Department of Chemistry and Physics

Purpose

The purpose of the Department of Chemistry and Physics parallels the purpose of the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics and the University. The major goals of the department are (1) to prepare graduating chemistry majors for advanced study in graduate school or to qualify them directly for industrial positions; (2) to prepare graduating chemistry education majors for teaching positions or graduate study; (3) to provide professional training to enhance application for admission to medical and pharmacy school; and (4) to furnish service courses for the University’s general education program.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program is accredited by the American Chemical Society, 1155 Sixteenth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036; email: cpt@acs.org.

Curricula

The program of the Department of Chemistry and Physics achieves these purposes by providing:

1. A complete curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree with concentrations in biochemistry, chemistry education grades 6-12, forensic chemistry, general chemistry, pre-medicine, and pre-pharmacy;
2. A concentration in mathematical physics offered under the Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences;
3. Minors in chemistry and physics;
4. General education courses to meet the needs of students in other areas of study; and
5. An interdepartmental program leading to the Master of Science in Environmental and Chemical Sciences.

Pre-medicine and pre-pharmacy students should familiarize themselves with the specific degree requirements of the institution(s) to which they may apply.

A chemistry degree is a useful foundation for admission to pharmacy school, and students interested in pursuing careers in pharmacy or a related field may wish to consider majoring in chemistry. McNeese State University, however, plays no role and has no control over the selection and admission of students to pharmacy schools. Students should carefully consider the precise requirements of the pharmacy school of their choice (see http://www.aacp.org for a listing) and ensure that all those requirements are met in their chosen degree plan. The Department of Chemistry and Physics will assist students in making course selections; however, the ultimate determination of course equivalency rests solely with the pharmacy school.

Graduation Requirements

Students in the Department of Chemistry and Physics must earn a grade of C or better in all CHEM courses and meet all graduation requirements listed in the Degree and Graduation Requirements  section of the Academic Regulations page. Each graduating senior in the chemistry program will be required to take the Major Field Test (MFT) in chemistry. A student concentrating in chemistry education must also meet all requirements for admission and progression through the teacher education program, teacher residency, and graduation as stated on the Teacher Education Preparation Portals  page.

Graduate Studies

The Department of Chemistry and Physics offers a program leading to a Master of Science in Environmental and Chemical Sciences with a concentration in chemistry. Additional information and the curriculum are available on the program page below.

Programs

• Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration, BS
• Chemistry, Chemistry Education Grades 6-12 Concentration, BS
• Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry Concentration, BS
• Chemistry, General Chemistry, BS
• Chemistry, Pre-Medicine Concentration, BS
• Chemistry, Pre-Pharmacy Concentration, BS

• Chemistry, Minor
• Physics, Minor

• Environmental and Chemical Sciences, Chemistry Concentration, MS