BA/BS Chemistry at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Programme overview

Chemistry deals with the analysis, structure, properties, and synthesis of matter ranging in size from single atoms to biologically active small molecules to DNA and proteins. A major in chemistry prepares students for many career options: industry (research, analysis, production), teaching, graduate studies, or professional schools.

Faculty: Arts & Sciences | Duration: 120 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall, Spring and Summer start (first-year application deadlines: Summer/Fall May 1, Spring December 1) | Location: Lincoln, NE, United States

What you will study

Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science; 120 credit hours required. The bachelor of arts (BA) program is a broad chemistry major that pairs well with a minor or even a second major in other disciplines. The Chemical Biology Option combines a solid background in life science, chemistry, math, and physics with advanced coursework about the chemical principles that support biological function.

Career pathways

The bachelor of science (BS) program offers two options: Professional, which is recommended for students planning graduate studies or professional careers in chemistry, and Chemical Biology, which is an excellent choice for students interested in a health-related professional school or employment in the industry.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level (not programme-specific): admission is guaranteed to first-year applicants who complete the 16 core course units (English 4, mathematics 4, natural sciences 3, social sciences 3, world language 2) and meet one performance requirement: 3.0 cumulative high school GPA, or ACT 20+, or SAT 1040+, or rank in the top half of the graduating class. ACT/SAT scores are not required. Applicants who do not meet these requirements are reviewed by the admissions committee. Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.0 for graduation.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms: Summer/Fall (August start) and Spring (January start). The first-year, transfer and international pages list fall 2027 and spring 2027 terms; spring 2027 classes begin January 11.

Fall 2027 application for admission opens August 1, 2026.

First-year and transfer applications: Summer/Fall deadline May 1; Spring deadline December 1. Applications received after the deadline may be placed on a waitlist. Fall 2027 priority deadline for scholarship notification is November 1 (admission application).

International applicants: Fall 2027 priority deadline November 1, final deadline May 1; Spring 2027 final deadline December 1. English proficiency scores due July 15 (fall), December 1 (spring), May 1 (summer).

The application fee is $45, payable by credit card or check (international applicants pay online by credit card). First-year applicants apply through the Common Application or Nebraska's own application. ACT/SAT scores are not required for admission and are encouraged for full scholarship consideration.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.unl.edu/apply/

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