Major in Chemistry
By choosing a major in chemistry, not only will you receive a strong scientific background through coursework, but you'll also have opportunities to work alongside faculty on research projects.
As a chemistry major at Santa Clara University, you will choose between two baccalaureate degrees, the bachelor of science, and the bachelor of arts. The bachelor of science program will prepare you for a career in chemistry or, with additional study, medicine, dentistry, law, chemical engineering, business, teaching, and other fields. If you anticipate further study in chemistry or wish to ensure that you have a stronger foundation in chemistry, you may choose to complete the extra requirements necessary for a degree certified by the American Chemical Society as meeting stringent requirements for lecture and laboratory content. The ACS certified degree is widely recognized by graduate professional schools, government agencies, and the private sector. Alternatively, the bachelor of arts program provides a stronger liberal arts component and is frequently selected by students completing a second major in a non-science discipline. Requirements for it may be found on the departmental website.
Visit the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry website 
Major Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degrees
Lower-Division Courses- General Chemistry I–III
- Introduction to Research
- Organic Chemistry I–III
- Calculus and Analytic Geometry I–III
- General Physics I–III or Physics for Scientists and Engineers I–III*
- Chemistry Seminar - must take for four quarters
- Instrumental Analysis
- Biochemistry I
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Spectroscopy, Chemical Thermodynamics, Biophysical Chemistry*. Physical Chemistry Laboratory
- Senior Research Experience*
- Capstone Research Experience*
- Electives: Choose from any upper-division chemistry or biochemistry course of three units or more; three are required for the B.S. in chemistry and two for the ACS-certified degree.
