Degree Requirements

For the most current information on all options in Chemistry, Physics and Engineering Studies, as well as the detailed course listing for the various options, Click here for the current Course Catalog, or contact the department Chair for more information.

The American Chemical Society has recognized Chicago State University’s Chemistry CHEM option as an ACS-approved chemistry degree offering the highest level of collegiate instruction. This premiere academic accreditation affirms that CSU’s Chemistry program meets the rigorous guidelines set by the ACS Committee on Professional Training, which approves only those programs that provide a broad-based, intellectually challenging experience in chemistry. Physics does not have an accrediting body like Chemistry.

Chemistry

General Chemistry: Students following this Option prepare for research, industrial, and governmental careers or for graduate study in chemistry or related fields. Students completing this Option will receive a degree certified by the American Chemical Society. The CHEM degree plan is for students pursuing the general chemistry option.
Industrial Chemistry: This Option serves students preparing for positions in science industries or in technical sales. The CHMI degree plan is for students pursuing the industrial chemistry option.
Biochemistry: Students who wish to prepare for careers in biomedical research or to gain admission to medical, dental, or pharmacy school usually follow this Option. The CHMB degree plan is for students pursuing the biochemistry option.
Secondary Teaching Option in Chemistry: Completion of the Secondary Teaching Option in Chemistry qualifies students for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement for teaching Science-Chemistry for grades 9- 12. Licensure requires admission to the College of Education and completion of current state licensure tests and course requirements. The Secondary Teaching Program is accredited by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and meets Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) standards in science education.

Physics

General Physics: Students following this Option prepare for research, industrial, and governmental careers or for graduate study in physics or related fields.
Physics for Biosciences Applications (Biomedical Physics): Students who wish to pursue careers in biophysics, medical physics, motion science or gain admission to medical, dental, or pharmacy school usually follow this option.
Engineering Physics: Students following this Option prepare for a number of fields in the application of physics especially high tech industry as well as graduate studies in Engineering and Applied Physics.
Secondary Teaching Option in Physics: Completion of the Secondary Teaching Option in Chemistry qualifies students for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement for teaching Science-Chemistry for grades 9- 12. Licensure requires admission to the College of Education and completion of current state licensure tests and course requirements. The Secondary Teaching Program is accredited by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and meets Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) standards in science education.

Engineering

The engineering studies program is for students who want to take the foundational courses needed for an engineering degree at CSU before transferring to complete the undergraduate degree in engineering at another institution. Students who are calculus ready typically follow a course of full-time study for two years that includes the math, physics, chemistry, and engineering courses needed of all engineering majors. This course of study prepares students for continued study at CSU, in Engineering Physics, or at an accredited engineering institution (via transfer agreements).

Using the CSU Trebuchet for water balloons