B.A. in Chemistry
Investigate the composition, properties and reactions of all substances.
There are two paths to study chemistry at the University of Mississippi. Choose between the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with an optional biochemistry emphasis. The B.A. degree allows greater compatibility with other areas of study while the more specialized B.S. degree requires more mathematics and science. The B.A. degree requires mathematics, physics, and chemistry courses such as organic, quantitative analysis, physical, and a senior research course.
Key Benefits
Study chemistry at the University of Mississippi to receive training in state-of-the-art chemical instrumentation, data collection and analyses, and professional presentation of scientific results. A high percentage of students also engage in research with faculty.
Graduate Outcomes
A liberal arts education prepares graduates to deal with complexity and change. They gain key skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with diverse groups. Related careers in chemistry include chemical and materials research, medical research, pharmacology, toxicology, health care, pharmacy, law, policy, and environmental areas.
Experiences Offered
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is ranked among the top 50 chemistry departments in the country (out of 555) for its production of undergraduate degrees because faculty members take a keen interest in the success of their students. Students may become involved in research with faculty members as early as the end of their freshman year, and many opportunities exist for students to become involved in funded summer research projects.
B.A. in Chemistry Faculty
The faculty in the University of Mississippi's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have expertise in analytical, astrochemistry, biological, computational, electrochemical, environmental, forensic, inorganic, organic, physical, and theoretical chemistry.
Course Requirements
A major in chemistry for the B.A. degree consists of the following 28-31 hours of courses: Chem 105, 106, 115, 116; 221, 222, 225, 226; 314; 331 or 334; 451 (1 hour), and two courses from 332, 401, 423, 469, 471. Two additional hours of Chem 451 may substitute for one of these courses. Math 261, 262 and Phys 211, 212, 221, 222 or Phys 213, 214, 223, 224 are also required.
The following courses may not be used for major credit: Chem 101, 103, 104, 113, 114, 121, 201, 202, 271, 293, 381, 382, 383, or 393.
Admissions Requirements
To enroll in the program, students must have successfully completed Chem 105 or have a minimum ACT mathematics score of 25 (SAT 580 or SATR 600).
Anna Hailey Rubinstein
Earning three majors in Chinese, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anna (2011) was also a student in the Chinese Flagship Program. She was UM's 8th Goldwater Scholarship recipient. Anna worked in multiple research labs on the development of new photocatalysts for turning carbon dioxide into useable energy forms. She made a number of trips to China, including being UM's first exchange student at Zhejiang University, China's leading engineering school. She earned her M.A. in chemical engineering and a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and materials science from Princeton University. Anna currently works at the Institute for Defense Analyses, a federally funded research and development center in Alexandria, VA.
Why study chemistry at UM?
"Students should consider coming to UM to study chemistry for the personalized experience. Class sizes are small, and professors really care about teaching and supporting each student. There are plenty of opportunities for undergraduate research, which is great preparation for graduate school or industry work."
Student Organizations
Join the American Chemical Society and/or the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers.