Chemistry

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2020-2021

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):

Professional chemist with honors

Program description

The curriculum in chemistry prepares students for graduate study in chemistry and related fields and for admission to schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. It prepares students to teach in secondary schools or to work in chemical and industrial laboratories and in related fields of business and industry.

With the proper selection of electives, the degree satisfies admission requirements to most schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.

The professional chemist concentration requires a greater number of chemistry courses, and is designed for students whose future studies or career plans involve chemistry as a central theme. With the proper combination of courses, this degree can be certified as meeting the requirements of the American Chemical Society.

Career opportunities

The employment pathways for chemical professionals can be divided into five main sectors: industry, academia, government, non-profit, and entrepreneurship. Within each of these sectors, areas of career opportunity include research and development, quality control/regulatory, environment and health, law and policy, manufacturing, education, military and law enforcement, and technical communication. Common skills include science, critical thinking, reading, active listening, mathematics, and both deductive and inductive reasoning. Technical skills are highly preferred in areas such as analytical/scientific software, computer aided design (CAD), databases/query software, graphics, and Office suite. With the proper selection of electives, the degree satisfies admission requirements to most schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.

Bachelor-level job titles

Business Intelligence Analysts
Chemical Technician
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
Food Technologist
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
Operations Research Analysts
Quality Control Analysts
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Secondary School Teachers
Survey Researchers
Technical Writers

Graduate and professional level job titles

Chemist
College Professor
Material Scientist
Research Director

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Chemistry

Plan of study in Bulletin

Chemistry

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 201 or higher

Science required

5+ additional science courses

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Chemistry

Contact name:

Maryanne Collinson

Building/room location:

1001 West Main Street

Phone:

(804) 828-1298

Email:

chemistry@vcu.edu

https://chemistry.vcu.edu/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Invalid campus

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
Complete introductory courses in biology, chemistry and math.
Attend all supplemental instruction sessions.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to join the Honors College.
Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.
Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary.
Apply to science-specific scholarships and awards.
Join groups on LinkedIn reflecting specific careers or topics of interest in Chemistry.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.
Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage.
Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
Attend a Pre-Professional Health Interest Workshop if considering a professional health program (medicine, dentistry, etc.)
Practice independent living skills (time management, self-care, & responsibility).

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
Schedule an appointment with your advisor and plan to complete the Chemistry core and collateral coursework.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
Join related professional organizations such as the American Chemical Society or the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.
Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
Join groups on LinkedIn reflecting specific careers or topics of interest in Chemistry.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Explore Career Pathways on VCU Career Services’ website.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
Register for CHEM 398 – Professional Practices and Perspectives Seminar.
Complete foreign language requirement.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
Create a community-engaged research project.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Develop exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary teams.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Update your ePortfolio.
Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Conduct independent undergraduate research. Consider attending a scientific meeting and presenting a poster with your research advisor.
Complete internships, shadowing experiences and informational interviews.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year.
Develop attention to detail and strong problem solving skills. Pursue advanced instrumentation and computer skills along with knowledge of statistics.
Talk to advisors, faculty, and VCU Career Services about graduate school versus a job.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
Seek extensive laboratory and research experience along with courses in quantitative, qualitative and instrumental analyses. Pursue experimental design, data interpretation and problem solving competence through coursework and research with professors.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
Enhance your networking skills and practice your “elevator speech” when presenting.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences.
Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
Conduct at least 1 informational interview a month & strategically explore employment sectors (government, private, nonprofit).

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor.
Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2020-2021

Chemistry

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):

Biochemistry | Chemical Modeling | Chemical Science | Professional chemist with honors

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience. Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression. Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help. Complete introductory courses in biology, chemistry and math. Attend all supplemental instruction sessions.	Apply to join the Honors College. Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs. Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary. Apply to science-specific scholarships and awards. Join groups on LinkedIn reflecting specific careers or topics of interest in Chemistry.	Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities. Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage. Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.	Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake. Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center. Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it.	Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page. Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams. Attend a Pre-Professional Health Interest Workshop if considering a professional health program (medicine, dentistry, etc.) Practice independent living skills (time management, self-care, & responsibility).
Experience	Year 2	Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library. Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program. Schedule an appointment with your advisor and plan to complete the Chemistry core and collateral coursework.	Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break. Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark. Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests. Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond). Join related professional organizations such as the American Chemical Society or the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.	Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities. Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café. Join a cultural or identity-related organization. Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.	Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor. Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections. Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building. Join groups on LinkedIn reflecting specific careers or topics of interest in Chemistry.	Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest. Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation. Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni. Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans. Explore Career Pathways on VCU Career Services’ website.
Experience	Year 3	Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides. Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning. Register for CHEM 398 – Professional Practices and Perspectives Seminar. Complete foreign language requirement.	Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions. Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark. Create a community-engaged research project. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship. Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.	Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events. Update your resume to include how you have developed your communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Develop exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary teams.	Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Update your ePortfolio. Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Conduct independent undergraduate research. Consider attending a scientific meeting and presenting a poster with your research advisor. Complete internships, shadowing experiences and informational interviews.	Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. Develop attention to detail and strong problem solving skills. Pursue advanced instrumentation and computer skills along with knowledge of statistics. Talk to advisors, faculty, and VCU Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Seek extensive laboratory and research experience along with courses in quantitative, qualitative and instrumental analyses. Pursue experimental design, data interpretation and problem solving competence through coursework and research with professors.	Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above). Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark. Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization. Enhance your networking skills and practice your “elevator speech” when presenting.	Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field. Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations. Attend Office of Multicultural Student Affairs I Love Diversity Week.	Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio. Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals). Conduct at least 1 informational interview a month & strategically explore employment sectors (government, private, nonprofit).	Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation. Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools. Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor. Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.