Chemistry | Arkansas Tech University

WELCOME TO CHEMISTRY
The program and all of our degrees are certified by the American Chemical Society (A.C.S.).

The primary purpose of the chemistry program is to educate students in an area of science which is rapidly expanding. The chemists of today are involved in the development of a multitude of new materials such as plastics, drugs, and agricultural products. Research chemists are conducting studies of the fundamental nature of matter which lead to expanded knowledge in medicine and biology. Each course in chemistry stresses laws, theories, and applications in the lecture portion and offers students the opportunity to have “hands-on” experiences with equipment in laboratories.

Chemistry is one of the highly recommended courses of study for students interested in pursuing careers in a variety of professional endeavors such as the health sciences: medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and allied health fields. The professional option is especially recommended for students who plan to pursue graduate studies in chemically related fields or those persons wishing to seek employment as industrial chemists. The biochemistry option is primarily designed to provide the background needed for students seeking entrance into professional medical or dental schools (pre-med). It will also greatly benefit students seeking technical jobs that require multidisciplinary training in biology and chemistry as well as an abundance of science laboratory skills.

The general option is specifically designed with a minimum of required courses so that students, in cooperation with their faculty academic advisors, can exercise a maximum degree of flexibility in tailoring programs to meet their individual aspirations. By judiciously choosing electives, individuals can enrich these minimum requirements to prepare for futures in law, technical marketing, environmental science, computer science, technical writing, toxicology, education, technical illustration, engineering, health sciences, and biochemistry.

Chemistry also offers an environmental option. The objective of this curriculum is to bring together the disciplines of chemistry, biology, and geology as applied to the environment. Emphasis will be on interdisciplinary approaches to environmental studies.

Chemistry majors must earn a grade of “C” or better in all chemistry courses (including transfer credits) in order to satisfy graduation requirements.

Benefits of an Approved A.C.S. Program

Approved departments are staffed by accomplished faculty, contain a modern and well-maintained infrastructure, and provide a coherent chemistry curriculum.
Employers find graduates of approved programs to be better prepared for technical employment.

The A.C.S. annual approval process provides a mechanism for departments to evaluate their program, identify areas of strengths and opportunities for change, and leverage support from their institutions and external agencies.

Scholarships
Some scholarships are available that are described below and can be applied for through the university by following this link.

C. L. Chiang and C.C. Yang Chemistry Scholarship
An endowed scholarship established by Mr. C. L. Chiang of Singapore in honor of Dr. C.C. Yang, Professor Emeritus. The scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman majoring in chemistry. The requirements for this award are a high school GPA of 3.0 or greater, and a composite ACT score of 24 or greater. This scholarship is renewable by request if the recipient makes satisfactory progress toward an ACS-accredited degree in chemistry.

Virgil Alvin Turner Book Scholarship
A book scholarship established by Mr. and Mrs. Raymond B. Stroud which is awarded for the fall semester of the sophomore year to a major in chemistry. Recipients should be dedicated to obtaining a degree in chemistry and demonstrate this through scholastic achievements.

Dr. Robert Autry Brooks Scholarship
Through the generosity of Dr. Robert Autry Brooks, scholarships will be granted each fall semester that funds are sufficient. Preference will be given to a traditional incoming freshman who is an Arkansas resident majoring in one of the Arts or Sciences (including, but not limited to English, Literature, Mathematics, and Chemistry). The recipient must have a high school cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, maintain full-time student status and have demonstrated financial need. The scholarship may be renewable with the original recipient for three additional years if the recipient continues to remain in good academic standing and making academic progress, enroll in and successfully complete a full-time academic class load per semester.

Vann Kerns Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded each year that funds are sufficient. Preference will be given to students pursuing a degree in physics, mathematics, or a pre-medical school course of study. To be considered for this award, students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, have demonstrated financial need and enroll in and successfully complete a minimum of fifteen hours each semester.

Jack L. King Scholarship
This partial-tuition scholarship will be awarded each semester that funds are available. To be eligible for this scholarship the student must be a graduate of Western Yell County High School, have an ACT composite score of 19 or above and an ACT Math and Science score of 22 or above, have declared a major in Engineering, Math, Science or a related field at Arkansas Tech University.

Greg A. Parks Memorial Scholarship
A partial tuition scholarship will be granted each semester that funds are available to a junior or senior level student majoring in psychology or pre-med (biology or chemistry). Applicants must be enrolled in 15 credit hours or more, have a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average, and demonstrate financial need. The initial recipient shall be eligible to retain the scholarship for up to three additional consecutive semesters provided he/she enrolls in and successfully completes 15 credit hours and maintains a cumulative 3.0 grade point average.

Louise Berkeley Turner Scholarship
This partial-tuition scholarship will be awarded each fall semester that funds are available to a student majoring in math, science or a related field and may be renewed for one consecutive semester provided the recipient is making sufficient academic progress.