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.

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.