Academic Programs

The Chemistry Department administers both undergraduate and masters-level academic programs leading to the B.S., B.A., M.S. and M.A. degrees. Undergraduate programs may be selected with a broad focus or with specialization in biochemistry, materials science, or teacher preparation. Information about undergraduate major and minor options is available at our Undergraduate Programs page, and about graduate programs and admissions requirements is available at the Graduate Programs page.

Student Learning

The undergraduate degrees offered by the Chemistry Department provide specialized knowledge in chemistry as indicated by the Undergraduate Program Learning Objectives. Required course work in physics, biology, mathematics, and general education, when combined with the chemistry curriculum, leads to the development of broad integrative knowledge. Not only does a student have to exhibit intellectual skills, they also have to demonstrate that they can apply the knowledge gained to address complex chemical problems productively as individuals and in groups. By engaging the chemistry curriculum together with the general education course work, students in the chemistry degree programs will gain a better understanding of their social and global responsibilities and the role chemistry plays in today's society.

Course Learning Objectives for chemistry courses serve to help the student understand the expected educational milestones of each course needed to develop the specialized knowledge. Through laboratory course work the knowledge gained is used to solve chemical problems. The knowledge and skills acquired through these lab experiences build in complexity as a student progresses through the lab program culminating in a capstone laboratory course requiring mastery and integration of chemical, technical, analysis, and communication skills.

The Chemistry Department also provides students with the opportunity to perform Chemical Research with a faculty member to gain additional experience in specialized instrumentation, experiment design and the discovery of NEW chemical knowledge. This research endeavor can result in presentations and, on occasion, in co-authorship of chemical publications. For students enrolled in the graduate program, research culminates in a written thesis, one of the requirements for the M.S. or M.A. degree.

Read more about our department, facilities, and career opportunities with the SJSU Chemistry Department on our About Us page.

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