Chemistry Honors Program

Program Description

The purpose of the Chemistry Honors Program is to recognize and support the academic progress of our highest achieving students through undergraduate research culminating in a Chemistry Honors thesis. The Honors Concentration must be combined with one of the five undergraduate chemistry degrees: BA in Chemistry, BA in Chemistry (Biochemistry), BA in Chemistry (Forensic Chemistry), BS in Chemistry, or BS in Biochemistry. In order to fulfill the research requirement, students may engage in two semesters of research with a Chemistry faculty member at Sacramento State (e.g. enroll in CHEM 189A followed by CHEM 198) or they may use a summer research experience either on campus (e.g. NSM SURE, Russell-Forkey Research Award) or off campus (e.g. NSF-REU) in Chemistry or Biochemistry in place of CHEM 189A. All Honors students must enroll in CHEM 198H and complete a Chemistry Honors Thesis.

Eligibility Requirements

"Native" Students:

  • Declared as a Chemistry/Biochemistry major;
  • Junior standing;
  • Minimum 3.5 GPA overall and a minimum 3.33 GPA in Math/Science courses;
  • Complete CHEM 1B and MATH 30 with a "B" grade or higher; and
  • Maximum of one repeated Math/Science course (in college career).

Transfer Students:

  • Declared as a Chemistry/Biochemistry major;
  • Junior standing;
  • Entering minimum 3.5 GPA overall and a minimum 3.33 GPA in Math/Science courses (all institutions combined);
  • Completed CHEM 1B and MATH 30 (or equivalents) with a "B" grade or higher;
  • Maximum of one repeated Math/Science course (in college career); and
  • Completed at least 9 units at Sacramento State with a minimum 3.33 GPA, including any one chemistry class which counts towards your chosen degree.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program for eligible students requires nomination by a faculty member and review and approval by a department committee.

Minimum GPA and Additional Requirements

For students to remain in the program, they must:

  1. maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA overall and a minimum 3.33 GPA in Math/Science courses; and
  2. have no repeats in Math/Science courses.

Program Requirements

The curriculum of the Honors Program is designed to be coupled with the BA or BS degree programs. The Honors Program requires the following courses:

Required Upper Division Courses (6 Units)
CHEM 198Senior Research3
CHEM 198HChemistry Honors Thesis3