BS Degree
The BS chemistry degree differs from the BA degree in that it is more rigorous; more courses are required not only in chemistry, but in mathematics and physics as well. Students who earn a BS in chemistry are equipped with skills that enhance their marketability to a wide variety of employers in technology and science, and are also well positioned to apply for graduate study in chemistry and related fields.
A flowchart illustrating the prerequisite/corequisite structure of the BS chemistry courses is shown here. A check list to aid in creating a class schedule for a BS chemistry degree is found here.
BA Degree
The BA chemistry degree, compared to the BS degree, requires fewer chemistry and math courses, as well as a lower level of physics, but adds the University requirement (for any BA degree) of four levels of foreign language.
A flowchart illustrating the prerequisite/corequisite structure of the BA chemistry courses is shown here. A check list to aid in creating a class schedule for a BA chemistry degree is found here.
Double Major (of particular interest to BS Biology majors)
For students working toward a BS degree in biology, it is important to know that with just three more chemistry courses (CHEM 2250/51, 3450/51, and 3850/51), the requirements for the BA in chemistry would be completed. As stated in the Undergraduate Catalog (under Double Major Requirements), four levels of foreign language are not required when students have a BS/BA double major and the BS degree is their primary major. Since the fall semester of 1999, the number of ECU students working toward the biology/chemistry double major has steadily increased, making it perhaps the most popular double major on campus.
For students working toward a BS degree in biochemistry, only a single course (CHEM 3450/51) is required for the BS biochemistry/BA chemistry double major. Three additional courses (CHEM 2770/71, 5550/3451, and 5350/51), along with two one-hour classes (CHEM 2103 and 4103), would complete the requirements for a BS biochemistry/BS chemistry double major.
Double Major versus Dual Degree
See the Undergraduate Catalog for the official guidelines. Simplified definitions are as follows:
Double major: A minimum of 126 s.h. are required. All requirements in two majors are fulfilled – the general education requirements for one Four levels of foreign language are not required if the BS major is primary. One diploma is issued at graduation.
Dual degree: A minimum of 156 s.h. are required. If a BA degree is one of the two degrees, then the four levels of foreign language are required. Two diplomas are issued at graduation.
Second Degree
Students who have already graduated with one degree from ECU may earn a second undergraduate degree by following the requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog which state, in part, that a minimum of 30 additional semester hours need to be completed at ECU, as well as all remaining requirements in the major of the second degree. If some of the requirements were fulfilled during the first degree, they do not need to be repeated for the second degree. The General Education requirements from the first degree do not need to be repeated for the second degree. All other requirements apply, including the four levels of foreign language for all BA degrees.
Senior Summaries
A senior summary is simply a review of the student’s courses taken in pursuit of an academic degree. The summary specifies the classes that need to be taken during the senior (or final) year in order for the degree requirements to be fulfilled.
Once a student has earned roughly 90 s.h. credit, or is generally within 2 semesters of graduating, they need to contact their advisor to set up a time to review and sign their senior summary. In the Department of Chemistry, students should email the Director of Undergraduate Studies requesting a meeting to complete the summary. Between the time the email is sent and the agreed-upon meeting, the Director of Undergraduate Studies completes the senior summary worksheet in the ECU student computer database and prints out a form that reviews the remaining requirements. After the student and Director sign the form, it is taken by the student to the main office in the Department of Chemistry for the Chair to sign, and is subsequently sent by the Department to the Office of the Registrar for review. Allowing roughly a week for the Chair to review, sign, and send the form along, the student should then stop by the Registrar’s office (Whichard 108) to formally apply for graduation.
