Arts & Sciences

Personal Attention

The Chemistry Department has student-to-faculty ratios that are typically 30 or less in the classroom and 20 or less in the laboratory. The department typically graduates 12-18 students each year.

Flexibility

The department offers four distinct chemistry degrees as well as pre-professional programs:

• Bachelor of Science (ACS Approved)
  
• Bachelor of Science- Biochemistry Track
• Bachelor of Science- Forensic Science Track
• Bachelor of Arts
• Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Pharmacy, and Pre-Veterinary Pre-Professional Programs

Job Opportunities

Employment opportunities for chemists are very diverse, allowing you to find your own path.  The American Chemical Society has information about various careers in chemistry and even chemistry professional career profiles.

Undergraduate Research

The department is extremely well equipped to support faculty-student collaborative work, and encourages students to work with a professor on an undergraduate research project.

Entrance Requirements

In order to declare one of the majors housed in the chemistry department, you must be able to satisfy the pre-requisites for our initial majors course, CHE 120 (General Chemistry I). Most students meet this requirement by taking a chemistry course in high school and having minimum ACT scores (Math ACT >= 22, Reading ACT >= 20 and English ACT >= 18). Those who don’t initially meet these requirements must take additional courses at NKU (e.g., receiving a B- or better in CHE 102, or completing the appropriate math course(s)) or receive a successful score on our departmental placement test in order to declare a major in our department. Contact the department for more information.

How to Declare Chemistry as a Major or Minor

Should you meet the above entrance requirements and would like to change to a chemistry major/minor, please stop by the departmental office (SC 204F) and complete a change of major form. The request must receive approval from the department before the change be effective. We generally require all new majors to meet with the department chair or assistant chair to discuss your future career plans and how a major in our department will best serve your needs. Should you be a freshman or sophomore, you will also be encouraged to take our introductory seminar course if you haven’t already. Please contact the office for further information.

Advising

See the Advising Section of our website for further information.