Chemistry (BS) Program Overview

As a chemistry major, you’ll prepare for a career in medical and investigative laboratories, from anesthesiology to forensic science. In this discipline, students become problem-solvers and critical thinkers with a strong work ethic and good communication skills. Bluefield University alumni serve their communities as pharmacists and environmental scientists.

A Cutting-Edge Chemistry Degree

At Bluefield University, students explore chemistry through Christ-centered coursework. You’ll partner one-on-one with faculty to design experiments using technology rarely accessible to undergraduates. Imagine using a scanning infrared (IR) spectrophotometer or a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer. You may also tailor internships and summer research programs to your interests like previous students who have worked with the National Forensic Academy and NCIS.

“Chemistry is a wonderful combination of studying the created order and modeling reality with mathematical relationships,” Dr. Joe Saunders, Chemistry Department Chair explains. “A few simple symbols in an equation provide a wealth of insight into the behavior of materials.”

If chemistry is your element, complete the request information form to inquire about your future as a chemistry major. Check out the American Chemical Society, too, a national organization that can help you make career connections. If your goal is to teach chemistry classes, check out our chemistry education degree program.


The Academic Catalog is the student guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

Tuition: On-Campus Tuition & Fees
Next Start: August 16, 2023 (On-Campus)
Time to Complete: 4 years

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Courses & Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (BS)
General Education (53 Credits)

General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors


  • Bluefield Core (9 Credits)
  • Composition (6 Credits)
  • Christian Studies (3 Credits)
  • Fine Arts (3 Credits)
  • History (6 Credits)
  • Literature (3 Credits)
  • Macroeconomics (3 Credits)
  • Math (3 Credits)
  • Science (4 Credits)
  • Social Science (3 Credits)
  • Speech (3 Credits)
Major Requirements (41 Credits)

  • Program Design and Development
  • Information Technology
  • Introduction to Statistics
  • General Chemistry I & Lab
  • General Chemistry II & Lab
  • Organic Chemistry I
  • Organic Chemistry II
  • Quantitative & Instrumental Analysis
  • Introduction to Biochemistry and Lab
  • Chemistry Internships
  • Science Colloquium
  • Senior Seminar
  • (Required Elective – Choose 1)
    • Philosophical & Ethical Issues in Science
    • Special Topics in Chemistry & Biochemistry
Electives (26 Credits)
Total Credits: 120

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Chemical Engineer
Biotechnologist
Geochemist
Pharmacologist
Analytical Chemist

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Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Moran

Associate Professor of Counseling

Brandy Smith

Assistant Professor of Education & Counseling,
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program,
Title IX Confidential Counselor

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