Bemidji State students may pair a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts in chemistry with an emphasis based on their academic interests. The bachelor of science in chemistry is designed for students who want a professional career in chemistry, in a related science or in a professional area such as medicine or dentistry.

Meanwhile, the bachelor of arts in chemistry program is designed primarily for students pursuing a liberal arts program.

Chemistry Emphasis — B.S.

This emphasis is the most versatile and well-rounded option for students wishing to enter a career in chemical industry or move on to a graduate program in chemistry or a related science. Students pursuing the chemistry emphasis are strongly encouraged to participate in student research and/or an internship in a chemistry-related field.

Additionally, this emphasis satisfies the requirements for an American Chemical Society certification and contains coursework in all of the traditional areas of chemistry – organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biochemistry.

For more information about the courses in this program, check out the course catalog.

Biochemistry/Biotechnology Emphasis — B.S.

This emphasis contains related coursework in biology and is intended to prepare students wishing to attend professional school in medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, etc. and is intended to complement Bemidji State’s pre-professional programs in these areas.

Most commonly, students pursuing the biochemistry/biotechnology emphasis are students who are transferring to Bemidji State from another institution or declaring a biochemistry degree in the latter half of their college experience.

Incoming freshman students intending to study in our pre-professional programs are strongly encouraged to consider an emphasis in the biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology program.

For more information about the courses in this program, check out the course catalog.

Forensic Science Emphasis – B.S.

This emphasis contains related coursework in biology and criminal justice and is intended to prepare students for a career in  forensic science analyzing evidence in a crime lab. An internship in a crime lab or related facility is strongly encouraged for completion of this major.

For more information about the courses in this program, check out the course catalog.

Environmental Chemistry Emphasis – B.S.

This emphasis contains related coursework in environmental studies and is intended for students looking to understand chemistry from an environmental perspective that could lead to a career with institutions like the Department of Natural Resources.

Students pursuing this emphasis have the option of pursuing options in either toxicology, the study of how substances effect humans, animals or the environment or hydrogeochemistry, the study of water treatment and management.

For more information about the courses in this program, check out the course catalog.

Chemistry B.A.

This program is designed for students who intend to pursue further professional studies, or who seek employment in areas where knowledge of chemistry would be advantageous. Specific required courses are held to a minimum to allow the student considerable flexibility in designing a program of study. The student should also select a minor or a major in another area.

For more information about the courses in this program, check out the course catalog.