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Chemistry
Program Details
- Major Name: Chemistry
- Degree Program: Arts and Sciences
- Degree Designation: AA/AS
- College / School: STEM
The Chemistry program at Potomac State College includes the first two years of work toward a BS or BA in chemistry. Courses provide a strong foundation in general and organic chemistry. Laboratory work includes classical wet chemistry, volumetric and instrumental analysis, as well as the applications of computers to analyze data collected in laboratory experiments. The goal of the program is to prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution and complete their bachelor's degree. Students successfully completing the course work at Potomac State College are admitted to West Virginia University as junior Chemistry majors.
If the student is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, six credit hours of a foreign language at the intermediate level are required. If pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, a foreign language is not required.
Graduation Requirements
In order to earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree in Arts and Sciences with a major in Chemistry, a student must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of required and elective course work.
Career Outcomes
Upon completion of the BS in Chemistry, a student can secure employment as a chemist in various chemical industries such as iron and steel, petrochemical or paper industries. According to the American Chemical Society (ACS), starting salary for inexperienced or newly graduated BS chemists is $40,000 per year. Also possible is working toward an MS or PhD at a four-year institution. In addition, the BS chemist can become certified through such groups as the National Registry of Certified Chemists or the American Institute of Chemists.
The BA program allows students to pursue an advanced degree in chemistry or to apply for admission to professional schools such as medicine, pharmacy or dentistry. Admission requirements for these professional schools are easily accomplished by adjustments to specific courses taken within the BA program.