Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
Investigate the composition, properties and reactions of all substances.
"I think it is important to know that the professors here are always willing to help! Plus, going to office hours can be beneficial in grasping the material."
Nancy Liu ('25)
B.A. in Chemistry
About this Program
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. in Chemistry. To be admitted to this degree, students must meet certain prerequisites.
Chemistry majors are introduced to the electronic theory of matter, organic and inorganic chemical reactions, quantum and statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, the kinetic theory of gasses, and the properties of solutions. They receive training in the theory and use of state-of-the-art chemical instrumentation, the principles of data collection and analyses, and the techniques used for the professional presentation of scientific results.
B.A. vs. B.S.
Students can choose between the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with optional emphases in Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, or Physical Chemistry.
- The Bachelor of Arts degree has a deeper and wider general education foundation and allows greater compatibility with other areas of study. It requires a minor field of study or double major.
- The more specialized Bachelor of Science degree requires more mathematics and science as well as more chemistry courses. The B.S. degree is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS).
The Value of a Chemistry Degree
A chemistry degree empowers and prepares students to deal with complexity and change through a broad knowledge of the world. Students gain key skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with a diverse group of people. The American Chemical Society helps students explore chemistry careers.
Related careers in chemistry include:
- chemical and materials research
- medical research
- pharmacology
- toxicology
- health care
- pharmacy
- law, policy
- environmental science
On this Page…
Program Information
Program Type
Major
Minor
Area of Study
Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology
School
Duration
4 years
Degree
B.A. in Chemistry
Program Location
Required Credit Hours
120
Degree Requirements
To be admitted to this degree and to enroll in the required first chemistry course, students must meet one of the following prerequisites:
- ACT math subscore of 24 (SAT 580)
- ALEKS online math placement test score of PPL 76
- Grade of A or B in Chem 101 at the University of Mississippi
- Grade of A or B in Math 121: Algebra and Math 123: Trig
- Grade of A or B in Math 125: Basic Math for Science and Technology
Students in the B.A. in Chemistry complete 28-31 credit hours of chemistry courses as well as some required math and physics courses. They are also required to complete a minor field of study or double major. To enroll in the B.A. in chemistry, students must have successfully completed Chem 105 or meet the prerequisites for Chem 105.
- Chem 105: General Chemistry I
- Chem 106: General Chemistry II
- Chem 115: General Chemistry Laboratory I
- Chem 116: General Chemistry Laboratory II
- Chem 221: Elementary Organic Chemistry I
- Chem 222: Elementary Organic Chemistry II
- Chem 225: Elementary Organic Chem. Laboratory I
- Chem 226: Elementary Organic Chem. Laboratory II
- Chem 314: Quantitative Analysis
- Chem 331: Physical Chemistry I OR Chem 334: Biophysical Chemistry
- Chem 451: Senior Individual Research
Two courses from:
- Chem 332: Physical Chemistry II
- Chem 401: Inorganic Chemistry
- Chem 423: Organic Analysis
- Chem 469: Introduction to Instrumental Analysis
- Chem 471: Biochemistry I
Additional Requirements
- Math 261: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry I
- Math 262: Unified Calculus & Analytic Geometry II
One of the following sequences:
- Phys 211/212: Physics for Science & Engineering I, II and labs
- Phys 213/214: General Physics I, II and labs
A minor in Chemistry consists of 19-20 credit hours of courses.
- Chem 105: General Chemistry I
- Chem 106: General Chemistry II
- Chem 115: General Chemistry Laboratory I
- Chem 116: General Chemistry Laboratory II
- Chem 221: Elementary Organic Chemistry I
- Chem 222: Elementary Organic Chemistry II
- Chem 225: Elementary Organic Chem. Laboratory I
- Chem 226: Elementary Organic Chem. Laboratory II
- 3-4 hours at the 300 level or higher OR BMS 343: Biochemical Foundations of Therapeutics
Watch the Video
Connect with a Chemistry Major
Emily Lin
Why is your department a special place?
See Emily’s Answer
Brandon Suh
What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
See Brandon’s AnswerWhat can I do with a chemistry degree?
- Patents Department, Coca-Cola
- Teacher, Madison Ridgeland Academy
- Chair of the Department of Medicine, Emory University
- Research Associate, University of Michigan
- Faculty, Northwest MS Community College
- Manager of Mass Spectrometry, Harvard
- Medical Director, Baptist Memorial Hospital
- Physician, Tupelo Medical Group
- Owner/Surgeon, Mass. Cosmetic Surgery
- Psychiatrist, East MS State Hospital
- State Training Coordinator, MS Public Health Lab
- Lab Research Chemist, US Army Research Lab
- Lab Refining Manager, Amoco Oil
- Executive Therapeutic Specialist, GlaxoSmith-Kline
- Senior Research Chemist, DuPont
- Manager, Lockheed Martin
Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts
As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!
Annabelle Harris
Admissions Counselor
Future CLA Students
College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Students
We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet.
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?