B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Chemistry
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a robust Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Chemistry, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of chemical principles and their applications across various scientific disciplines. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and extensive hands-on laboratory experience, preparing graduates for diverse professional and academic pursuits.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Chemistry program at Whittier College holds a STEM designation. This is a significant advantage for all students, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa, as it qualifies them for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This allows for an additional 24 months of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 months, providing a total of up to three years of invaluable practical experience in their specialized field.
Curriculum: The B.A. in Chemistry curriculum at Whittier College is meticulously structured to provide a strong foundation in all core areas of chemistry. Students delve into general chemistry (CHEM 110 A/B), organic chemistry (CHEM 220 A/B), analytical chemistry (CHEM 231 A/B, CHEM 233 A/B), and physical chemistry (CHEM 321 B, CHEM 325). The program also offers an American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified major in Chemistry, which includes additional advanced coursework like Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 442) and Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 452), providing an even deeper and broader understanding of the field. A significant emphasis is placed on hands-on learning, with extensive laboratory components integrated into nearly all courses. Students are also required to engage in research-intensive courses and often complete a senior project, ensuring practical application of theoretical knowledge and development of independent research skills.
Research Focus: Whittier College's Chemistry Department boasts a strong commitment to undergraduate research. Faculty members are actively engaged in diverse research areas, and students are strongly encouraged to participate in faculty-led projects from early in their academic careers. This emphasis on "doing science" rather than just learning about it is a cornerstone of the program. Opportunities for research include designated Research Intensive courses, participation in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), and the opportunity to design and execute a self-designed senior project. The college also offers specific fellowships, such as the Don '50 and Virginia Baudrand Fellowship in Chemistry, to support student research. Students regularly present their findings at internal events like the Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference, and sometimes at national scientific meetings, preparing them for advanced scientific inquiry.
Industry Engagement: The Center for Career and Professional Development at Whittier College plays a crucial role in bridging academic learning with professional opportunities for Chemistry graduates. Through initiatives like "Whittier Works," students receive personalized coaching, guidance on career exploration, and preparation for both job applications and graduate school admissions. The Career Center actively fosters relationships with employers, leveraging Whittier's advantageous location in Southern California to provide students with valuable internships and experiential learning opportunities across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental testing, and more. This proactive approach helps students build practical skills, develop professional networks, and gain real-world experience.
Global Perspective: Whittier College actively cultivates a global perspective among its students, including those in the Chemistry program. The Office of International Programs, recognized for its commitment to diversity in study abroad, offers extensive opportunities for students to study across five continents during various terms. While not exclusive to chemistry, these programs allow students to gain a broader understanding of global scientific challenges, different research methodologies, and diverse cultural contexts. Chemistry students can explore options for international internships or research experiences, enriching their academic journey and preparing them to be globally-minded scientists in an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
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 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
Whittier College's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Chemistry provides a robust scientific education, laying a strong foundation for diverse career paths in both scientific and non-scientific fields. The program's STEM designation, coupled with its emphasis on extensive laboratory experience and undergraduate research, prepares graduates to be highly competitive in the job market or for continued academic pursuits.
Analytical Chemist: Graduates are well-prepared for roles in quality control, research, and development across industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, environmental testing, and manufacturing. They analyze materials, develop testing methods, and ensure product safety and compliance. Whittier's strong analytical chemistry curriculum directly applies to these roles.
Research Scientist (Entry-Level/Laboratory Assistant): Chemistry majors are highly sought after in academic, government, and industrial research laboratories. They assist senior scientists in conducting experiments, collecting and interpreting data, and maintaining lab equipment. The hands-on research opportunities at Whittier, including senior projects and SURP, provide invaluable experience.
Chemical Technician: Working alongside chemists and chemical engineers, chemical technicians assist with experiments, set up equipment, prepare chemicals, and compile data. This role is common in manufacturing, research, and development settings, and Whittier's practical lab training is a direct asset.
Materials Scientist: With a solid understanding of chemical properties and structures, graduates can explore careers in materials science, focusing on developing new materials or improving existing ones for various applications in industries like aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods.
Environmental Chemist: Graduates can work for environmental agencies, consulting firms, or industrial companies, analyzing pollutants, monitoring environmental quality, and developing solutions for environmental protection. Whittier's curriculum provides the scientific basis for understanding environmental issues.
Forensic Scientist: For those with an interest in applying chemistry to legal investigations, a chemistry degree is a strong foundation for a career in forensic science. They analyze physical and chemical evidence found at crime scenes, such as drugs, fibers, and unknown substances.
Science Educator (K-12): A chemistry degree, often combined with a teaching credential, can lead to a fulfilling career teaching chemistry and other science subjects at the middle or high school level, inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Chemical Sales or Technical Support: Graduates with strong communication skills and technical knowledge can excel in sales or technical support roles for companies that produce chemical products, laboratory equipment, or scientific software.
Patent Agent/Analyst: A chemistry background is highly valuable for understanding and describing new chemical inventions. Graduates can work in intellectual property firms, helping to research and file patents for chemical discoveries, or even pursue law school to become patent attorneys.
Further Education in Science or Health Fields: The comprehensive nature of Whittier's B.A. in Chemistry makes it an excellent stepping stone for advanced studies. Graduates frequently pursue master's or doctoral degrees in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or enter professional programs in medicine (M.D.), pharmacy (Pharm.D.), or dentistry (D.D.S./D.M.D.), leveraging their rigorous scientific training.
