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Catalog
2026-2027
Major:

Chemistry (B.A.)

Departments/Programs:

The Bachelor of Arts degree is for those who want a core of chemistry courses with a broader background in the liberal arts.

Students interested in chemical engineering can participate in the Engineering Dual-Degree Program. Chemical Engineering students complete a B.A. degree in Chemistry at NWU and any remaining engineering program requirements at one of our participating schools of engineering.

For students interested in studying pre-health, a program of study emphasizing a strong background in chemistry is available for students planning a future in medicine.

Chemistry Major (B.A.**, 31-32 hours plus 20 hour supporting program)
Core Courses30 hours
CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I and
CHEM 1110L Chemical Principles I Laboratory
4 hours
CHEM 1120 Chemical Principles II and
CHEM 1120L Chemical Principles II Laboratory
4 hours
CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I and
CHEM 2100L Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
4 hours
CHEM 2110 Organic Chemistry II: Synthesis and Mechanisms and
CHEM 2110L Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
4 hours
CHEM 3090 Organic Chemistry III: Intermediate Organic Chemistry2 hours
CHEM 3510 Physical Chemistry I, Thermodynamics and Kinetics and
CHEM 3510L Physical Chemistry Laboratory
4 hours
CHEM 3440 Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis4 hours
One upper-level (3000-4990) chemistry course3 hours
CHEM 4980 Chemistry Seminar1 hour
Capstone1-2 hours
CHEM 4950 Independent Study or
CHEM 4960 Special Projects or
CHEM 4800 Advanced Research
1-2 hours

An approved supporting program of 20 hours is required and may include one or more minors. PHYS 1600 Principles of Physics I or PHYS 2000 General Physics I and PHYS 1700 Principles of Physics II or PHYS 2100 General Physics II and MATH 1600 Calculus I are required, and MATH 1610 Calculus II is strongly recommended.

*This Chemistry major earns a B.A. degree. If a student has a first major that is associated with a different baccalaureate degree (B.S., B.F.A), the Chemistry major must be completed as a second degree.