologist / Toxicologist (Risk Assessor)-R1 at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Regulatory Toxicologist (6044) at Exponent
Internships for JMU Students
Chemist
- CDC Clinical Chemistry Internship at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- Intern / Co-Op CMC Lab Specialist at Framatome Inc.
- Lab Technician - Chemical Industry; 12-15 week temporary position (September - December 2022) at Arkema
Environmental Consultant
- Test Engineering Intern at Second Order Effects Inc
- Quality Assurance Intern (Summer 2023) at Schreiber Foods
- Health Scientist Summer Intern at Cardno
- Quality Assurance Intern (Summer 2023) at Schreiber Foods
- Quality Assurance Intern (Summer 2023) at Schreiber Foods
- Quality Assurance Intern (Summer 2023) at Schreiber Foods
- Water/Wastewater Intern - Newark, DE at JMT
- 2023 Summer Intern – Forensic Accounting (college recruiting candidates only) at J.S. Held (formerly Veris from Ocean Tomo)
- CleanEarth4Kids.org Human Health Intern at CleanEarth4Kids.org
- Academic Year Internship - Geology/Engineering/ Environmental Science at NYC Mayor's Office of Environmental Remediation
- Business Solutions Consultant Summer Intern at Crowe LLP
- Mechanical Engineering Intern at TRC Companies
- Environmental Science Intern at TRC Companies
- Environmental Engineering Intern at TRC Companies
- Construction Management Intern at TRC Companies
- Civil/Structural Engineering Intern at TRC Companies
- Digital Intern at TRC Companies
- Non-Technical Interns (Marketing/Finance/HR/Corporate Functions) at TRC Companies
- Environmental Science Intern for Planning, Permitting, Licensing at TRC Companies
Pharmaceutical
- 2023 Summer STEM Internships at Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research at Novartis
- ALLEX Program Participant - Large Industries, Plant Engineer Base Operations Track Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering Majors at Air Liquide
- ALLEX Program Participant - Large Industries, Pipeline Base Operations Track Civil or Mechanical Engineering Majors at Air Liquide
- ALLEX Program Participant - Large Industries, Smart Innovative Operations Base Operations Track Mechanical or Data Analytics Engineering Majors at Air Liquide
- ALLEX Program Participant - Large Industries, Base Operations Track Electrical Engineering Major at Air Liquide
- Accounting Intern at iA
- Electrical Engineering Intern at iA
- Study Technician- Animal Operations Summer Internship at Labcorp
- Clinical Vet Tech Intern at Labcorp
- Health Scientist Summer Intern at Cardno
- Clinical Vet Tech Intern at Labcorp
- Surgery Team - Animal Operations Intern at Labcorp
- Study Technician - Anatomical Pathology Summer Intern at Labcorp
- Immunology & Immunotoxicology Summer Intern - Internship at Labcorp
- Immunology & Immunotoxicology Intern - Internship at Labcorp
- Clinical Pathology Intern at Labcorp
- Preclinical Oncology Intern at Labcorp
- Elanco Summer Intern- Manufacturing Scientist at Elanco Animal Health
- Elanco Summer Intern- Manufacturing Engineer at Elanco Animal Health
Toxicologist
- Health Scientist Summer Intern at Cardno
- 2023 Summer Intern – Forensic Accounting (college recruiting candidates only) at J.S. Held (formerly Veris from Ocean Tomo)
- EPA Internship for Assessing Pesticides and High Priority Contaminants in the Environment at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- EPA Rapid PFAS Aquatic Toxicity Testing Internship at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- EPA Rapid PFAS Aquatic Toxicity Testing Internship at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- EPA Internship on Mechanism of Toxicity Following Respiratory Exposure to PFAS at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Scholarships and Funding
Madison awards more than 400 one- to four-year scholarships each year to incoming students. The primary criterion for merit-based scholarships is exceptional academic performance. Other selection criteria may include leadership, involvement, and career goals.
The Madison Scholarships Hub is the application center for all JMU Foundation scholarships at James Madison University. To access the Madison Scholarships Hub, log in to MyMadison. Under the Applicant tab, click on the Madison Scholarships Hub logo.
All students are encouraged to fill out the General Application in the Madison Scholarships Hub to be considered for various scholarship opportunities. Qualifications for the majority of our scholarships are based on the General Application information as well as information pulled directly from your admissions application.
Review the criteria carefully for any recommended scholarship opportunities you are presented with and if you meet the qualifications, click apply to submit the additional required information. Deadlines vary across departments so be sure to complete the General Application as soon as possible to receive full consideration. Some scholarship opportunities become available starting in the fall while others open later so be sure to check back in January, February and March.
English Language Requirements
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