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Lake Superior State University

Biochemistry Pre-Professional: Bachelor of Science

Program Description


The Chemistry Program at Lake Superior State University is now accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS).  According to the 2011 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimator, more people are employed as chemists and chemical technicians than in any other job classification in the life and physical science occupations (http://stats.bls.gov). With many free electives and a common general education core, a chemistry degree can also be used in combination with other majors or minors such as pre-professional (medicine, pharmacy, veterinary, law, etc.),  engineering, business, biology, and many more to match student interest and career plans.

Graduates with a bachelor of science in Biochemistry Pre-Professional work in many disciplines and industries, and many proceed on to graduate school in natural sciences, medicine, law, and engineering. Internships in chemistry are encouraged where students can gain valuable real-world work experience while gaining college credit. In addition, students pursuing the ACS certified degree will participate in an applied research project in close collaboration with faculty members to address meaningful chemical-based problems. These projects, through the excellent preparation they provide our students, are often cited as important factors in successful job searches and entry into graduate programs.

The LSSU chemistry program has been approved by the American Chemical Society, and may provide certified degrees in Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Biochemistry Pre-Professional, and Environmental Chemistry if a student chooses this track.  In addition, the BS in Chemistry  Secondary Education degree may also be certified by the ACS.  Graduates completing the prescribed requirements are awarded an ACS certificate signifying their completion of the approved degree and can qualify for membership in the Society upon graduation.

American Chemical Society
Committee on Professional Training
155 Sixteenth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20036



Degree Requirements


Chemistry Degree Requirements (48 credits minimum)

For American Chemical Society certified degree, additionally required (total lab hours must be at least 400 hours).  See Department Chair for special rules regarding ACS certification:

Biology Courses (16 credits)

  • BIOL131 General Biology:  Cells 4
  • BIOL132 General Biology:  Organisms 4
  • BIOL220 Genetics 4
  • Any BIOL 400 level course 4

Support Courses (20 credits)

General Electives (16 credits minimun)

General Education: All LSSU bachelor's degree candidates must complete the LSSU General Education Requirements.

A minimum of 124 credits (at the 100 level or higher) must be earned for graduation with a cumulative gpa of 2.00 or higher.  A gpa of 2.00 or higher is also required in your Major, and a gpa of a 2.00 or higher is required in your General Education Requirements.


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