Overview

The Chemistry program at California Polytechnic State University involves a deep study of matter and its properties.

In your classrooms and labs, you will synthesize, analyze and test substances to gain understanding of how and why they combine or separate to form other substances, as well as how they interact with energy. You will also have opportunities to work with faculty on real-world research and work full-time in industry or government for pay or academic credit. The program is certified by the American Chemical Society.

Learn by doing

From your first day on campus, you will learn to be a scientist by being a scientist and work your way up to developing and testing your own hypotheses. You will create new substances, test theories using chemical analysis, create processes to make unstable molecules more stable, and more. At Cal Poly, you will be a part of the process of creating new scientific knowledge.

Careers

Many of the graduates go on to doctoral programs at prestigious universities throughout California and across the country.

Others pursue careers in environmental analysis, the health professions, biotechnology, industrial research and production, pharmacology, teaching, toxicology, food science, wine and viticulture, and fermentation. Because chemistry is a foundational science, you will have a broad choice of career options.

Accreditation

Both the BS in Chemistry and the concentration in Polymers and Coatings are certified by the American Chemical Society. An option in Chemical Education designed for aspiring teachers in secondary schools is also available.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

General Chemistry for Physical Science and Engineering

Organic Chemistry

Quantitative Analysis

Physical Chemistry

Biochemical Principles

Instrumental Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Luis Obispo, United States

Disciplines

Chemistry View 1742 other Bachelors in Chemistry in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

Coursework: They look at the college-prep coursework you have taken during high school, including the courses you have in progress or planned during 12th grade

GPA: For the purposes of your application, they'll consider your 9th-11th grade weighted GPA
Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience: Cal Poly takes activities such as work experience, internships, volunteer programs and extracurricular activities into consideration

Make sure you have a copy of your transcripts, current and planned class schedules, household annual income and social security number (if available).

There is a $70 application fee per campus at the time you apply, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver

English proficiency exam results

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Out-of-State

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14037 USD / year

≈ 14037 USD / year

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

United States

1100 - 1800 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Chemistry.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Learn by doing

Careers

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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