This program, when coordinated with the necessary courses in education, meets requirements for teacher licensure. It also meets requirements for entrance to medical and other professional schools.
Teacher Licensure
Students who wish to become teachers and plan to seek teacher licensure should consider the following options:
- Chemistry, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Chemistry concentration)
- Secondary Education - Chemistry (6-12) Undergraduate Certificate
Interested students should attend an information session early in their studies. For more information, visit the School of Education's website.
Admissions
University-wide admissions policies can be found in the Undergraduate Admissions Policies section of this catalog.
To apply for this program, please complete the George Mason University Admissions Application.
Policies
Students must fulfill all Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, including the Mason Core. As outlined in the Requirements section, students in this bachelor's program must also complete the additional College Requirements for the BA Degree.
CHEM 336 Physical Chemistry Lab I (Mason Core) or CHEM 465 Biochemistry Lab (Mason Core) will fulfill the writing intensive requirement.
For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Termination from the Major
To ensure the academic integrity of the Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduate major program, students are expected to maintain a satisfactory level of academic performance.
No chemistry, math, or science course that is required for the major may be attempted more than three times. Students who do not successfully complete such a course with a grade of C or better by the third attempt may be terminated from the major.
Students who have been terminated from the chemistry major may not register for a chemistry course without the permission of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
A student may not declare a major in chemistry if the student has previously met the termination criteria for the major at any time, regardless of what the student’s major was at the time the courses were taken.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Students must complete the chemistry program requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.30 and present no more than two courses with a grade of 'D' (1.00) in CHEM coursework at graduation.
BA without Concentration
Students who do not select the optional concentration complete the curriculum requirements listed below.
Chemistry Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 211 | General Chemistry I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 213 | General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CHEM 212 | General Chemistry II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 214 | General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CHEM 313 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 314 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
| CHEM 318 | Organic Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 331 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 332 | Physical Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 336 | Physical Chemistry Lab I (Mason Core) 1 | 2 |
| CHEM 337 | Physical Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| Select 5 credits of electives in chemistry | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 37 | |
- 1
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
Mathematics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 213 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
| Total Credits | 11 | |
Physics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one sequence: | 8 | |
| College Physics I (Mason Core) and College Physics I Lab (Mason Core) and College Physics II (Mason Core) and College Physics II Lab (Mason Core) | ||
| University Physics I (Mason Core) and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) and University Physics II (Mason Core) and University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Concentration in Biochemistry (BC)
The concentration in biochemistry is designed for students interested in studying chemistry at its interface with the biological sciences. Those interested in health science careers can obtain an excellent science background through this concentration.
Students majoring in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry will complete the coursework below:
Chemistry Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 211 | General Chemistry I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 213 | General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CHEM 212 | General Chemistry II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHEM 214 | General Chemistry Laboratory II (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CHEM 313 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 314 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 315 | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
| CHEM 318 | Organic Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
| CHEM 321 | Quantitative Chemical Analysis | 4 |
| CHEM 331 | Physical Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 336 | Physical Chemistry Lab I (Mason Core) 1 | 2 |
| CHEM 446 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 463 | General Biochemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 464 | General Biochemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 465 | Biochemistry Lab (Mason Core) 1 | 2 |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
- 1
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement.
Mathematics and Statistics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 113 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) | 4 |
| MATH 114 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| STAT 250 | Introductory Statistics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 11 | |
Physics Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 243 | College Physics I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 244 | College Physics I Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| PHYS 245 | College Physics II (Mason Core) | 3 |
| PHYS 246 | College Physics II Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Biology Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 213 | Cell Structure and Function (Mason Core) | 4 |
| Total Credits | 4 | |
Mason Core and Elective Credits
In order to meet a minimum of 120 credits, this degree requires additional credits (specific credit counts by concentration are shown below), which may be applied toward any remaining Mason Core requirements (outlined below), Requirements for Bachelor's Degrees, College Requirements for the BA Degree (outlined below), and elective courses. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with their advisors to ensure that they fulfill all requirements.
- Without concentration: 64 credits
- BC concentration: 58 credits
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Courses marked with the Just Societies flag are available for students starting in Fall 2024. Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2025 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to increase their knowledge and skills in this important area. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely wiht their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.
- 2
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 3
Minimum 3 credits required.
College Requirements for the BA Degree
In addition to the program requirements and the Mason Core requirements, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill this college-level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements such as Mason Core requirements, other college-level requirements, or requirements for the major. In some cases, the requirements listed below may be superseded by requirements of the degree program and the Mason Core.
Foundational Breadth
Choose two courses from approved Mason Core: Arts, Mason Core: Literature, Mason Core: Global Understanding, and Mason Core: Social and Behavioral Sciences courses in addition to those required by the Mason Core. The two courses used to fulfill the college-level requirements must each be from different Mason Core categories. Additionally, they must be from different disciplines than the courses used to fulfill the University Mason Core requirements.
Natural Science
Choose one credit in addition to the Mason Core: Natural Science requirement for a total of 8 credits1. This combined college-level and university requirement must be fulfilled by completing two of any approved Mason Core: Natural Science courses that include a laboratory experience2.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select an additional Mason Core Natural Science course | 1 | |
- 1
For Geography, BA majors, this extra credit is not required.
- 2
BIOL 124 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and BIOL 125 Human Anatomy and Physiology II may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
Foreign Language
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language is required and may be fulfilled via one of the options below: 1 | ||
1. Completing a course in a foreign language numbered 202 (or its equivalent), or higher level courses taught in the language. | ||
2. Achieving a satisfactory score on an approved proficiency test. | ||
3. Completing a three course sequence in American Sign Language: | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) I | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) II | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) III | ||
4. Conferral of a baccalaureate degree. 2 | ||
- 1
Students who are already proficient in a second language may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement. Additional information on waivers can be found with the college's Office of Academic and Student Affairs.
- 2
This option is only available to students in the Biology, BA with a concentration in Biological Health who have already conferred a baccalaureate degree.
Honors in the Major
Chemistry majors who have completed prerequisites for CHEM 455 Honors Research in Chemistry and CHEM 456 Honors Research in Chemistry and have maintained an overall GPA of at least 3.00 in mathematics and science courses are eligible to enter the departmental honors program. To graduate with honors in chemistry, a student is required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in mathematics and science courses and successfully complete the two semesters of CHEM 455 Honors Research in Chemistry and CHEM 456 Honors Research in Chemistry with a minimum GPA of 3.50.
In order to apply for Chemistry Honors, please complete the application and submit it to the undergraduate coordinator.
Chemistry, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Chemistry Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's option and obtain a BA or BS in Chemistry (degree without concentration) and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary Education Chemistry concentration) in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 143 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree for policies related to this program.
This accelerated option is offered jointly by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the School of Education.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, and additional unit-specific criteria.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits and course-specific pre-requisites.
Accelerated Master’s Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MEd program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Transition form:
- 3.0 overall GPA
- Completion of specific undergraduate coursework
- Successfully meeting Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following which can be taken as Advanced Standing or Reserve Graduate credit (to be determined by the student and their advisor):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDRD 619 | Disciplinary Literacy | 3 |
| EDUC 547 | Scientific Inquiry and the Nature of Science | 3 |
| SEED 522 | Foundations of Secondary Education | 3 |
| SEED 540 | Human Development and Learning: Secondary Education | 3 |
| SEED 573 | Teaching Science in the Secondary School | 3 |
| SEED 673 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Science in the Secondary School | 3 |
| SEED approved elective | ||
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies.