BA Chemistry at The Ohio State University

Programme overview

Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, properties and reactions of matter, so the study of chemistry is central to understanding many other scientific disciplines. All human activities deal with a material world, which consists of chemicals both natural and manufactured. The contributions of chemistry to modern society occur in diverse fields, such as pharmaceuticals, polymers, agricultural chemicals, petroleum products and biotechnology.

Faculty: Arts and Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbus, OH, United States

What you will study

The BS degree in chemistry requires 42 credit hours beyond general chemistry in the major program; 14–17 hours in calculus, analytic geometry and differential equations; and 10 hours in physics. The BA degree in chemistry requires 35 credit hours beyond general chemistry in the major program, 10 hours in calculus and analytic geometry, and 10 hours in physics.

Career pathways

Chemists are employed in industrial, government and academic positions. Chemistry graduates find positions in research and development, analytical services, quality control, chemical sales, and marketing. Chemistry graduates with education credentials are in demand to teach in high schools and middle schools.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to the university (and the Arts and Sciences college where applicable) applies; no separate programme-specific requirement published. Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in chemistry within the College of Arts and Sciences. Students should then contact the Undergraduate Chemistry and Biochemistry Office to make an appointment with a chemistry advisor to map out an appropriate program of courses.

Domestic applicants: USD 12,921 a year (2026-27). Columbus campus on-campus Instructional Fee (tuition) for students beginning Autumn 2026: $6,460.50 per semester at 12-18 credit hours, shown as two semesters (Autumn and Spring). The Ohio State Tuition Guarantee fixes this rate for four years for Ohio re Source

Entry terms for first-year applicants to the Columbus campus: Autumn 2027 and Spring 2027 (Spring 2027 deadline November 1, 2026). Summer first-year applications are not accepted.

Transfer applicants can start in Spring, Summer or Autumn 2027.

First-year, Columbus campus, Autumn 2027: early action (non-binding) deadline November 1, 2026; regular decision deadline January 15, 2027; financial aid priority date February 1; acceptance fee deadline May 1, 2027. Early action decisions: December 11 (Ohio residents and Stamps Eminence applicants) and January 22 (non-Ohio residents and international applicants); regular decision decisions March 5.

First-year applicants apply with the Common Application. ACT or SAT scores are required for first-year Columbus applicants (superscored; sent directly by the testing agency); applicants out of high school two or more years are not required to submit scores. The essay is not required.

Transfer applicants (Columbus campus): Spring 2027 deadline November 1, 2026; Autumn 2027 deadline March 1, 2027; Summer 2027 deadline May 15, 2027. Regional campuses: December 1, 2026, April 15, 2027 and July 15, 2027 respectively.

International transfer applicants: Spring 2027 deadline October 1, 2026; Autumn 2027 deadline March 1, 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply

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