Chemistry/CHM - IAI Major Course Recommendations
Chemistry bachelor's degree programs are built on a strong foundation of sequential coursework in chemistry, mathematics, and the sciences. Upper-division coursework prepares students for careers in industry, graduate study, and professional programs. Many institutions also offer specialized tracks, such as biochemistry or teacher certification.
To transfer as a junior into a chemistry program, students should complete at least 60 semester credit hours, including the essential prerequisite courses listed below. Because course requirements and credit hours vary among institutions, students may need to complete additional coursework and may not always be able to earn an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree within the credits that transfer. Students should work closely with a chemistry advisor when planning their coursework.
Some institutions require a grade of C or higher in chemistry, mathematics, and engineering science courses for transfer credit.
Note to Faculty and Course Submitters working with IAI Courses:
Before submitting to the IAI Chemistry major panel, please review the panel criteria and other important documents which are available at
Chemistry IAI Major Recommendations 19-26 semester credits
Chemistry Core Course (16-20 semester credits)
CHM 911 - General Chemistry I (4-5 semester credits)
CHM 912 - General Chemistry II (4-5 semester credits)
CHM 913 - Organic Chemistry I (4-5 semester credits)
CHM 914 - Organic Chemistry II (4-5 semester credits)
Chemistry IAI GECC Recommendations (Minimum 37 semester credits)
These are the specific courses in the Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum (IAI GECC) that should be taken for this emphasis.
Communication: 3 courses (9 semester credits)
Select a two-course sequence in writing (6 semester credits) with a grade of "C" or better and, Select 1 course in oral communication (3 semester credits).
Mathematics: 1 course (3 semester credits)
Select from Mathematics - Calculus I and II.
Physical and Life Sciences: 2-3 courses (8-10 semester credits)
Select Calculus based Physics I with labs
Select Calculus based Physics II with labs
Students should take the first course in the BIO 910 sequence/L1910L which will fulfill the life sciences requirement.
Humanities and Fine Arts: 3 courses (9 semester credits)
Select 1 course from Humanities, Select 1 course from Fine Arts and Select 1 from either Humanities or Fine Arts. - Courses can be taken from the same identifier as long as the course outcomes are different.
Recommended: H4 904 Ethics.
Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 courses (9 semester credits)
Select 3 courses from at least 2 different disciplines (e.g., no more than 2 courses from, for example, psychology). - Courses can be taken from the same identifier as long as the course outcomes are different.
Check the worksheet to see what courses you can take to fulfill your general education requirements. The worksheet allows you to see what courses to take to fulfill the IAI Gen. Ed. package (Illinois Transferable General Education Core Curriculum) at any participating college or university in the State. You will find it helpful to use the major recommended general education courses shown above. You may want to print or copy a hard copy of this page.
Return to the Illinois Baccalaureate Majors' Recommendations (IAI Majors).