Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology
The PSM in Biotechnology at Saint Mary's is a two-year, 40-credit hybrid program de...
B.S. in Chemistry
Moraga, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.S. in Chemistry is a four-year undergraduate program that offers a deep dive into the fundamental principles of chemistry. It's structured to provide students with a balance of theoretical understanding, hands-on experimental work, and interdisciplinary study. The program aims to transform students' understanding of matter, its properties, and its potential, preparing them to contribute to innovation and address real-world challenges in the vital field of chemistry. Graduates are well-equipped for technical roles and further academic pursuits.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry program at Saint Mary's College of California is a STEM-designated degree. This is a significant advantage for international students on an F-1 visa, as it allows them to be eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This extension grants an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to three years of valuable practical experience in their field.
Curriculum: The B.S. in Chemistry curriculum at Saint Mary's is comprehensive and designed to meet the rigorous standards expected of a science bachelor's degree. Required lower-division courses typically include General Chemistry I & II (with labs) and Organic Chemistry I & II (with labs). Students also need to take foundational biology, such as "Fundamental Concepts in Cell Biology, Biochemistry" or "Intro Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, & Biochemistry" with lab. Upper-division courses delve into areas like Analytical Chemistry, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, Polymer & Supramolecular Chemistry, Instrumental Chemical Analysis, Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy, and Thermodynamics and Kinetics. The curriculum emphasizes developing skills in chemical literature, investigative techniques, communication, and an awareness of societal concerns related to chemistry.
Research Focus: Saint Mary's College places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research within its B.S. in Chemistry program. Students are actively encouraged to engage with faculty and senior students in research labs, often starting in their first year. The department highlights opportunities for "Academic Year Research" (through courses like CHEM 485 - Research) and "Summer Research," with various funding options available. The research experiences are designed to help students apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems and figure out their specific passion within chemistry. Students often get opportunities to present their work at various forums, including STEM Fall Poster Day, the Saint Mary's Symposium, and local, regional, national, and international conferences. The department's facilities include robust instrumentation for chemical analysis, such as NMR, UV-Vis, fluorimeters, LC-MS, and microwave synthesis equipment, supporting diverse research projects.
Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College of California actively prepares its Chemistry graduates for successful careers in industry. The curriculum incorporates practical skills highly valued by employers, and the college emphasizes the development of strong writing and speaking abilities, which are hallmarks of a Saint Mary's graduate. Many graduates find success in the chemical industry in roles such as Quality Control, Lab Technician, Sales, Product Manager, and Analyst. The college encourages students to pursue internships to gain real-world experience. The robust lab and research skills learned throughout the program are explicitly cited by alumni as crucial for thriving in their current jobs in the industry.
Global Perspective: Saint Mary's College fosters a global perspective within its B.S. in Chemistry program by emphasizing the universal nature of chemical principles and their widespread applications. The curriculum, through its focus on fundamental knowledge and conceptual understanding, provides a basis for addressing global challenges related to energy, environment, and health. The college's broader commitment to a liberal arts education encourages students to develop "societal awareness and concerns," which naturally extends to global issues. While specific study abroad components solely for chemistry majors are not explicitly detailed, the skills gained in the program, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, prepare graduates to work in multinational companies or collaborate on international scientific projects, contributing to solutions with global impact.
Location
Moraga, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 59251
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Saint Mary's College of California is dedicated to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the world. To support this commitment, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission no separate application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular involvement, and personal accomplishments.
International Excellence Scholarship: This competitive award recognizes exceptional international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and global leadership. Students selected for the International Excellence Scholarship may receive additional financial support beyond standard merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, essays, and achievements.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, some need-based assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to explore all available options.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships from global organizations, private foundations, and government-sponsored programs. The college provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for third-party funding opportunities that can supplement institutional aid.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry from Saint Mary's College of California (SMC), situated in Moraga within the dynamic Bay Area, offers a rigorous and comprehensive education designed to launch students into diverse and impactful careers.
Analytical Chemist: Conducts qualitative and quantitative analyses of substances using various instruments to ensure product quality, identify unknown compounds, or monitor environmental parameters in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, environmental testing, or forensics.
Research Chemist: Works in academic, industrial (e.g., chemical, pharmaceutical, biotech), or government laboratories, designing and executing experiments, synthesizing new molecules, and investigating chemical reactions to contribute to the discovery and development of new materials, drugs, or processes.
Quality Control (QC) Chemist: Ensures that raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products in manufacturing settings (especially pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and consumer goods) meet strict quality specifications and regulatory standards through chemical testing and analysis.
Process Chemist: Focuses on optimizing chemical processes for large-scale production in manufacturing plants. They work to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure the safety and reproducibility of chemical reactions.
Environmental Chemist: Analyzes chemical compounds in environmental samples (air, water, soil) to detect pollutants, assess their impact on ecosystems, and develop strategies for remediation and environmental protection for government agencies or environmental consulting firms.
Forensic Chemist: Applies chemical and analytical techniques to examine physical evidence from crime scenes (e.g., drugs, fibers, residues, explosives), providing crucial scientific information for criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
Materials Scientist/Chemist: Investigates the composition, structure, properties, and performance of various materials (polymers, metals, ceramics, composites) at a molecular level, often developing new materials with enhanced functionalities for diverse applications.
Pharmaceutical Chemist (Entry-Level): Works in drug discovery, development, or manufacturing within the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), formulating drugs, or analyzing drug stability and purity.
Chemical Sales/Technical Support Representative: Combines scientific knowledge with strong communication skills to sell chemical products, laboratory equipment, or provide technical support and training to clients in various industries.
Further Study (Graduate or Professional School): The B.S. in Chemistry provides an excellent foundation for pursuing advanced degrees, including Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related fields, as well as professional programs such as Medical School (MD), Dental School (DDS/DMD), or Pharmacy School (PharmD). Many SMC Chemistry graduates go on to prestigious graduate programs.
