Which concentration fits you?
The various concentrations in the B.S. in Chemistry degree program allow students to focus on different aspects of chemistry and provide different avenues for students interested in a wide range of potential careers, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary studies, pharmacy, chemical research, quality control, pharmacy sales, teaching, biochemical research, and pharmaceutical research in addition to many others. The concentrations are briefly described below so that you might find the right fit for your future.
- Provides students with the maximum flexibility to select courses from other disciplines of interest
- Grants a solid background in chemical knowledge
- Typical career pathways are health-related science occupations, teaching careers, and business-related professions such as product development and sales.
Concentration specific Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to apply basic laboratory skills to more advanced laboratory work including data collection, data analysis, and report writing
Click here for full details on the Chemical Science concentration
- Combines core foundational backgrounds from the chemical and biological sciences
- Rigorous coursework and hands-on laboratory experiences help to prepare students for a range of careers
- Typical career pathways are health sciences, biochemistry research, the biotechnology industry, and advanced studies in biochemistry, molecular biology or related disciplines.
Concentration specific Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in biochemical topics
Click here for full details on the Biochemistry concentration
- Unique to the VCU Department of Chemistry and combines interests in mathematics, computers and chemistry
- Gain an understanding in molecular visualization to a wide range of chemical and biological applications
- Typical career pathways include studying pharmacy and medicinal chemistry at the graduate level or transitioning to positions in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries
Concentration specific Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate proificiency in computer programming and advanced math topics applied to molecular modeling
Click here for full details on the Chemical Modeling concentration
- Comprehensive preparation in all the core areas of chemistry through rigorous coursework and hands-on laboratory training
- Options to pursue independent research and the American Chemical Society certification
- Typical career pathways include studies towards advanced degrees, usually the Ph.D., in chemistry, the molecular sciences or closely related fields. Those that seek employment upon graduation have the training to work in chemical and pharmaceutical industry.
Concentration specific Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate advanced laboratory skills
Click here for full details on the Professional Chemist concentration.
- Rich research experience under the guidance of one of VCU’s outstanding and internationally renowned chemistry professors Honors thesis that includes a presentation of the research results to the entire chemistry department and the potential to publish in a scientific journal
- Option to pursue the American Chemical Society certification
- Typical career pathways include post-graduate studies towards advanced degrees, usually the Ph.D., in chemistry or employment in chemistry research career.
Concentration specific Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate experience with novel research including critical review of literature and oral and written scientific work
Click here for full details on the Professional Chemist with Honors concentration.