Chemistry Major

The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree programs in Temple University’s College of Science and Technology serve as the foundations for research-based fields, graduate degrees or a variety of careers in the sciences. Commonly known as a “central science,” chemical research has led to new discoveries in agriculture, manufacturing, medicine, technology and more.

The 123-credit-hour Chemistry BA or BS degree prepares you for the path of your choice after graduation. Temple is the ideal location for a Chemistry Major—there are a large number of chemical and pharmaceutical companies based in the Philadelphia region. Many graduates pursue work in the biotechnological, chemical or pharmaceutical industries.

As a Chemistry Major, you’ll study analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry, in addition to courses in the College of Science and Technology chemistry labs. Both degrees emphasize

expertise to write scientific reports,
investigation and problem-solving skills,
laboratory skills in four of five subdivisions of chemistry,
material from foundational course work in four of five subdivisions of chemical research,
research and chemical literature, and
the ability to analyze data and apply results in a broader scientific context and real-life situations.

Upper-level coursework provides opportunities for independent research under the guidance of program faculty, including the potential to present findings at national meetings. You’ll also have hands-on, experiential opportunities in a variety of laboratories. You can collaborate with faculty and peers on research involving innovative technology, such as smart detectors, spectroscopy and ultrafast laser chemistry.

Choosing between a BA and a BS

The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry is for students who intend on pursuing careers in chemistry or a related field that is not associated with research. Students learn how to craft scientific reports, analyze the data and connect these results to a range of scientific contexts. The 53-credit-hour Chemistry BA covers the fundamentals of chemistry, mathematics and physics, and prepares graduates for advanced study in a number of fields.

Alternatively, the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry prepares students for graduate or medical school, and employment in the biotechnological, chemical or pharmaceutical industries. Students learn a wide array of topics in chemistry, mathematics and physics. Chemistry BS Majors are required to take more laboratory classes during their third and fourth years in the program. The BS degree requires between 70 and 74 credit hours and is accredited by the American Chemical Society.

BA in Chemistry

BS in Chemistry

Related Graduate Degrees

*School of Pharmacy
**Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry
***Lewis Katz School of Medicine

+1 Bachelor-Master Programs

The College of Science and Technology offers +1 Accelerated Bachelor-Master Programs. Students can earn a BA or BS and, at the end of the fifth year, an MA or MS. Coursework is completed over five years instead of taking the usual six-year course of study.

Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s +1 Bachelor-Master programs.

Chemistry Major / Master of Education

You can also earn a Chemistry Major from the College of Science and Technology and a Master of Education from the College of Education and Human Development. Qualified students can earn a master’s degree in five years, instead of taking the usual six. Learn more about pursuing this accelerated degree.

Dual Bachelor-Master Program for International Students

International students have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree from their home institution and a graduate degree from Temple over five years. This multidisciplinary program includes undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework at Temple. Students are prepared for professional careers in today’s global economy and job market.

Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s Dual Bachelor-Master Program for international students.

3+4 Accelerated Programs

The College of Science and Technology offers 3+4 Accelerated Degree Programs in a seven-year course of study, instead of the usual eight years. Qualifying undergraduate students can obtain the Chemistry Major from CST and a

Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the Kornberg School of Dentistry,
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the School of Podiatric Medicine,
Doctor of Medicine from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, or
Doctor of Pharmacy Medicine from the School of Pharmacy.

Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s 3+4 Accelerated Degree Programs.

3+3 Accelerated Program

Qualified students can earn the Chemistry Major and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the College of Public Health over a five-year course of study, instead of taking the usual six years.

Learn more about the College of Science and Technology's 3+3 Accelerated Degree Program.

Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program

The College of Science and Technology Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program is designed for students planning to apply to medical school or pursue other health-related professions. The program offers the following two tracks.

The Basic Core in Health Sciences is intended for professionals who need the required science courses to apply to medical school.
The Advanced Core in Health Sciences is a program for current students who have met the premedical requirements and who seek advanced science coursework.

Both tracks include classes in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and the College of Science and Technology. Learn more about the College of Science and Technology’s Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $23,112.00 per year
Out-of-state: $38,160.00 per year

Our Advisors

The Center for Academic Advising and Professional Development in the College of Science and Technology helps you navigate New Student Orientation, advises on specific degree programs and courses, provides post-graduation guidance, and offers peer support. You can also be matched with a qualified student advisor or advocate who will further assist with degree and academic questions or concerns.

Learn more about the Center for Academic Advising and Professional Development’s academic advisors and the CST Peer team.

Program Contact

Spiridoula Matsika, faculty advisor and professor in the Department of Chemistry, is the faculty program coordinator for the Chemistry BA and BS.
Phone: 215-204-7703
Email: spiridoula.matsika@alexblog.net

Robert Stanley, faculty advisor and professor in the Department of Chemistry, is the faculty program coordinator for the Chemistry BA and BS.
Phone: 215-204-7886
Email: robert.stanley@alexblog.net

Student Clubs & Organizations

Student clubs and organizations in the College of Science and Technology provide opportunities to meet with peers, network with professionals or scientists in chemistry and learn about internship opportunities. The College of Science and Technology offers 15 major clubs and 12 prehealth clubs for undergraduate students. Enhance your academic study and social life by participating in a club related to chemistry or your interests.

Students pursuing a Chemistry degree may be interested in the following clubs and organizations.

The Alliance for Minority Participation in STEM works to increase opportunities for students and help them complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM fields.
Leadership, Education and Development in Science empowers Philadelphia middle school students to take an interest in STEM through mentor-led science experiments.
The Philadelphia Organic Chemists Club is one of the oldest independent chemistry clubs in the area, which brings together professional scientists and Chemistry students through events and programs.
The Temple University Chemical Society helps students pursuing Chemistry degrees with their coursework and that offers service opportunities in the community.
The Temple University Forensics Association helps students form an interest in forensic science through field trips and professional networking opportunities.

Explore the full list of College of Science and Technology student clubs and organizations.

Study Away Opportunities

Deepen your understanding of your math, natural science or computer science coursework by experiencing firsthand how such disciplines are studied overseas. Temple’s study abroad program offers College of Science and Technology students opportunities to spend a summer or semester studying in Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain. Learn more about your options for studying away.

College of Science and Technology undergraduate students can also take part in international research. These opportunities include the following external scholarship programs.

The Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship provides funding for underrepresented students to study in nontraditional destinations such as Australia and Eastern Europe.
The Boren Scholarship Summer STEM Initiative offers undergraduate STEM majors opportunities to participate in a language-intensive program.
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research and Temple offer opportunities for students in biology, chemistry and physics programs to work in research groups in Pune, India, over the summer.
The Siena Biomedical Research Program provides the opportunity for students to spend their summer working full time in a biotechnology and pathology lab based in Tuscany, Italy.
The Sicily Applied Biotechnology Program allows students to learn the biological basis behind the technology used for art conservation and then apply that knowledge in the laboratory and in the field.

Learn more about study abroad programs for College of Science and Technology students.

Accreditation

ST-CHEM-BS