Students interested in majoring in chemistry have two degree programs from which to choose — the Specialized Curriculum in Chemistry and the Sciences and Letters, Chemistry Major Curriculum. The specialized curriculum leads to a "Bachelors of Science in Chemistry" and the Sciences and Letters curriculum leads to a "Bachelors of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences" with a major in chemistry. 

There are differences in the general education, math, chemistry and foreign language degree completion requirements depending on which degree program you choose.  

Sciences and Letters Curriculum for a Major in Chemistry 

This chemistry major has fewer technical requirements than the Specialized Chemistry curricula but allows the most flexibility to pursue other interests including minors. Pre-professional (pre-med, pre-pharm, pre-dental or other pre-professional fields) may choose either this major or the Specialized Chemistry Curriculum. 

Two years of high school coursework in one foreign language are required for admission, and incoming freshmen are encouraged to have completed at least 4 years of high school coursework in one foreign language, which will satisfy the foreign language requirements for graduation. Otherwise, students must finish the language requirement on campus, and it may take longer to graduate.

Specialized Curriculum in Chemistry 

Students in the Specialized Curriculum in Chemistry must include a course in Biochemistry in the Advanced Chemistry area or the Technical Electives area to be certified by the American Chemical Society as having met its specifications.

Two years of high school coursework in one foreign language are required for admission, and incoming freshmen are encouraged to have completed at least 3 years of high school coursework in one foreign language, which will satisfy the foreign language requirements for graduation.

  • Within the Specialized Curriculum, students have the option to pursue an Environmental Chemistry Concentration. This concentration is designed to provide a background in environmental chemistry that is sufficient in breadth and depth to prepare a person to work as an environmental chemist in the public or private sectors and/or to pursue an advanced degree in the field. Students who complete this concentration will be certified in environmental chemistry by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

CS + Chemistry degree

CS + Chemistry is a single major with two parts incorporating core elements of computer science and chemistry. This program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of LAS.

Applying to College at Illinois: A Complete Guide

High school and transfer students who want more insight into the University of Illinois application process and the university community will find a variety of information in the Admissions Blog.

Admissions Blog

Apply online

Application Filing Period

Other helpful links for undergraduates