Rollins College is on the list of institutions whose chemistry programs have been approved by the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training (ACS-CPT). We encourage our students to pursue the ACS major as it demonstrates a dedication to excellence and provides the student with a thorough education in Chemistry. Students who are interested in graduate school and medical school are encouraged to complete this major.
Why Have an Approval and Certification Program?
According to the ACS-CPT webpage, "over 600 chemistry programs in colleges and universities in the United States are ACS-approved. Over 120 chemistry programs also offer degree options. About 40 percent of the students graduating from these chemistry programs are ACS-certified. Many departments seek ACS approval and advertise that they are approved to assure students that they have highquality programs in chemistry. Some institutions use ACS approval of another institution as a basis for accepting transfer credits in chemistry. For the student, a certified degree in chemistry is a valuable personal credential that serves as national-level recognition for successfully completing a rigorous academic chemistry curriculum in an ACS-approved department. In many college and university chemistry departments, more than one path is offered for a chemistry, biochemistry, or related major. The program that results in an ACS-certified degree invariably is the more demanding one. The extra rigor and additional requirements of the certified degree are valued by potential employers and graduate schools alike. Employers realize that graduates of approved 4 programs have better preparation for technical employment. Some companies offer higher starting salaries to certified degree holders than to noncertified classmates.
"Although graduate school admissions committees are unlikely to consider overtly whether a graduate holds a certified degree, the admissions committees will be impressed by the stronger preparation required for a certified degree and by a student being a graduate of an approved department. An ACS-certified graduate is eligible for immediate membership in the ACS and thus is able to secure the benefits of membership, which include helpful services such as finding employment."(Obtained from the ACS-CPT webpage)
This program of study consists of the following courses:
- CHM 120 Chemistry
- CHM 220 Organic Chemistry I
- CHM 221 Organic Chemistry II
- CHM 301 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry
- CHM 305 Physical Chemistry I
- CHM 306 Physical Chemistry II
- CHM 320 Analytical Chemistry
- CHM 380 Instrumental Methods
- CHM 390 Introduction to Research
- CHM 498 Chemical Research I
- CHM 499 Chemical Research II
- BCH 431 Biochemistry I
In addition, students should complete one (1) 400-level chemistry or biochemistry elective.
Students electing this program of study should take a minimum of three mathematics courses, including either MAT 110 or MAT 111, and MAT 112,and the two course sequence in physics: PHY 130, PHY 131. Additional courses in mathematics, MAT 211, MAT 212, MAT 230, MAT 240, and physics, PHY 203, are strongly recommended for students considering post baccalaureate study.
