Award: Associate of Science Degree
No. of credits required: 60
For more information: Contact Professor S. Russell Seidel, Ph.D., 443-412-2166, sseidel@harford.edu (August 15th - June15th); or Admissions, 443-412-2109; or stem@harford.edu.

Program Description

The chemistry program is designed to prepare students for transfer to a Bachelor’s degree program in general chemistry, forensic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, environmental science/chemistry, and more. Chemists investigate the composition, structure and properties of substances and the transformations they undergo, through basic, as well as applied, research toward the development of new products and methods of producing new materials. They also work in biotechnology, drug development, forensic science, and other areas where a strong foundation in chemistry is essential.

Program Goals

Upon successful completion of the Associate of Sciences Degree, Option in Arts and Sciences, Chemistry, the student will be able to:

1. Explain and apply the fundamental principles of chemistry.
2. Perform laboratory experiments and projects (collect, report and analyze data) by applying theoretical concepts and the scientific method.
3. Demonstrate safe laboratory skills.
4. Recognize and discuss the ethical issues in the discipline.
5. Locate, identify, evaluate and use scientific information effectively.
6. Apply computational skills in reasoning, estimation, problem-solving, and analysis.
7. Use appropriate grammatical forms in both oral and written formats to effectively communicate ideas and concepts.

Transfer Information

Options for transfer into four-year programs include medicinal chemistry/pre-pharmacy, general chemistry, forensic chemistry, and more. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should check the requirements of that institution. If they differ significantly from those listed, students should consult with an advisor for academic guidance; it may be that a General Studies curriculum should be followed.

Employment Information

A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related discipline usually is the minimum educational requirement for entry-level chemist jobs. Job growth for chemists will be concentrated in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing companies and in professional, scientific, and technical services firms.

Degree Requirements

Recommended Course Sequence

Program Electives   

General Education Degree Requirements

Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:

Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)

Part-Time Progression Plan

The part-time progression plan for programs of study has been developed as a helpful example for students to guide their academic journey. This plan outlines a likely sequence of courses and milestones over three years to help students visualize their academic path. It is important to note that this progression plan is based solely on the core requirements outlined in the approved program of study and does not include any additional requirements. Each student’s experience may vary based on their specific interests, course availability, and academic history. Therefore, students are encouraged to work closely with their academic advisor.

Part-Time General Education Electives

To earn an Associate degree, students must complete at least 60 college-level credits, including a required number of General Education (Gen Ed) credits:

• AA, AS, and AAT degrees require 28–36 General Education credits as part of the 60 total. This includes a minimum of:
  • 6 credits of Arts/Humanities (GAH)
  • 6 credits of Behavioral/Social Sciences (GB)
  • 3 credits of English Composition (GE) - satisfied by ENG 101 English Composition (GE)
  • 4 credits of Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
  • 3 credits of Mathematics (GM)
  • 3 credits of Biological/Physical Science (GS)
• AAS degrees require at least 18 General Education credits, including one course from each of the following categories: GAH, GB, GE, GL, and GM.

General Education courses must be selected from the college’s approved list and may be further specified by individual degree programs. Unless a General Education course is specifically required by a program, the elective General Education courses listed in the recommended sequence are intended as suggestions, not mandatory selections.

Recommended Part-Time Sequence

Program Electives