Chemistry Bachelor of Science Degree

RIT’s chemistry BS prepares you for work in all areas of chemistry. You will be prepared for a wide variety of professional positions in industrial manufacturing and research, government, pharmaceuticals, and health care. You will also be ready to continue with graduate studies in chemistry or professional education in medicine or other health-related fields.

RIT Chemistry Degree Curriculum

Through Chemistry BS courses such as analytical, physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry, you'll develop a thorough understanding of substances and their chemical properties, how they can be manipulated, and how they can be transformed into new materials. This chemistry BS also offers the chance to choose a concentration or minor in complementary fields such as:

• Imaging science
• Business
• Graphic arts
• Psychology
• Biology
• Criminal justice
• Computer science
• Engineering
• Environmental science
• Forensics
• Mathematics
• Packaging science
• Physics

Hands-On Experience in Chemistry

The chemistry BS provides additional opportunities to gain real-world experience. Students are encouraged to take advantage of:

• Undergraduate research experiences that are available with professors within the School of Chemistry and Material Sciences to practice real-world lab applications of the information they are currently studying.
• RIT’s cooperative education and internship program includes science co-ops, with Advisors and the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education are available to assist you in identifying and applying to co-op positions

Furthering Your Education in Chemistry

Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees

Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

• Chemistry BS/Chemistry MS: In this combined accelerated dual degree in chemistry, you will study matter at the molecular and atomic levels, preparing you for a wide range of careers in fields like pharmaceuticals, health care, manufacturing, and sustainability. With a strong emphasis on research at the undergraduate and graduate levels, you’ll work closely with mentors to get hands-on experience with the cutting-edge technology and techniques used by industry professionals. You’ll customize your degree during your graduate work with a concentration of courses and a research project that will help you stand out in the job market.
• Chemistry BS/Materials Science and Engineering MS: Set yourself apart with an accelerated dual degree combining a chemistry BS with a master’s in materials science and engineering. You’ll benefit from a comprehensive core curriculum while joining a close-knit chemistry community and engaging in hands-on learning from day one. You’ll have access to advanced technology and master bench techniques used by industry professionals with close mentorship from research-active faculty. The addition of a New York State certified professional master’s degree in materials science and engineering will equip you with in-demand skills that can be applied to developing new materials, systems, and technologies. Graduates of this interdisciplinary program are recruited for by top companies like Toyota, Tesla, Rocket Lab, 3M, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Xerox, Northrop Grumman, and the NASA Glenn Research Center.
• +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.

Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advising

RIT’s Office of Pre-Health Advising offers an advising program that’s open to all majors and provides personal, individualized academic counseling to help you create a comprehensive long-term strategy to assist you in building successful applications to medical, dental, and veterinary schools or graduate degrees in the health professions (e.g., occupational therapy, physical therapy, etc.). Our pre-health advisors will have in-depth conversations with you around critical topics that include academic planning and course selection, MCAT and other admission exams, undergraduate research opportunities, clinical experiences and field work, timelines, and much more. Learn more about pre-med/pre-health advising.

Pre-Vet Advising

RIT’s pre-vet advising program provides personalized support to help you prepare successful applications for veterinary medical school. Pre-vet advising offers guidance on course selection, veterinary and animal care experience requirements, the veterinary school application process, and more. Learn about RIT’s pre-vet advising program.

RIT/University of Buffalo’s Early Opportunity Program in Medicine

RIT pre-health/pre-med students have a direct path to medical school through an RIT partnership with the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo (UB). The Early Opportunity Program in Medicine allows eligible RIT students to secure a pre-admission offer to the Jacobs School while completing their undergraduate degree at RIT. Students accepted into the program gain early access to professional training and mentorship at UB’s medical school, helping them prepare for the demands of medical school and beyond. Learn more about the Early Opportunity Program in Medicine.