Chemistry Pathway Guide

Preparation for Transfer as a Chemistry Major

The following sequences are suggested courses to take in your semesters prior to transferring to SMU as a chemistry major. For students attending a Texas public community college or university, Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCNS) are listed.  If you are transferring from a college or university outside of Texas, click on the SMU course for a course description which may be used to select/compare courses at your current institution.

CC listings refer to SMU’s Common Curriculum, which all undergraduates are required to complete. Refer to the Common Curriculum Transfer Guide   for a list of courses satisfying CC components. Interactive equivalency guides organized by transfer institution are available on the Transfer and Transition Services’ website.

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Please note: These plans assume students are ready to take calculus. If you are not “calculus ready,” take math courses to prepare you for calculus so that you advance to calculus as soon as possible. Also, if you are planning a minor, typically only one or two transfer courses will be applied.

The Chemistry Department

Chemistry, the study of the materials that make up the universe, is the most central of sciences. The Department of Chemistry  at SMU is part of Dedman College , home to the humanities and social and natural sciences.  The department emphasizes personal interaction with students in the classroom and hands-on research experience in the laboratory, with a goal of preparing students for future employment and further achievements in a variety of fields. Whether you aspire to a career in industry, medicine or academia, the Chemistry Department’s comprehensive curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and experience to excel. 

Research Opportunities

Research endeavors within the Department of Chemistry  involve students at every stage of their careers. Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in the laboratory from their first semester on campus. Students have the opportunity to work closely with scientists who are experts in their fields and take pride in providing a quality education.

All chemistry majors are encouraged to join a faculty research group. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research as part of a team with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral scientists. State-of-the-art instruments and newly-renovated facilities provide an environment conducive to productivity and ingenuity. For additional information on research activities within the Department, go to our SMU webpage.

Graduate School and Careers in Chemistry

Majoring in chemistry at SMU is appropriate preparation for a wide variety of paths, including graduate school, scientific research, medicine, dentistry, teaching, and many areas of business and technology.  

The Chemistry Department  has a consistent record of placing students into top graduate programs. Our graduates have completed or are currently enrolled in Ph.D. programs at Scripps Institute, Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, Cal Tech, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Rice, UT Austin, Texas A&M, University of Michigan, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, and the M.D./Ph.D. programs at Baylor, UT Southwestern, and the University of Wisconsin. Recent SMU Chemistry graduates are currently employed by Merck, Momenta Pharmaceuticals, IBM, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Tyco Electronics. 

Chemistry Society

The SMU Chemistry Society is a student-run organization whose purpose is to encourage the understanding of chemistry. Students studying chemistry or biochemistry are encouraged to join.

Chemistry Degree Plans

The Chemistry Department  offers two degree plans from which to choose.

The traditional degree program is the B.S. in Chemistry , which is the most versatile option. It is the only degree program that satisfies the certification requirements of the American Chemical Society and is therefore appropriate preparation for graduate school or for employment in the chemical industry.

The B.A. in Chemistry  is a flexible alternative to the B.S., designed for students who wish to combine the study of chemistry with training in science, business, engineering or liberal arts. Its reduced course requirements make it especially suitable as part of a double major. If you are interested in a double major, careful planning is recommended for course sequencing and course load.

A Minor in Chemistry  is also available.

Admission as a Chemistry Major

To enter SMU as a declared chemistry major, transfer students must have 24 or more hours of transfer credit.  Additionally, students must complete equivalent courses to SMU’s CHEM 1303 - General Chemistry  and CHEM 1113 - General Chemistry Laboratory , CHEM 1304 - General Chemistry  and CHEM 1114 - General Chemistry Laboratory , and MATH 1337 - Calculus I . Although these courses are transferable with a C- or better, transfer students are more likely to be successful as chemistry majors if grades in these courses are significantly higher.

Preparing for a Smooth Transition

A seamless transfer to SMU and the Chemistry Department  requires planning. The following are a few important points to remember:

• Completion of CHEM 1303 , CHEM 1113 , CHEM 1304 , CHEM 1114 , and MATH 1337  is required for students transferring as juniors for a B.A. in Chemistry . For students pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry , the completion of Organic Chemistry and MATH 1338 - Calculus II  is also required.  If these courses are not completed before transferring, completion of the degree will take longer than two years.
• SMU awards CHEM 1303  and CHEM 1113  for a Chemistry AP score of  5 or a Chemistry IB score of 7.
• If a course is part of a two-course sequence, finish the sequence at the same institution.
• A solid math background is important for success in chemistry.
• Math and physics should be completed before your third year of college.
• Many chemistry courses at SMU are sequenced and are offered only in the fall or only in the spring.
• Students pursuing entrance into graduate programs in the health professions (pre-med, pre-dental, pre-vet, pre-PT, etc.) should refer to the Pre-Health Program for further advice and preparation.
• Compare Course Descriptions  found in SMU’s University Catalog to course descriptions at your current institution to maximize your awarded transfer credits. 
• For additional information on the Chemistry major, visit our department homepage or contact Professor Werner Horsthemke.
• For more information about transferring to SMU, click here or call 214-768-3417.

The Common Curriculum (CC)

The Common Curriculum is required of all undergraduate students and consists of three main components: 

1. Foundations - 6 hours of Writing courses, 3 hours of Quantitative Reasoning courses, proficiency in a second language. 
2. Breadth - 7 Breadth courses which may double count with majors and minors.
3. Proficiencies and Experiences - 8 Proficiencies and Experiences requirements, met through coursework or approved, noncredit activities.

NOTE: If you transfer with 23 or fewer credit hours and/or transfer in your first year out of high school, transfer work earned prior to high school graduation (dual/concurrent credit) will not satisfy CC requirements.

Apply Now!

Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.