The First Step to a Career In Science
As a chemistry student, you will learn how to use the measuring and analysis equipment in a modern chemistry lab while competently performing routine laboratory tasks. As you progress in the course, you will conduct experiments and solve problems based in general inorganic and organic chemistry principles in order to collect, interpret and communicate scientific data in multiple formats. The Chemistry degree program equips students with the foundation necessary for transfer to at a four-year institution, so you can confidently continue your studies in the chemical or physical sciences field.
The Academic Passport, a policy of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), guarantees admission to any of the 14 PASSHE universities to a student with an earned AA or AS degree from a Pennsylvania public community college. A university can stipulate that the associate's degree contain at least 30 credits of liberal arts courses. The Academic Passport does not guarantee admission to specific majors.
Careers
Find your path.
Food Scientist – est. salary $77,268
Chemical Technician – est. salary $50,846
Clinical Research Coordinator – est. salary $104,885*
Environmental Scientist – est. salary $75,214
**EMSI Data, 2019; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Transfer Opportunities
Videos & Multimedia
Courses and Completion Sequence
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 121 - College Chemistry I | 4 credits | Prerequisite: CHEM 110 with a grade of "C" or better or department head approval | Major Course |
| MATH 171 - Calculus I | 4 credits | Prerequisite: MATH 162 with a grade of "C" or better or department head approval | Mathematics |
| ENGL 101 - English Composition I | 3 credits | ENGL 101 is a prerequisite for ENGL 102 | ENGL 101 |
| CIS 103 - Applied Computer Technology | 3 credits | Prerequisite: ENGL 101 ready | Technology Competency |
This is a select program. All students must complete CHEM 110 and MATH 162 or receive the department head’s approval before being selected into the program.
- This program is designed to provide students with the option of entering the workforce or transferring to a bachelor's degree program after earning their associate degree
- Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 122 - College Chemistry II | 4 credits | Prerequisite: CHEM 121 with a grade of "C" or better | Major Course |
| MATH 172 - Calculus II | 4 credits | Prerequisite: MATH 171 with a grade of "C" or better | Major Course |
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper | 3 credits | Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better | ENGL 102 Information Literacy |
| SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or HIST 121 - Global History I or HIST 122 - Global History II |
3 credits each | Social Science Elective Fulfills all of the Major Academic Approaches (American/Global Diversity, Interpretive Studies, and Writing Intensive) |
- Don’t forget to meet with an advisor and review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Stay on the path to success: take advantage of academic support services offered by Counseling the Learning Labs, Academic Advising and more
- Now is a good time to start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship— You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
- Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities
Semester 3
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 221 - Organic Chemistry I | 5 credits | Prerequisite: CHEM 122 with a grade of "C" or better | Major Course |
| CHEM 214 - Chemical Analysis | 5 credits | CHEM 214 is offered only during the fall semester. Prerequisites: CHEM 122 and MATH 162 with a grade of "C" or better. |
Major Course |
| PHYS 140 - Mechanics, Heat and Sound | 5 credits | Prerequisites: High School Physics or PHYS 111 with a grade of "C" or better and MATH 171 with a grade of “C” or better. | Major Course |
- Meet with an advisor and review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Stay on the path to success: take advantage of academic support services offered by Counseling the Learning Labs, Academic Advising and more
- Start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship—You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
Semester 4
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 222 - Organic Chemistry II | 5 credits | Prerequisite: CHEM 221 with a grade of "C" or better | Major Course |
| PHYS 241 - Electricity, Magnetism and Light | 5 credits | Prerequisite: PHYS 140 with a grade of "C" or better, and MATH 172 with a grade of "C" or better or Dept. Head approval | Major Course |
| BIOL 123 - Principles of Biology I or BIOL 281 - Biochemistry I or CIS 106 - Introduction to Computer Programming or BTT 101 - Biomedical Technician Training Practicum |
4 credits each (except BTT 101 which is 3 credits) | Prerequisite for BIOL 123: CHEM 121 or CHEM 110 with a "C" or better and high school biology or permission of the department head. Prerequisite for BIOL 281: CHEM 221, which may be taken concurrently, and BIOL 123 with a "C" or better. Prerequisite for BTT 101: BIOL 123 and FNMT 118 or higher placement. Students who choose BTT 101 will need an additional credit to graduate |
Directed Elective |
| CHIN 101 - Elementary Chinese or FREN 101 - Introductory French or SPAN 101 - Elementary Spanish or ENGL 115 - Public Speaking or PHIL 111 - Critical Thinking or HUM 101 - Cultural Traditions |
3 credits each | Prerequisite: ENGL 101 ready (except for the Foreign Language courses) | Humanities Elective |
- If this is your final semester! Don’t forget to complete your graduation application.
- Meet with an advisor when registering for your classes
- Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.
Featured Career
Clinical Research Coordinator
Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.
$104,885
600
in the region
11%
in the region
Typical Tasks
- Maintain required records of study activity including case report forms, drug dispensation records, or regulatory forms.
- Oversee subject enrollment to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained and documented.
- Monitor study activities to ensure compliance with protocols and with all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional polices.
- Record adverse event and side effect data and confer with investigators regarding the reporting of events to oversight agencies.
- Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, and discussions with physicians and nurses.
How well does it pay?
New workers generally start around $43,513. Normal pay for Clinical Research Coordinators is $104,885 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $208,395.
Program Information
Chemistry
Degree Type:
Associate in Science (A.S.)Credits Needed to Graduate:
60