The typical four-year outline for Michigan Tech's Chemistry BS degree provides a semester-by-semester guide to core courses, labs, and requirements.
The Interactive Degree Audit is the official method for tracking the completion of your specific degree requirements. Please be aware that there are multiple ways for students to progress through this major. This is just one sample and adjustments may be required due to curriculum changes. Students should work with their advisor to develop their individual plan. A full list of undergraduate course descriptions is available.
First Year
| Course | Prerequisite | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CH 1134 - Professional Development Seminar for Chemists | 1 | |
| CH 1150 - University Chemistry I | 3 | |
| CH 1151 - University Chemistry Lab I | 1 | |
| CH 1153 - University Chemistry I Recitation | 1 | |
| MA 1160 - Calculus with Technology I | MA 1032 | 4 |
| PH 1100 - Physics by Inquiry I | 1 | |
| UN 1015 - Composition | 3 | |
| Essential Education: Activities for Well-being and Success | 1 | |
| Total | 15 |
| Course | Prerequisite | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CH 1160 - University Chemistry II | CH 1150 | 3 |
| CH 1161 - University Chemistry Lab II | CH 1151 | 1 |
| CH 1163 - University Chemistry II Recitation | 1 | |
| Essential Education: Foundations of the Human World | 3 | |
| MA 2160 - Calculus with Technology II | MA 1160 | 4 |
| PH 1200 - Physics by Inquiry II | PH 1100 | 1 |
| PH 2100 - University Physics I – Mechanics | MA 1160 | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
Second Year
| Course | Prerequisite | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Education: Arts & Culture | 3 | |
| CH 2430 - Mechanistic Organic Chemistry | CH 1160 | 3 |
| CH 2411 - Organic Chemistry Lab I | CH 1161 | 1 |
| MA 2321 - Elementary Linear Algebra and MA 3521 Elementary Differential Equations * OR MA 3160 Multivariable Calculus with Technology MA 1160 MA 2160 4 PH 2200 University Physics | MA 1160 MA 2160 |
4 |
| PH 2200 - University Physics II – E and M | PH 2100 | 3 |
| Essential Education: Activities for Well-being and Success | 1 | |
| Total | 15 |
| Course | Prerequisite | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CH 2440 - Synthetic Organic Chemistry | CH 2430 | 3 |
| CH 2421 - Organic Chemistry Lab II | CH 2411 | 2 |
| CH 2710 - Computing in Chemistry | CH 1160 | 3 |
| Essential Education: Intercultural Competency | 3 | |
| MA 2321 - Elementary Linear Algebra and MA 3521 Elementary Differential Equations* OR MA 3160 Multivariable Calculus with Technology | MA 1160 MA 2160 |
4 |
|
Essential Education: Activities for Well-being and Success |
1 | |
| Total | 16 |
Third Year
| Course | Prerequisite | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CH 3124 - Communication for the Chemical Sciences | UN 1015 | 3 |
| CH 3510 - Physical Chemistry I | MA 2160 and PH 2200 | 3 |
| CH 3511 - Physical Chemistry Lab I | MA 2160 and PH 2200 | 2 |
| CH 3310 - Analytical Chemistry I | CH 1160 | 3 |
| CH 3311 - Analytical Chemistry I Lab | CH 1161 | 2 |
| CH 4710 - Biomolecular Chemistry I | CH 2440 | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
| Course | Prerequisite | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CH 3520 - Physical Chemistry II | CH 3510 | 3 |
| CH 3521 - Physical Chemistry Lab II | CH 3511 | 2 |
| CH 3320 - Analytical Chemistry II | CH 3310 | 3 |
| CH 3321 - Analytical Chemistry II Lab | CH 3311 | 2 |
| Essential Education Experience | 3 | |
| Essential Education: SHAPE | 3 | |
| Total | 16 |
Fourth Year
| Course | Prerequisite | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CH 4310 - Inorganic Chemistry I | CH 3520 | 3 |
| CH 4311 - Inorganic Chemistry Lab | CH 3521 | 2 |
| Major Approved Electives ** | 3 | |
| Free Electives | 4 | |
| Total | 12 |
| Course | Prerequisite | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Major Approved Electives ** |
3 | |
| Free Electives | 11 | |
| Total | 14 |
Grand Total = 120 Credits
* This is the accelerated version of Elementary Linear Algebra and Elementary Differential Equations. They can also be completed as full semester courses.
**Major Approved Electives must be selected from the approved Major Approved Electives list.
Essential Education Requirements (37 total credits)
Required courses are:
- a Math course (3 credits),
- a Natural and Physical Science course (3 credits),
- STEM courses (6 credits),
- a Foundations in the Human World course (3 credits),
- Composition UN 1015 (3 credits),
- a Communication Intensive course (3 credits),
- an Intercultural Competency course (3 credits),
- an Essential Ed Seminar course (UN 1013 or UN 2013 or major-specific, 1-3 credits),
- an Arts and Culture course (3 credits),
- a SHAPE elective (3 credits)
- an Essential Education Experience course (3 credits),
- and 3 credits of Activities for Well-being and Success.
Up to five Essential Education requirements and the Michigan Tech Seminar may be shared (double-counted) with major requirements. Students should work with their advisor to determine which major requirements may satisfy Essential Education requirements.
For specific courses, reference Essential Education on the Registrar's website.
Additional Notes
- Prerequisite (pre-req) course must be successfully completed PRIOR to taking the subsequent
course.
- Concurrent Prerequisites (concurrent noted by (C) or ©) may be taken at the same time,
although it is not necessary if the prerequisite course is completed first.
- Required Corequisite (co-req) courses that MUST be taken together in the same semester.
- Class Standing: So (Sophomore Standing earned 30 credits) Jr (Junior Standing earned 60 credits), Sr (Senior Standing earned 90 credits)
- Semester Offered: Noted under electives with F (Fall), Sp (Spring), Su (Summer) or On Demand (no anticipated offering but may show in the schedule, consult with your advisor)
- Concurrent Prerequisites (concurrent noted by (C) or ©) may be taken at the same time,
although it is not necessary if the prerequisite course is completed first.
- Math: Students are placed into an initial math course based on ACT/SAT math score, the online ALEKS assessment, or a math placement exam score for credit (AP, IB, CLEP).
- Transfer, Advanced Placement, or study abroad courses are not included in credit hours used for GPA calculations. Transfer credit is awarded for Michigan Tech equivalent coursework only if a grade of ‘C’ or better (2.00/4.00) or equivalent is earned at a transfer institution. Study abroad credit will be awarded based on passing a course according to equivalent international standards. Advanced Placement credit is awarded according to published AP Exam score standards (also IB and CLEP).
This degree plan is not an official list of degree requirements. Adjustments may be required due to curriculum changes.
For 2026-2027. Revised 08/05/2026.