Degree Options

Chemistry Degree Options

The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry consists of four Options. For more information on each option please review the course catalog.

• 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 and a middle grade endorsement in general science and physical science for grades 6–8 provided that the program is completed and middle grade endorsements issued by January 31, 2018, when new middle grade endorsement rules will come into effect. Licensure requires the successful completion of the Illinois Licensure Tests of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or equivalent, Science-Chemistry Content Area test, and the teaching practice and reflection assessment, edTPA. 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 Degree Options

The Bachelor of Science degree in Physics consists of four Options. For more information on each option please review the course catalog.

• 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: 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-Physics for grades 9-12 and a middle grade endorsement in general science and physical science for grades 6–8 provided that the program is completed and middle grade endorsements issued by January 31, 2018, when new middle grade endorsement rules will come into effect. Licensure requires the successful completion of the Illinois Licensure Tests of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or equivalent, Science-Physics Content Area test, and the teaching practice and reflection assessment, edTPA. 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 Studies Program

The engineering studies program is for students who want the foundational courses needed for an engineering degree.  Click here to learn more.