Columbia College Bachelor's in Chemistry
Learn about chemistry’s central role in science with a Bachelor's in Chemistry degree from Columbia College.
Residential classes
Jan
08
next start date
16
week semester
5
year locked-in tuition
Available program formats: In class: BA, BS
Explore chemistry at Columbia College
A degree in chemistry from Columbia College prepares you to investigate the substances that make up all matter—what they are as well as how they interact, combine and change. And you’ll gain the critical thinking and organizational skills to conduct and analyze research.
With your understanding of chemical principles and theories, along with hands-on proficiency in properly conducting experiments and recording results, you’ll be ready to contribute to a variety of fields, from medical research to crime lab analysis. You’ll also understand the materials science, synthetic chemistry and polymer chemistry needed to develop products as diverse as computer components, pharmaceutical drugs, adhesives and synthetic fibers.
Opportunities to study:
- Aromaticity and spectroscopic techniques
- Nuclear chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Chromatography
- Thermodynamics
- Quantum mechanics
- Toxicology
Prepare for a scientific career
Chemistry helps us describe and explain our world—and your understanding of the chemical processes that affect all substances can be applied in a broad range of settings, from the chemical industry to education to healthcare. These workplaces also value specific skills like chemical synthesis, instrumental analysis and quantitative measurement.
The Columbia College program emphasizes the principles and theories of chemistry, developing hands-on laboratory skills, and develops students’ competence in scientific writing. With this knowledge, you’ll have a strong foundation for graduate and professional study in chemistry or health-related professions, including medical or veterinary school.
Some possible paths include:
- Analytical Chemist
- Laboratory Technician
- Clinical Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Environmental Chemist
Columbia College Global offers traditional classroom instruction for many courses at nationwide locations. Students at nationwide locations are expected to engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree. Columbia College offers on-campus programs with traditional classroom instruction at the Residential Campus in Columbia, Missouri.
Find your path
Submit this form to get information about applying to Columbia College.
Questions about admissions? Call the main line.
Main line: (573) 875-8700
Want to know more about our programs? Contact the department.
Department phone: 573-875-7568
Office: STC 319
Email: NSM@CCIS.edu
Your degree starts here Take these courses
Available program formats
- Core requirements 51 credit hours
- Total degree requirements 120 credit hours
Some courses you may take
First part of a two-part calculus-based college physics sequence. The course covers the following major areas of physics: linear, circular and rotational motion; statics; elasticity; vibrations; waves and sound. Prerequisite: MATH 201
Analytic survey of factors which affect local and global environments. Provides students with an appreciation and understanding of the principles of environmental toxicology and chemistry including the sources, fate and effects of chemicals in the environment. Emphasis is on contemporary problems in human health and the environment. Cross-listed as ENVS 230. Prerequisite: CHEM 112.
The first semester of a two semester course that introduces the foundations and the chemistry of organic compounds: alkanes, alkyl halides, alkenes, alkynes and alcohols. Emphasizes the theories, structures, nomenclature, properties, stereochemistry, reactions and mechanisms of organic compounds. Brief introduction to common spectroscopic techniques used in organic chemistry. Students majoring in Chemistry must earn a grade of C or higher. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in CHEM 112.
An overview of analytical chemical techniques with a focus on how data is collected, analyzed and interpreted. This will include the development of analytical methods as well as analytical sampling strategies. A quantitative approach to chemical equilibria and acid-base chemistry are discussed as are their application to the quantification of chemical samples and electrochemical measurements. Laboratory work is included as part of this course. Prerequisites: CHEM 112 and CHEM 112L with a grade of C or higher; MATH 150 or MATH 180.
- Core requirements 70 credit hours
- Total degree requirements 120 credit hours
Some courses you may take
A course focusing on laboratory problems requiring classical and modern physical principles and inorganic/organometallic synthetic techniques. Includes one hour of lecture and three hours of lab per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 306; CHEM 312: CHEM 312L.
The first part of the three-part calculus series. Topics include: review of algebra and trigonometry; functions and limits; derivatives and their applications; the integrals and their applications. Students majoring in Chemistry must earn a grade of C or higher. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 180 or a score of 28 or higher on the math portion of the ACT or 660 or above SAT score or passing grade on the Columbia College math placement exam. G.E.
A survey of the design, operational principles and applications of instrumental methods of chemical analysis. This class focuses on understanding the fundamental principles of instrumental methods that underlie chromatography, spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. Laboratory work is included as part of this course. Prerequisites: CHEM 335 and CHEM 310 with a grade of C or higher.
Laboratory experiences to complement PHYS 111. Students majoring in Chemistry must earn a grade of C or higher. Prerequisites: MATH 150 or MATH 180; PHYS 111 (may be taken concurrently). G.E. when taken with PHYS 111.