Chemistry (BA)
Program Description
The Department of Chemistry has a long tradition in the College of Arts and Science, dating back well before the founding of the American Chemical Society at New York University in 1876. Professor John W. Draper, the first president of the society and chair of the department, was a remarkable polymath: chemist, physician, philosopher, historian, and pioneering photographer.
The department has undertaken a major development plan, strengthening its faculty, instructional laboratories, course offerings, and research facilities in the areas of physical, biophysical, bioorganic, and biomedical chemistry, as well as in chemical biology, nanoscience, and materials sciences. Qualified undergraduates are strongly encouraged to participate in research as early as their sophomore year of study. The department houses state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for its undergraduate chemistry courses.
The department offers majors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Global Public Health/Science with a concentration in Chemistry. Students have the opportunity to earn either a BA or BS in the Chemistry major. A selection of elective advanced courses, undergraduate and graduate, can be combined (in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies) to provide a broad, varied program of study in Chemistry or an undergraduate specialization in organic, biochemical, physical, or theoretical chemistry. The opportunity to participate in scientific research as an undergraduate is one of the most exciting features of a Chemistry major. Research allows undergraduates to work alongside graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty to develop new ideas to solve real-world problems and make new discoveries. Many of our students produce results that lead to publications and research is also a great preparation for graduate school and a wide range of chemistry careers.
The programs of study in Chemistry and Biochemistry prepare students for graduate study leading to careers in research, development, and teaching and/or for further study in areas such as medicine, dentistry, basic medical sciences, and allied health fields (including forensic science). In addition, the Chemistry and Biochemistry majors both prepare students for alternative careers, especially when paired with a minor in Economics, Data Science, or Business Studies: for example, patent law, technology investment, or management in the chemical industry.
Honors Program
Students seeking entry into the honors program must obtain the approval of the director of undergraduate studies prior to the end of their junior year. Candidates for a degree with honors in Chemistry must have an overall GPA of 3.65 and a GPA of 3.65 in all required courses for the Chemistry or Biochemistry major. The main requirement for earning an honors degree is the completion of an honors thesis based upon independent experimental or theoretical research. Students interested in research and an honors degree must enroll in CHEM-UA 995 Senior Honors in Chem and CHEM-UA 996 Senior Honors Chemistry (4-8 credits total). The prerequisite for these courses is one semester (or summer) of either CHEM-UA 997 Adv Independent Study & Research or CHEM-UA 998 Adv Independent Study & Research (2-4 credits). A senior thesis based on the work completed in these courses must be prepared, approved by the adviser, and presented in a seminar format during the spring term of the student's senior year. Please contact the department at fas-chemistry-office@nyu.edu for more detailed information.
Admissions
New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.