Chemistry offers six special options for students with specific interests in combining chemistry with other subjects such as Bioscience. These options involve additional courses in the chosen second discipline. If approved, students will receive a waiver of selected required science courses. None of these special options requires more than 120 credits to graduate.
For details on the requirements for each degree option, see the Majors page.
The combination of chemistry and bioscience is crucial for an understanding of living matter and its metamorphosis through growth, reproduction, aging, disease, and evolution. Experts in the chemistry of living systems spearhead research to combat disease by prevention, cure, and eradication. The Chemistry/Bioscience option includes the core bioscience courses and an introduction to molecular biology, environmental biology and biochemistry. A chemistry degree supplemented by bioscience courses has long been one of the most successful routes leading to the graduate health professions, including medical and dental school. The Bioscience Option is also appropriate for students planning to go on to graduate school in chemistry, biochemistry and related subjects. Industrial career opportunities for chemists with training in the biological sciences are burgeoning in areas such as nutrition, pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering, environmental science and fine chemicals.
For more information on the specific courses for this option, see the Chemistry Majors Sheet
A large proportion of chemistry graduates become involved in chemical or instrumentation sales, technical marketing, or management. Chemistry majors interested in careers in these fields have two alternatives for including business coursework in their undergraduate program. The A&S/Business Dual Major allows a student to earn full majors in both chemistry and business. Information on this program is available in the A&S Advising Center, 252 Thackeray Hall, and the College of Business Administration Advising Office in 2606 Sennott Square.
The second alternative is a Business Option within the chemistry major. This combination may enhance employment opportunities for entry‑level positions in business, industry, and research organizations. The Business Option includes the core chemistry courses and required elective courses in business.
For more information on the specific courses for this option, see the Chemistry Majors Sheet
Informative, accurate science communication is needed at both the technical and the popular level, for example in training materials, advertising, scientific journals, newspapers, TV and radio. The Chemistry/Communications Option includes an introduction to linguistics, writing, and mass communication. This Option makes available unique job opportunities in industry: in technical writing and editing, in marketing, in advertising, in scientific journalism, and in education.
For more information on the specific courses for this option, see the Chemistry Majors Sheet
The demand for qualified science and math teachers in today's technology based society is ever increasing. The chemistry education option will allow students to earn the B.S. in chemistry and then apply to the one year professional certification program offered through the School of Education. The option will also prepare students to enter the Master of Arts in Teaching Program (MAT) here at the University of Pittsburgh. Students also need to take the PRAXIS I: Reading, Writing, Mathematics exam prior to applying for admission to the certification program. Application forms are available in 5500 Posvar Hall.
For more information on the specific courses for this option, see the Chemistry Majors Sheet
There is a great demand in both industry and education for chemists trained in material science. As molecular biology, microelectronics, high performance materials and nanotechnology become increasingly important in our society, demand for material scientists will also increase. The Material Science Option is designed to provide a fundamental background and laboratory experience with synthetic and naturally occurring materials. This is appropriate for chemists going on to graduate study in Chemistry or Material Science, or directly to careers in industry (fundamentals or applications research, analysis, etc.).
For more information on the specific courses for this option, see the Chemistry Majors Sheet
International Studies option (9‐credit minimum): As our society becomes more global in nature, opportunities to study abroad are more available to science majors, including in departments with different curriculum offerings. Our Chemistry major with an International Studies option is designed to help students experience a new culture while pursuing their undergraduate degree. Students who hope to spend a term or a year abroad will be required to submit a written proposal of their plan of study. This will be done in conjunction with a major adviser. The completed plan will then be approved by the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and once approved the student will be prepared, academically, to undertake the abroad experience including Chemistry courses that count towards the major. Like all options in the major, students will be exempt from Chem 1140‐Inorganic Laboratory, Chem 1440‐Physical Chemistry 2 Laboratory and the 2 credit science elective. In lieu of the exempted courses, the equivalent of at least 9 Pitt‐equivalent credits will be selected from the course offerings at the foreign institution.
