Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology
The PSM in Biotechnology at Saint Mary's is a two-year, 40-credit hybrid program de...
B.A. in Chemistry
Moraga, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Chemistry at Saint Mary's College is a four-year undergraduate program designed to offer a comprehensive yet flexible education in chemical principles. It focuses on understanding the underlying substance of the universe, including the properties and possibilities of chemicals. The program's learning outcomes emphasize not only fundamental knowledge and conceptual understanding but also investigative skills, communication skills, and societal awareness regarding chemical issues. This degree is particularly suitable for students who wish to combine their passion for chemistry with broader interests in the liberal arts, potentially pursuing a minor or a second major in another field.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Chemistry program at Saint Mary's College of California is recognized as a STEM-designated degree. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa. It makes them eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, allowing an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months, providing up to three years of valuable practical experience in their field.
Curriculum: The B.A. in Chemistry curriculum at Saint Mary's College provides a solid grounding in core chemical disciplines. While it is a streamlined program compared to the B.S., it still includes essential courses such as General Chemistry (I and II), Organic Chemistry (I and II), Analytical Chemistry, and typically foundational mathematics (Calculus) and physics. The curriculum aims to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and experimental techniques, ensuring students gain practical experience in the lab. Students also engage with topics related to societal concerns in chemistry, fostering a holistic understanding of the field's impact. The program is designed to develop skills in chemical literature, investigative techniques, and effective scientific communication.
Research Focus: Saint Mary's College places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research within its Chemistry programs, including the B.A. track. Students are actively encouraged to engage in hands-on research alongside faculty and senior students, often starting as early as their first year. The department provides opportunities for "Academic Year Research" (through courses like CHEM 485 - Research) and "Summer Research," with various funding options available. Faculty research interests are diverse, including areas like synthesizing metal-containing molecular catalysts for sustainable consumer products and investigating catalytic reaction mechanisms. Students gain valuable experience in applying classroom knowledge to real-world problems and have opportunities to present their work at various forums, including campus events and local, regional, national, and international conferences. The department boasts modern instrumentation to support these research endeavors.
Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College of California actively prepares its Chemistry graduates for successful careers in industry. The program emphasizes developing strong laboratory and research skills, which are highly valued by employers. Alumni have noted that the skills learned at Saint Mary's, such as hands-on lab experience, have helped them "thrive at work" as lab analysts. The college encourages students to pursue internships to gain practical, real-world experience. The curriculum, coupled with the college's location near the Bay Area's scientific and technological hubs, facilitates connections to the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, preparing graduates for a range of technical roles.
Global Perspective: Saint Mary's College fosters a global perspective within its B.A. in Chemistry program by recognizing the universal principles of chemistry and its global implications. The curriculum inherently touches upon issues with international relevance, such as environmental chemistry and sustainable practices. The college's broader commitment to a liberal arts education encourages students to develop "societal awareness and concerns," which naturally extends to global challenges like climate change, resource management, and public health. While specific study abroad components are part of the broader college offerings, the analytical and problem-solving skills cultivated in the chemistry program prepare graduates to analyze global scientific data, collaborate with international teams, and contribute to solutions that have worldwide 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 Arts (B.A.) in Chemistry from Saint Mary's College of California offers a strong, well-rounded scientific education within a liberal arts framework.
Laboratory Technician: Performs routine and specialized experiments, analyzes samples, and maintains laboratory equipment in various settings, including pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, environmental testing labs, or academic research institutions.
Quality Control (QC) Analyst: Ensures that products (e.g., pharmaceuticals, food, consumer goods) meet specific chemical and purity standards through analytical testing, documentation, and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
Chemical Sales Representative: Leverages their understanding of chemical products and scientific processes to sell materials, equipment, or services to other businesses, research facilities, or educational institutions.
Environmental Technician/Analyst: Collects and analyzes chemical samples from water, soil, and air to monitor pollution levels, assess environmental impact, and assist in remediation efforts for government agencies or environmental consulting firms.
Technical Writer/Science Communicator: Translates complex scientific information into clear, concise, and accessible language for reports, manuals, scientific articles, grant proposals, or public outreach materials.
Research Assistant (Entry-Level): Supports scientific research by assisting with experimental design, data collection, and preliminary analysis in academic, government, or industrial research and development laboratories.
Brewing/Food Science Technician: Applies chemical principles to the production, quality control, and analysis of food products, beverages (like beer or wine), or ingredients in the food and beverage industry.
Chemical Hygiene Officer Assistant: Supports the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals in laboratories and industrial settings, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Materials Testing Technician: Conducts tests on various materials to determine their chemical composition, physical properties, and performance characteristics for industries such as manufacturing, construction, or aerospace.
Pre-Professional Pathway to Advanced Degrees: The B.A. in Chemistry provides a solid foundation for further academic pursuits, including Master's or Ph.D. programs in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, or materials science. It also serves as strong preparation for professional schools such as Medical School (MD), Dental School (DDS/DMD), or Pharmacy School (PharmD), often requiring additional prerequisite coursework.
