Chemistry-ACS

The UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) BS-ACS program in chemistry is well suited for students with a background and interest in science. Since the calculus and physics requirements for the BS-ACS program are more extensive than for the BS program, the BS-ACS program is most appropriate for students with strengths in both science and mathematics. The program provides for extensive laboratory work; therefore, the enjoyment of hands-on laboratory work is important. Chemistry majors also learn to observe critically and record what happens in the laboratory; they analyze data and apply chemical knowledge learned in the classroom to draw conclusions about their observations.

Graduates of this major are employed as: 

• Chemists in the manufacturing industry and state, local or federal governments, including production, quality control and research
• Chemistry teachers and professors
• Industrial research and development scientists
• Forensic scientists
• Physicians and health care professionals

Many of the students in the BS-ACS program go on to graduate schools, primarily into doctoral programs. Others go to professional schools, including medicine, pharmacy and dentistry.

Click here to declare the program online

Chemistry Minor

The minor is designed for students who want a strong background in chemistry to complement their major area of study. Students who are enrolled in pre-professional programs may also find a minor in chemistry to be helpful to their professional preparation. To obtain a minor in chemistry, a minimum of 26 credits must be successfully completed, with the following distribution:

• General Chemistry and Lab: CHEM 1040-1041, 1040L-1041L (10 credits)  
• Organic Chemistry and Lab: CHEM 2040-2041, 2040L – 2041L (10 credits)
• At least six credits from any additional chemistry courses numbered 2050 or higher [except 2080, 4080, 5020, 5030 and 5080].

Certificate Program

There is no certificate program in chemistry for students currently enrolled in a major at the University of Cincinnati. Rather, the minor in chemistry described above is available. Students not currently enrolled in a major may earn a certificate in chemistry (but not a minor in chemistry) by completing the same set of requirements needed for the minor.

Individuals not yet enrolled as UC students may declare the certificate after establishing non-matriculated status.

Students interested in pursuing a minor in chemistry should see the undergraduate program director to plan a program.

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies, and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

4+1 Cosmetic Science Master’s Degree

Chemistry majors interested in a career as a Cosmetic Scientist can now complete their bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5 years, without having to take the GRE. Students will be introduced to cosmetic science classes after their first year while continuing to study basic chemistry and eventually will move onto a full year of cosmetic science during the 5th year.  They will have two co-op opportunities, one each during the third and fourth year. Once in graduate school, students’ coursework will include skin care science, hair care science, formulation science, and color cosmetics in order to be well-prepared to enter this rapid-growth job market.

The BS-ACS program in chemistry is a rigorous course of study that prepares graduates to be successful in a wide range of careers. The BS-ACS degree is certified by the American Chemical Society. Important experiential opportunities are available to students in this program, including undergraduate research and academic internships. Undergraduate research is required, and many undergraduates co-author journal articles from the research they conduct in the department. The optional academic internship program in chemistry allows students in the program to have industrial lab experience along with their formal course of study.

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the university.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

For any inquiries please contact us at artsci@ucmail.uc.edu

Admission to A&S is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in their most recent UC college.

This program is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS).