Dec 07, 2025  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry - Chemical Science (BS)

Location(s): Manhattan Campus


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The BS degree in chemistry consists of two programs: the chemistry program and the chemical science program.

The chemical science program serves students who want a strong background in chemistry but who do not require as much specialization as provided by the chemistry program.

Students majoring in chemical science must earn grades of C or better in all courses prescribed for this curriculum as outlined below. A total of 120 credit hours are required for graduation. 

Kansas State University Core: 34-36 Credit Hours


KBOR Statewide Transfer (SWT) Courses: https://www.kansasregents.org/academic_affairs/transfer-articulation.

English (Written Communication Outcomes): 6 Credit Hours


Communication (Oral Communication Outcomes): 3 Credit Hours


Natural & Physical Sciences (Natural & Physical Sciences Outcomes): 4-5 Credit Hours


Choose 1 subject area which must include a lab.

Social & Behavioral Sciences (Social & Behavioral Sciences Outcomes): 6 Credit Hours


At least 2 courses from 2 subjects under this area.

Arts & Humanities (Arts & Humanities Outcomes): 6 Credit Hours


At least 2 courses from 2 subjects under this area.

Free Electives (Institutionally Designated Area): 6 Credit Hours


Includes ALL 100 and 200 level courses at K-State or in Transfer. 
Note: One course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement. However, students must complete a total of 34-36 credit hours of general education courses.

For a Full Listing of K-State 100/200 level courses you may search those courses individually via the University Course Catalog.

TOTAL CREDITS: 34-36


Program Requirements


Orientation: 1 Credit Hour


Outside Concentration: 9 Credit Hours


Outside credential of at least 9 credit hours (May be from any unit, except Chemistry, OR from approved interdisciplinary credentials within the unit).

OR

Any 9 credit hours in a single prefix (except for Chem) (all must be 300 level or above OR at any level with a prereq in the same prefix; up to 5 credit hours may overlap with program).

OR

Any 9 credit hour microcredential (up to 5 credit hours may overlap with program).

Overlays: [9] Credit Hours


May be filled in K-State Core, Outside Concentration, electives, or the Program itself.

  • Ethical Reasoning Overlay, 1 course Credits: [3]
  • Global Perspectives Overlay, 1 course Credits: [3]
  • US Multicultural Overlay, 1 course Credits: [3]

Program


Chemistry (CHM) Requirements: 25-27 Credit Hours


Choose between Options 1 and 2 for Chemistry Foundational coursework and between Options 1 and 2 for Chemistry Advanced coursework.  For advanced coursework, choose between a more traditional undergraduate chemistry degree including the Instrumental Methods of Analysis course and its lab (Option 1) and one that includes the Environmental Science course and its lab (Option 2). 

Chemical Science Foundational Requirements - Option 1: 12 Credit Hours


Chemical Science Foundational Requirements - Option 2: 10 Credit Hours


Enrollment in CHM 220 and 250 requires one year of high school chemistry, MATH 100 (or two years of high school algebra), and an ACT composite score of 26 or higher

Chemical Science (CHM) Advanced Requirements - Option 1: 15 Credit Hours


This option is for students interested in a more traditional degree including instrumental methods of analysis.

Chemical Science (CHM) Advanced Requirements - Option 2: 15 Credit Hours


This option is for students interested in environmental chemistry.

Biochemistry (BIOCH) Requirements: 6 Credit Hours


Mathematics (MATH) Requirements: 8 Credit Hours


Physics (PHYS) Requirements: 8 Credit Hours


BS Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Requirements: 6 Credit Hours


3 credit hours in each of the following, with at least 3 credit hours total at 300 level or above OR at any level with a prerequisite in the same discipline.

Fine Arts or Humanities: Any course or combination of courses Credits: 3


Non-Quantitative Social Science: Any social science course that does NOT have a MATH or STAT prereq Credits: 3


Free Electives: 12


In addition to K-State Core Free Electives requirement, take any course so that the total credit hours completed equals 120.

Grand Total for Program of Study: 120


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