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An Associate in Science (AS) degree in Chemistry will allow students to learn the fundamentals of chemistry while also preparing them to transfer to a university program. This degree is designed for students pursuing a career in chemistry or in a related field for which chemistry is an integral part. Potential careers could include being a chemical technician, chemical equipment operator and tender, chemist, chemical engineer, materials scientist, or chemistry professor.
Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Convert among various units of measurements
- Perform various calculations involving chemical equations
- Predict and explain subatomic particle behavior and periodic trends
- Determine and calculate reaction rates and predict the order of a reaction based on either numerical (relative rates and half-lives) or graphical kinetic (reaction rate) data
- Interpret stereochemical, spectral, and/or mechanistic information to propose a plausible structure or to confirm an existing molecular structure from the data given
- Recognize, predict, and explain the influences of molecular structure on chemical reactivity
Programs
Click on a program to get more information.
AS in Chemistry
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation (AGEC-S certificate also included)
Prior to First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT 150 & 183 or MAT 151 & 183 or MAT 187 * |
College Algebra w/ Review & Plane Trigonometry or College Algebra: Standard & Plane Trigonometry or Precalculus * |
5+2 or 4+2 or 5 |
Pre-requisite for MAT 220 (counts towards elective credits) |
| * MAT 187 has a pre-requisite of MAT 121 or MAT 150 or MAT 151 | 5-7 |
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHM 151 | General Chemistry I | 4 | Major Requirement |
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I | 3 | GE-Composition |
| MAT 220 | Calculus I with Analytic Geometry | 5 | GE-Mathematics |
| ART | Choose one course from Arts | 3 | GE-Arts |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHM 152 | General Chemistry II | 4 | Major Requirement |
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II | 3 | GE-Composition |
| MAT 230 | Calculus II with Analytic Geometry | 5 | Departmental Requirement |
| HUM | Choose one course from Humanities | 3 | GE-Humanities |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHM 235 | Organic Chemistry I | 5 | Major Requirement |
| MAT 241 | Calculus III with Analytic Geometry | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| PHY 121 | University Physics I | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| SOC | Choose one Writing Intensive course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences (Writing Intensive) |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHM 236 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| MAT 262 | Differential Equations | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| PHY 131 | University Physics II | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| SOC | Choose one Writing Intensive course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| MAT 270 | Applied Statistics (recommended) | 4 | General Elective |
| 18 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Paths and Requirements
| UNIVERSITY | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | BS, BA | Chemistry, Biochemistry | BS-no second language requirement BA-4th Semester Proficiency |
| Northern Arizona University | BS, BSED | Chemistry, Chemistry Secondary Ed | None |
| University of Arizona | BS, BA | Chemistry, Biochemistry | BS-2nd Semester Proficiency BA-4th Semester Proficiency |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.
Career Overview & Job Outlook
Successful completion of this program may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2020 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Pharmacy Technicians Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders. |
$37,500 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels. |
$42,850 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing. |
$45,520 |
| Forensic Science Technicians Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry. |
$63,130 |
| Chemists Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge. |
$68,520 |
| Postsecondary Chemistry Teachers Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research. |
$73,370 |
| Health and Safety Engineers Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. |
$83,700 |
| Materials Scientists Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists. |
$92,560 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms. |
$101,940 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems |
$104,080 |
| Pharmacists Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications. |
$122,310 |