Chemistry

At A Glance

The Chemistry degree program prepares graduates for graduate school, medical school, pharmacy school, or chemistry-related careers. The degree provides in-depth instruction and extensive hands-on laboratory experience. The program is interdisciplinary, delivered by highly qualified and dedicated faculty in a modern facility with access to examples of current instrumentation. Graduates are qualified to enter advanced programs at the master’s or doctoral level, or seek careers in industrial, environmental, forensic, or medical laboratories. The chemistry major may lead to a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Concentration in Biochemistry. A minor in chemistry is also available.

 
The College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics offers a comprehensive liberal arts education. Degree programs are designed to help students integrate what they learn and to encourage them to apply their knowledge in real-life situations. Through detailed familiarity with a primary discipline, as well as additional concentrations in other disciplines, students acquire a broad understanding of the world in which they live. When they complete their studies, graduates will possess a common body of knowledge shared by all educated people.
 

Skills and Characteristics

  • Curiosity and perseverance
  • Ability to concentrate on details
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Leadership ability
  • Scientific and mathematical aptitude
  • Communication skills
  • Ability to build scientific apparatus
  • Ability to perform lab experiments and computer modeling
  • Ability to apply basic statistical skills
 

Program Learning Objectives

  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of chemistry theory via standardized testing.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to use the scientific method in the setting of a modern chemistry lab.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to present research data to a professional audience in a professional manner.
  • Students will demonstrate their understanding of social and ethical issues surrounding scientific and technological progress.
 

Specialties

  • Nanotechnology
  • Organometallics
  • Physical Organic Chemistry
  • Radiochemistry
  • Thermal Acoustics
 

Highlights

  • New minors in geology and physics
  • Summer undergraduate research
 

Horizons

  • Environmental Science
  • Geology
  • Meteorology
  • Oceanography
  • Physical Science Education
 

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities in chemistry sometimes require education beyond a bachelor’s degree. For additional information concerning specific areas of concentration, please visit with an advisor.

  • Biochemist
  • Chemical engineer
  • Chemical technician
  • Crime lab analyst
  • Geneticist
  • Manufactures' representative
  • Medical technologist
  • Pathologist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Toxicologist
 

Salary and Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, as of May 2013 the approximate average salary nationally was $77,740 and the approximate average salary for the state of Arkansas was $71,990.
 
Salaries and outlook for Chemistry majors vary, depending upon the career field and level of education.
 

 

For more information please contact:
Dr. David Burkey Melissa Reynolds, Ms. JoAnn Chandler
Interim, Assistant Department Head, Administrative Assistant Advising Coordinator
Physical Sciences Physical Sciences College of STEM
479-788-7793 479-788-7735 479-788-7129
david.burkey@uafs.edu melissa.reynolds@uafs.edu joann.chandler@uafs.edu

You may also contact the UAFS Advising and Career Services at:

479-788-7400
Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm