Degree Programs
Chemistry Degree Programs, Curricula, and Advising
The SOU chemistry department offers American Chemical Society-approved programs in chemistry and biochemistry, as well as a B.S. program in forensic chemistry. The department also offers a B.A. degree in chemistry which is tailored to meet the needs of students interested in attending medical school upon completion of undergraduate degree requirements
Which degree program is right for me?
To a large extent, the degree program you choose is determined by your future plans. If you are unsure about what you want to do after leaving SOU, please talk to a chemistry faculty member. Chemistry faculty, their contact information, and their advising specialties are listed below.
Lynn M. Kirms Science 266, (541) 552-6406 (Professor, Organic Chemistry) lkirms@sou.edu; Chemistry/Biochemistry advising; Prepharmacy advising.
Marc Koyack Science 283, (541) 552-6228 (Assistant Professor Organic Chemistry) koyackm@sou.edu Chemistry and Pre-Medical advising.
Douglas A. Chapman Science 283, (541) 552-6410 (Professor; Physical Chemistry) chapman@sou.edu; Chemistry/Biochemistry/Forensic Chemistry advising; Education advising.
Anna Oliveri Science 280, (541) 552- (Assistant Professor Inorganic Chemistry) oliveria@sou.edu; Chemistry/Biochemistry advising
Steven Petrovic Science 267, (541) 552-6803 (Professor; Analytical Chemistry ) petrovis@sou.edu Chemistry/Biochemistry/Forensic Chemistry advising.
Hala Schepmann Science 287, (541) 552-8172 (Professor and Chair, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry) schepmah@sou.edu Chemistry/Biochemistry and Pre-Medical advising.
Chemistry/Biochemistry Degree Programs
Students interested in continuing on to advanced (master’s or doctoral) studies in chemistry or biochemistry/molecular biology are strongly urged to pursue an ACS-approved degree in one of these fields of study. The ACS-approved degree programs offer the most thorough preparation in all areas of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics, and are designed to prepare students for advanced study.
A Word document outlining a suggested four-year curriculum leading to an ACS-approved B.S. degree in chemistry.
A Word document outlining a suggested four-year curriculum leading to an ACS-approved B.S. degree in biochemistry.
These documents outline the course work in chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and University Studies which fulfill the B.S. degree requirements. Students (especially transfer students) are urged to consult with a chemistry faculty advisor in their area of interest and discuss the appropriate curriculum.
Detailed information on courses (course descriptions, prerequisites, etc.) is available on the SOU catalog website accessible at the left this page.
Forensic Chemistry Degree Program
A degree option in forensic chemistry is also available. Results of a 1999 survey published in the Journal of Forensic Science showed that the American Academy of Forensic Science and the Association of American Crime Lab Directors prefer forensic technician applicants to have B.S. degrees in chemistry or biochemistry with substantial laboratory experience at the undergraduate level. This degree option will prepare students for immediate placement in the field or graduate study in forensic chemistry.
A Word document outlining a suggested four-year curriculum leading to a B.S. degree in forensic chemistry is available.
This document outlines the course work in chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and University Studies which fulfill the B.S. degree requirements in forensic chemistry. Students (especially transfer students) are urged to consult with a chemistry faculty advisor in their area of interest and discuss the appropriate curriculum.
Detailed information on courses (course descriptions, prerequisites, etc.) is available on the SOU catalog website.
Pre-medicine, Pre-pharmacy, Pre-dentistry, and Related Healthcare Programs
The Department strongly encourages students interested in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other related healthcare careers to ask us about our Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. This degree option is designed on the recommendations of the Association of American Medical Colleges and some of the best pre-medical programs in the United States. It is rich in the natural science and humanities courses that make students attractive applicants to medical schools and related programs. The Department of Chemistry is proud of our record when it comes to healthcare-related training in the last ten years: 73% of our medical school applicants have been accepted as have greater than 90% of our pharmacy school students. Please see our Pre-Med FAQ page for more information about this degree.
A Word document entitled "Considering Pharmacy School?", which outlines what you need to know in order to apply to Pharmacy school is available.
A Word document containing the prerequisites for the Pharm. D. programs at Oregon State University and Pacific University is available.
A Word document outlining a suggested four-year curriculum leading to the B.A. degree in chemistry is available. This document outlines the course work in chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, humanities/social science, languages, and University Studies which fulfill the B.A. degree requirements in chemistry. Students (especially transfer students) are urged to consult with a chemistry faculty advisor in their area of interest and discuss the appropriate curriculum.
Detailed information on courses (course descriptions, prerequisites, etc.) is available on the SOU catalog website.
