CHEMISTRY MAJOR
at Meredith College

As a chemistry major, you’ll be prepared to pursue your professional goals, whether they include graduate school, a career in the chemical industry, teaching, or a professional program in a health-related field. Chemistry majors can also choose to participate in the Dual Degree Engineering Program.

“My professors have really pushed me academically to become an independent learner, so I feel prepared for medical school.”
Briana Pertrusa
Briana Petrusa, ’21

About Our Bachelor’s in Chemistry

Chemistry is a central science, connecting biology, engineering, physics, and medicine. As such, it serves as a foundation for many different careers.

After graduating, you will be able to explain how scientific concepts apply to real-life experiences and everyday situations, develop appropriate solutions to fundamental problems in chemistry, and demonstrate knowledge of laboratory safety practices and chemical hygiene procedures.

Two Students Performing Research in Chemistry Lab.

Chemistry Programs

Students majoring in chemistry can pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.). The B.A. degree is designed to allow maximum flexibility. It is a good option for students treating chemistry as a second major. The B.S. degree has more specific requirements than the major for the B.A. degree.

The B.A. degree requires students to complete 46-49 credit hours, including 37-40 credit hours of core courses and 9 credit hours of elective courses. 

The B.S. degree requires students to complete 62-66 credit hours, including 50-52 credit hours of core courses and 12-14 credit hours of elective courses. 

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry requirements

Students minoring in Chemical Physics are required to complete 19 credit hours of core courses. 

Chemical Physics Minor requirements 

Students minoring in Chemistry are required to complete 19 credit hours, including 8 hours of core courses and 11 hours of electives courses.

Chemistry Minor requirements

A Dual Degree Engineering Program is available to Meredith College students. In this 5-year program, a student can simultaneously receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Meredith College in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Biological, Biomedical, Chemical, Environmental, or Textile Engineering from NC State University. 

Interested students should contact Jennifer Hontz, the director of the Dual Degree Engineering program before registering for the first semester at Meredith College.

Students earning a degree in chemistry are eligible to seek North Carolina teacher licensure to teach middle grades (6-9) science or comprehensive science for secondary education (9-12). The programs are designed to assist individuals in acquiring knowledge and developing skills and dispositions within a learning environment focused on active involvement and integrated learning activities.

Requirements

To complete the middle or secondary grades science teacher education program and earn licensure, students must complete the requirements for their chosen major as well as the following licensure requirements.

Students must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program to enroll.

Refer to the Undergraduate Course Catalogue for official information about licensure requirements.

Why Study Chemistry at Meredith?

  • Choose to earn either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. 
  • You may pursue licensure to teach middle grades (6-9) science or comprehensive science for secondary education (9-12)
  • You can choose to participate in the Dual Degree Engineering Program
  • You will have the opportunity to build collaborative research partnerships with Meredith faculty and participate in projects in the renowned Research Triangle Park, a hub of research and scientific achievement. 
  • Scholarships for chemistry majors include the GlaxoSmithKline Women in Science Scholars Program Scholarship, the Elizabeth James Doetterer Scholarship, and the Moore Mixon Family Science Scholarship. Additionally, the STEM Scholars Programs provide a unique opportunity for talented students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Meredith offers two STEM scholarships: the Advancing Women’s Education in STEM Scholars and Paschal Scholars.
  • Student organizations for Chemistry majors include the American Chemistry Society and Iota Sigma Pi. 
  • Examples of student success include
    • Briana Petrusa, a Fulbright award recipient who is now a candidate for medical school.

What Can I Do With a Degree in Chemistry?

Chemistry majors have participated in a variety of undergraduate internship opportunities with innovative research and scientific, technology-focused organizations. Companies where interns have recently been placed include

  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Metabolon
  • State Bureau of Investigation
  • State Department of Public Health
  • Novartis
  • Progress Energy
  • Sensors Safety, Inc.

A major in chemistry is an excellent stepping stone to careers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, engineering, government, environmental agencies, and teaching. Meredith chemistry graduates are employed at numerous companies, including 

  • Aldagen, Inc.
  • Microbiology ES Associate at KBI Biopharma
  • Department of Public Instruction of North Carolina
  • Argos Therapeutics

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for graduates with a physical science degree is $70,000

As a chemistry major, you’ll have the opportunity to build collaborative research partnerships directly with Meredith faculty and participate in projects in the renowned Research Triangle Park, a hub of research and scientific achievement. Chemistry students may also receive financial awards to present their research projects at local and national conferences. Below is a list of student research and presentations.

Research

  • A student worked as part of a team to study DNA Extraction and Regeneration of Tylosema exculentum and Tylosema fassoglensis.
  • A student explored a novel chelation method for removing metal contaminants like arsenic and lead from water supplies.


Presentations

Research Presentations at Professional Meetings of the American Chemical Society 

  • Six undergraduate research students attended and presented at the National American Chemical Society Meeting in New Orleans, La.


Poster Presentations at
Celebrating Student Achievement Day

  • Sarah Beno, Rachel Serrano and Anum Imran – DNA Extraction and Regeneration of Tylosema esculentum and Tylosema fassoglensis.
  • Rodda Ouma – An investigation of the interaction between zinc and the beta amyloid peptide: A possible cause of the senile plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.

Graduates of Meredith’s chemistry program have gone on to pursue graduate and professional programs. Programs our graduates have attended include

Graduate Programs

Ph.D. Programs

  • Chemistry, Duke University
  • Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Northern Illinois
  • Chemistry, NC State University
  • Chemistry, University of Virginia
  • Education, NC State University


Master of Science Programs

  • Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, NC State University
  • Clinical Research, Campbell University
  • Nutrition, Meredith College
  • Environmental Systems – Mathematical Modeling, Humboldt State University


Professional Programs

Medical School

  • Yale Medical School, Yale University
  • Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University
  • UNC School of Medicine


Pharmacy School

  • Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
  • College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Campbell University
  • College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky
  • South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina


Law School

  • Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis
Three Students in Chem Lab coats and goggles.
Arial

Facilities and Labs

Science courses are housed in the Science and Mathematics Building, which contains 80,000 square feet of learning space, including 13 dedicated research labs that support the needs of ongoing student and faculty research.

two students in lab coats smiling

STEM Summer School

Meredith STEM College is an opportunity for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade women to develop their interest in science.

As a four-year starter on the Meredith softball team and a double major in biology and chemistry, Erica Occena, ’18, has challenged herself to grow and succeed in the future.

Videos About Meredith’s Chemistry Major

Chemistry News and Events

Three Meredith scholars who were awarded the College’s highest academic honor, the Full-Ride Merit Scholarship, were celebrated on Friday, April 19, 2024, as they prepare to graduate.

Contact Information
Sasha Ormond
Chair, Dept. of Chemistry, Physics, & Geoscience
203 Science/Mathematics Bldg.
(919) 760-2399
ormonda@meredith.edu
Chemistry Physics & Geoscience Department »
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