Future Students
Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Program
One-Stop-Shop for all things Undergraduate Chemistry.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Majoring in chemistry provides a graduate with a thorough understanding of synthetic methods, analytical and physical measurements, the use of scientific literature, computational methods, and communication in science. This bachelor of science (B.S.) degree is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and provides the intellectual and practical basis for a wide variety of careers, especially those in which chemistry plays a significant role, including careers in the chemical industry, secondary teaching and government-based scientific work. The B.S. degree is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing graduate study in chemistry, pharmacy, medicine, and related fields.
Program Requirements (Checksheets)
Student date of entry 2021-2022
Student date of entry 2022-2023
Student date of entry 2023-2024
Student date of entry 2024-2025
Major in Medicinal Chemistry
The medicinal chemistry major is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, pharmaceutical research, or other related field. The degree earned is a bachelor of science (B.S.) in chemistry. Medicinal chemistry is at the intersection of chemistry and biology and focuses on not only synthesizing pharmaceuticals but also testing and developing new drugs. Completing this degree will fulfill most pre-requisite courses needed for application to dental, medical and pharmacy school and leaves room for additional courses required by health professional programs.
Program Requirements (Checksheets)
Student date of entry 2021-2022
Student date of entry 2022-2023
Student date of entry 2023-2024
Student date of entry 2024-2025
Major in Polymer Chemistry
The polymer chemistry major is centered on the study and synthesis of the large, complex molecules that make up the materials that have applications such as athletic tape, plastics, solar cells, and polyester fabric. The degree earned is a bachelor of science (B.S.) in chemistry. Students will learn about additive manufacturing, polymer drug delivery, high-performance materials, sustainable polymers, biomedical materials, polymers for energy applications, and novel polymer chemistry. Because of its diverse range of applications, polymer chemistry prepares graduates for a wide variety of careers in fields. Potential careers include industry, research and development, quality control, and more.
Program Requirements (Checksheets)
Student date of entry 2021-2022
Student date of entry 2022-2023
Student date of entry 2023-2024
Student date of entry 2024-2025
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
Earning a bachelor of arts (B.A.) in chemistry provides a foundation in the theory and practice of chemistry but does not require the most advanced lecture courses and laboratories of the bachelor of science (B.S.) degree, leaving more room for electives or even a second major. The B.A. degree affords more flexibility in the student's schedule and allows students to tailor degree programs toward specific career goals.
Program Requirements (Checksheets)
Student date of entry 2021-2022
Student date of entry 2022-2023
Student date of entry 2023-2024
Student date of entry 2024-2025
Minor in Chemistry
The minor in chemistry is ideal for students in other majors who have an interest in chemistry but whose schedules do not allow for a second major in chemistry. The chemistry minor offers more advanced coursework and electives that are otherwise restricted to chemistry majors.
Minor Requirements
Plan Your Visit
Chemistry Preview Day!
Every year, Virginia Tech hosts a Preview Day for future students. The Department of Chemistry hosts it's own events alongside the broader university. Join us this Preview Day!
Undergraduate Research and Experiential Learning
The goal of the experiential learning initiative within the Chemistry Department at Virginia Tech is to have every chemistry major participate in a degree-embedded, career-bridge, experiential learning opportunity in one or more of the following areas: undergraduate research, internships, and/or service-learning. These opportunities will provide students with the ability to apply their learning in authentic, real-world contexts to bridge the transition from undergraduate education to plans after graduation inclusive of career, professional school, and/or graduate school.
Student Organizations
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is the premier organization for chemistry professionals. ACS Student Affiliates chapters are organizations for undergraduate students with an interest in the chemical sciences. Student affiliation with the ACS allows opportunities to network with top professionals, attend scientific meetings, receive the ACS Student Member Magazine, inChemistry, use ACS career and employment services, and access the Directory of Experiential Opportunities that lists co-ops, internships and summer jobs for undergraduate chemistry students.
The Undergraduate Chemistry Student Senate (UCSS) gives voice and representation to the undergraduate student in the Department of Chemistry. The Senate has numerous responsibilities and puts on a series of events through the year.
Before major exams, UCSS plans large group study sessions. They also host cook-outs and other social events to support community within the department. UCSS hosts larger events like ChemEXP, an opportunity for students to learn about different career paths.
A member of UCSS also sits on different committees within the Department of Chemistry.
The Undergraduate Chemistry Student Senate (UCSS) gives voice and representation to the undergraduate student in the Department of Chemistry. The Senate has numerous responsibilities and puts on a series of events through the year.
Before major exams, UCSS plans large group study sessions. They also host cook-outs and other social events to support community within the department. UCSS hosts larger events like ChemEXP, an opportunity for students to learn about different career paths.
A member of UCSS also sits on different committees within the Department of Chemistry.
Advising and Contact
Paul Deck
Undergraduate Program Director
pdeck@vt.edu
Alyssa Santos
General Advising
avbsantos@vt.edu
Amy Kokkinakos
General Advising
amyk@vt.edu
Tim Saarinen
Professor of Practice
tsaarinen29@vt.edu
Transfer Students
Information for students currently enrolled at other institutions who wish to transfer to Virginia Tech can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
We typically have 10-12 transfer students enter our program, both from the community college system and other four-year colleges and institutions. We work closely with the Virginia Community Colleges to ensure students can make the transition to Virginia Tech with minimal disruptions.
Current Virginia Tech Students
Information for students already enrolled at Virginia Tech can be found at https://chem.vt.edu/undergraduate/resources.html.