Chemistry Pre-Professional Programs

A chemistry student stands over test tubes examining their contents.

Pre-Dentistry

Entrance into dental school requires two to four years of pre-dental training. Typically, a pre-dental student should plan on pursuing a bachelor's degree. It is not necessary that this degree be in one of the sciences.

Details about entrance requirements differ considerably from one dental school to another. Guidance can be found through the American Dental Education Association and from the department pre-dental advisor, reachable at chem@csuchico.edu.

Pre-Medicine

It is recommended that pre-medical students plan to obtain a degree in a field of science, such as chemistry or biology. While students may apply for admission to medical school any time after their junior year, the majority of those admitted have completed an undergraduate degree, and most are admitted only after additional graduate work. The Bachelor of Science programs in chemistry and biochemistry are appropriate beginnings for those seeking advanced training in professional programs or employment in fields related to medicine.

The department pre-med advisor can be reached at chem@csuchico.edu. See also the pre-medicine program under the Department of Biological Sciences.

Pre-Optometry

The requirements for optometry schools vary greatly. Students should contact the department pre-optometry advisor at chem@csuchico.edu and reference the current catalog from their school of choice.

Pre-Pharmacy

The requirements for pharmacy schools vary greatly. Students should contact the department pre-pharmacy advisor at chem@csuchico.edu and reference the current catalog from their school of choice.

Pre-Physical Therapy

See the listings under the Department of Biological Sciences.

Forensic Science and Graduate Programs in Criminalistics

Entry-level employment and graduate programs in criminalistics commonly require a major in one of the physical or biological sciences, including a year of general chemistry and a course in quantitative analysis. Please see the Department of Anthropology for a certificate program in forensic science and speak with an academic advisor about current requirements for other related programs.