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Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry) ,BS

Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry), BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry)

Air Quality, Alternative Fuels, Atmosphere, Chemist, Energy, Environment, Geochemistry, Oceanography, Pharmaceutical, Pollution, Research, Science, Water Quality, approved for STEM-OPT extension, materials, sustainability

Address today's environmental challenges and make a lasting beneficial impact on the planet. Through hands-on lab work, you'll learn to create sustainable solutions. Build a strong foundation in environmental chemistry, hone your critical thinking skills, and approach problem-solving from an Earth-conscious perspective.

Program description

In the Bachelor of Science program in chemistry with a concentration in environmental chemistry, you learn how chemistry connects to the environment. You study topics such as pollution control, energy and climate change while learning how to solve real environmental problems.

The program combines chemistry with environmental science, geology, math and physics to give you a broad understanding of how the Earth works. Through lectures and hands-on lab work, you build strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. You also have the chance to work with faculty on research projects and gain experience creating solutions that protect the planet.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you're interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 270 - Calc w/Analytic Geometry I
    or MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers
  • Math intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial

Video: Learn about the Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry) degree program at ASUThis video provides an overview of the Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry) degree program at ASU.

Curriculum

What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.

Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:


Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

  • Predict molecular structure and reactivity using knowledge from organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biological chemistry.
  • Clearly communicate their findings from a basic chemical experiment.
  • Analyze chemical data using common statistical methods.
Global opportunities
Global experience

Students who participate in Global Education programs can strengthen their understanding of environmental chemistry through hands-on experience in new and exciting environments. Programs provide students with a global perspective and knowledge in preparation for a forward-thinking career.

Career opportunities

The solid chemistry education that graduates have obtained in this program provides the necessary background for many career paths in chemical industries, government and other areas. This degree can be combined with law for patent work or government work, economics for sales and marketing careers, and computer science for careers in storage and retrieval of information related to the environment.

The environmental chemistry concentration is especially valuable for those who plan to work in areas related to the environment; graduates are also prepared for careers in environmental science, environmental monitoring, policy and regulation.

Graduates are well positioned to pursue graduate studies in environmental science, chemistry or related fields.

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
3.7%
$60,390
Chemist   Bright Outlook
4.9%
$91,240
4.4%
$82,220
1.8%
$77,640
12.8%
$72,060
4.4%
$82,220
3.7%
$167,220
0.7%
$99,070
3.4%
$73,010
5.4%
$78,850
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information

Program term definitions

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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