Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Catalog Year 2024-2027

Based on VCCS Curriculum for Chemistry

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Students must complete an approved transferable associate degree from their Virginia community college with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for guaranteed admission to JMU. Students who do not qualify for guaranteed admission are encouraged to apply to JMU through the regular admission process. For additional details about requirements for guaranteed admission, please see the JMU letter of intent for your community college: www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-gaa.shtml.

• Have you discovered a love of math later in your VCCS studies and don't have time to finish the full set of coursework for the associate degree in chemistry? That's ok! Try to complete general chemistry and as much math as possible before you transfer. It will likely take you a little longer than 2 years after transfer and/or some summer classes, but you still have a pathway to a chemistry degree at JMU!

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: www.jmu.edu/transfer

• Register Intent to Transfer: Transfer applicants from a VCCS institution intending to apply through the Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) must review requirements and submit a Letter of Intent prior to applying: www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/transfer-GAA.shtml

• Admission Application: By March 1 for Fall or October 15 for Spring at www.jmu.edu/admissions/apply/apply-online.shtml

• Financial Aid: www.jmu.edu/financialaid

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Deadline is March 1. Learn more at studentaid.gov.

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org.

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and schedule an appointment with a JMU Next transfer advisor in your first semester or first year.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• The Chemistry and Biophysical Chemistry majors require strong math skills as well as a willingness to persist through challenges. There is a focus on in-person hands-on laboratory work, as well as lecture classes. Expect to take 1-3 lab courses per semester, with each requiring 3-5 hours in lab per week. While not a requirement, original undergraduate research is available to all students starting as early as the first semester at JMU. We are a relatively small department (200 total students, 25 faculty) with an emphasis on establishing community between students, as well as between students, faculty and staff. We also place a high value on inclusive behaviors and social justice.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: An approved transferable associate degree from a Virginia Community College will waive general education requirements at JMU. The list of approved transferable associate degrees can be found at www.jmu.edu/transfer/vccs-transfer/asdegrees.shtml.

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Students who complete a transferable associate degree from a Virginia Community College through Dual Enrollment will not be eligible for guaranteed admission but will receive the general education waiver at JMU. DE associate degree earners who want to make progress toward their intended major should follow the curriculum in this guide.

• Credit for Prior Learning: Credit for prior learning may be awarded differently at JMU than at your previous institution. JMU accepts and reviews AP, IB CIE, and CLEP examinations for all students with eligible scores. JMU will complete an independent review of the test score to apply credit to your JMU student record. Other credit for prior learning is awarded on a per case basis for the ADP and RN-BSN programs in consultation with the department of expertise. Credit for learning acquired in military service is awarded by the registrar's office using the ACE guide credit recommendation for study/experience listed on the military transcript and in consultation with the department of expertise.

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance at JMU

Is This College Right For Me?

• JMU is a mid to large size institution that behaves more like a smaller institution. Faculty and staff hold students as the top priority. JMU has a 96% satisfaction rate. 88% of classes have fewer than 50 students. JMU is the #1 most recommended public University in the US by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education; JMU is the #1 Best College for Employment in Virginia according to U.S. Department of Education statistics compiled by Zippia. JMU has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges. Learn more about our college at www.jmu.edu and www.TransferVirginia.org.

Did You Know That…

• There is no limit to the number of credits you can transfer to JMU, but 50% of the credits required for graduation in your major must be taken at a 4-year college or university, and 25% must be taken at JMU. (Most JMU majors require 120 credits, so 60 must come from a 4-year and 30 must be taken at JMU.)

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree.

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at JMU.

• Students who may be eligible for Virginia's Two-Year College Transfer Grant should transfer in the fall or spring immediately following the completion of their associate degree. Learn more about the state transfer grant here: https://www.schev.edu/financial-aid/financial-aid/federal-state-financia...

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore potential careers, salary ranges, and job outlooks at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Because our department focuses 100% on undergraduate students, there are nearly limitless opportunities to gain hands-on research experience in both laboratory courses and research projects. This provides technical and communication skills that are highly valued by employers, graduate schools, and pre-professional health schools. In recent years, about 50% of our graduates move directly into the workplace, 30% enter graduate school with full tuition waivers and assistantships, and 20% enter professional school (medicine, pharmacy, law, etc) within 6 months of graduation.

• Nearly all our students complete the Chemistry major and other graduation requirements in 4 years or less, depending on credits transferred. Those who stay longer are often completing second majors.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Generally, two-thirds of transfer applicants are admitted to JMU. Competitive applicants will have mostly As & Bs and have completed at least one class in each of our four core areas (English, mathematics, lab science, and social science).

• JMU defines a transfer student as a student that has graduated from high school (or holds a GED equivalency) AND has taken courses in college after high school graduation.

• Learn more about applying at https://www.jmu.edu/transfer/ or www.TransferVirginia.org.

Do More With Your Degree!

• There are 7 concentrations to choose from within the Chemistry major, including 4 that are certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). All concentrations are pretty similar for the first two years. The General, Chemistry Business and Chemical Education Concentrations are great for students who plan to enter the chemical industry, work for or run their own business, apply to a pre-professional health program (medical, pharmacy, etc), or become a high school teacher. The ACS concentrations have additional lecture and laboratory requirements and prepare students for graduate school in many science areas: ACS Biochemistry, ACS Chemistry, ACS Materials Chemistry, ACS Chemical Education.

• Past Chemistry and Biophysical Chemistry students have chosen double majors in related majors like biology, physics, engineering, as well as completely different fields like theater or art. Many students choose minors to match their interests in areas like business, biochemistry, math, honors, and the pre-health professions (pre-med, pre-pharmacy, etc). Many transfer students will need to choose at least one minor for financial aid purposes.

• Chemistry and Biophysical Chemistry undergraduates can work for credit or for pay as Learning Assistants in lecture and/or lab courses, as well as participate in paid summer research experiences at JMU or other universities.