Chemistry BS & BTech & Bachelors

Study BSc  In Chemistry Sciences in USA 

 

How to choose a chemistry program

If you want to go for a BSc in the chemistry program, then you must be prepared for spending long hours in class, studying, and spending a large amount of time in labs. You will have to consider a lot of factors along with your desired field of study. You must get some idea and perspective of the chemistry departments in all of your selected schools/universities in the USA. Some points are listed below to keep in your mind while going for a chemistry program: -

•  You must check if the program is approved or accredited by the American Chemical Society.
•  You must check if there are ample research opportunities if you plan for researching your subject interest.
•  You may also check if the program has a curriculum or faculty which focuses on post-graduation or Ph.D. or on employment.
•  You must check whether the curriculum of the program offers knowledge outside chemistry like engineering or biology.
•  You may also check the research and laboratory facilities and whether the department provides guidance in non-technical fields like communication, teaching, ethics, safety, entrepreneurship, etc.
•  You may also check financial aid, fellowship, and scholarship options available for your program.

 

Program Description

• The program generally has a duration of 4 years and offers cutting edge topics in a modular format with fundamental concepts of the molecular sciences through coursework and laboratory experience.
• Students get thorough knowledge of the principles of chemistry, the methods required for solving complex problems, and processing their ideas efficiently to the scientific community.
• The program covers basic areas involving inorganic, organic, and physical elements of chemistry with specializations in analytical, nuclear, and biophysical chemistry.
• Many institutions and universities provide students with opportunities to research with the faculties and internships at various companies and industries.

 

Eligibility

- The applicant must have passed his/her 12th (10+2) with the chemistry among the compulsory subjects.

- The applicant must obtain marks above 70 or an average GPA of 3.0 or above in his/her 12th examination.

- Recommended courses include 4 years of English, Mathematics to the level of calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and 2 or more years of history and social sciences.

- SAT/ACT or TOEFL or IELTS scores: The score level differs from each university and it is not required in all the universities. However, it is recommended for a non-native English speaker.

 

Courses

Some courses which you will require to take during your chemistry program are: -

− Analytical chemistry

− Biochemistry

− Environmental Chemistry

− Inorganic Chemistry

− Organic Chemistry

− Physical Chemistry

− Polymer and Material Chemistry

− Spectroscopy and Crystallography

Specializations: -

Specialized courses may be available in the form of elective units in the chemistry program. Some examples of specialization are mentioned below: -

Chemical engineering: - Focuses on the process of conversion of substances into useful medicines.

Biochemistry: - The study deals with chemical processes within living organisms, like the process which makes you react or feel a certain way.

Astrochemistry: - The study deals with the composition of matter, elements, and molecules and their behavior in space.

Nuclear Chemistry: - It deals with the study of radioactive elements and the process to harness them and their effects on organisms and matter.

Medicinal Chemistry: - It can be called a blend of chemical engineering and biochemistry as it deals with incorporating certain chemicals present in the body.

Admission process

A general application must include the following:-

- Online Application form: - The form can be obtained from the official website of the selected universities. It includes academic information and a summary of your previous educational courses and personal information.

- Academic Transcripts: - Transcripts include details of your educational background, your mark sheets, special achievements, etc. You can get these from your previous school/college on request.

- Letters of Recommendation: - Generally, 2 or 3 letters are required to be submitted before the deadline prescribed by the university. These may include your academic strengths, hidden potentials, teamwork, and technical skills, etc which are to be filled by your professors.

- Standardized tests: - GRE test scores are not necessary to be provided unless it is a mandatory requirement. English Proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, and SAT are required for applicants whose native language is not English and who do not have a bachelor’s degree from a US university where English is the central language of instruction.

- Statement of purpose: - Your statement of purpose should represent your interest, reasons for joining the course specifically, future academic goals, Scientific and research interests, and motivations for further studies.

 

- Application fee: - The application fee ranges from $100 - $150.

Tuition fees

The top universities in the USA have tuition costs around $55,000 per year. But, the overall tuition costs for bachelors in US universities range from $20,000 - $60,000/ year for international candidates. So, on average, a graduation course of four years may cost around $1, 30,000. Accommodation cost in the USA depends on the location of your stay and starts from $500 per month to $3500 per month. You can also check funding and scholarships provided by the US government and individual universities.

Best Universities/schools for BSc Chemistry

• California Institute of Technology
• Harvard University
•  University of California – Berkeley
• The Scripps Research Institute
•  University of Illinois – Urbana – Champaign
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Northwestern University
•  Princeton University
• University of Wisconsin – Madison
• University of Chicago
• University of California – Los Angeles

 

Career Opportunities

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for chemists during the years 2018 – 2028 is around 4%, and is expected that Ph.D. holders may get better opportunities. The median wage for chemists was $77,000/ year and for material scientists is $96,000/year. The jobs are mostly in labs or offices which are generally regular with full time working hours. Some career options are listed below:-

− Pharmacist

− Agriculture scientist

− Food Scientist

− Professor/teacher

− Forensic Scientist

− Occupational Health and Safety scientist

− Chemist (Organic Chemist, Forensic chemist, Physical Chemist, Analytical Chemist)

 

Other fields where you can work with a BSc in Chemistry are: -

 

− Research and Development

− Quality Control and Regulatory Support

− Manufacturing

− Environmental and Health

− Law and Policy

− Military and Law Enforcement

− Sales and Marketing Support

− Primary and Secondary Education If you wish to study abroad, please connect with Whizstorm for the best international career plans.