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chemistry diagram

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

63.4% of Perimeter College students receive financial assistance.

How long will it take?

The typical pathway requires 60 semester hours — 42 hours in core curriculum and 18 hours in pathway courses.

Where will I take classes?
Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, Newton

Application Timeline View Admissions Requirements

Fall Semester (starts in August) — Due by August 1
Spring Semester (starts in January) — Due by December 1
Summer Semester (starts in late May) — Due by May 1

Chemistry Pathway, A.S.

What Is Chemistry?

Chemistry is a physical science that helps us describe and explain our world. It is the study of matter, its properties, how and why substances combine or separate to form others and how substances interact with energy. Every material in existence, including the human body, is made of matter. Almost everything humans touch, taste or smell is made of chemicals. Chemistry is involved in daily and monumental tasks, from growing and cooking food to cleaning our homes and bodies to launching a space shuttle.

Why Study Chemistry?

An understanding of basic chemistry concepts is important in almost every profession. Chemistry opens doors to exciting careers in medical research, biological sciences, nanotechnology, earth and atmospheric sciences, energy, pharmacy, new materials discovery and forensics opportunities. Studying chemistry provides tools to understand the world around you: How does ozone protect us from the sun? What makes hot sauce hot? What causes snake venom to be poisonous? Just what are calories, and why do they make me gain weight? Chemical scientists know the answers to such questions. They educate us about our surroundings and make our lives safer and longer.

At Georgia State Perimeter College, you can take Chemistry courses on all five campuses. Chemistry lecture courses (not laboratory courses) required for the Chemistry Pathway are also offered online.

A note on pathways: A pathway is an advising guide to help students prepare for their intended bachelor's degree major. By following the course of study outlined in the appropriate Associate of Arts or Associate of Science pathway, students will have the necessary prerequisite courses to continue in their chosen disciplines. A pathway is not a major and will not be represented on the diploma.

Pathway Highlights

“I didn’t think it was possible to have a career in science, but the faculty and staff at Perimeter College helped me find my dream career and the path to make it come true. Thanks, Perimeter! I couldn’t have gotten here without you!”

Alexandra Brosius
Perimeter College Alumnas
 Doctoral Student and Research Assistant
Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science
Pennsylvania State University

 

alexandra_brosius

 

Josh Dierberger“My high-school chemistry curriculum really didn’t do the subject justice. When I got to Perimeter and started taking chemistry I was worried I’d hate it. Quite the opposite happened. I found the lectures and labs very interesting and engaging, and chemistry became one of the classes I looked forward to each week.”

Joshua Dierberger
Perimeter College Student
Clarkston Campus

 

Pathway Details

The Chemistry pathway requires 42 hours of Core Curriculum and 18 hours of courses appropriate to the pathway. For up-to-date curriculum requirements, please visit the catalog.

As part of Georgia State University, Perimeter College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) to award associate degrees. Successful completion of a pathway at Perimeter College leads to an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Georgia State University.

Description

Careers

The number of jobs for chemists is expected to grow 3 percent by 2018. A degree in chemistry opens the door to a variety of jobs, including:

  • Ballistics expert
  • Biochemist
  • Chemical safety engineer
  • Dialysis technician
  • Crime lab analyst
  • Fingerprint technician
  • Food and drug inspector
  • Hazardous waste manager
  • Histology technician
  • Hydrographer
  • Industrial hygienist
  • Medical technician
  • Natural resource specialist
  • Oil and petroleum chemist
  • Researcher
  • Soil scientist
  • Teacher
  • Toxicologist
  • Water resource specialist
  • X-ray technician

Contacts

Admissions
For help with applying or admissions, please review our website, visit a campus office, or contact us at 404-413-2500.

Alpharetta Campus

Dr. Solomon Fesseha
Department Chair of Physical Sciences
Alpharetta Campus
[email protected]
678-212-7523

Clarkston Campus

Dr. Michael Nelson
Associate Chair
Clarkston Campus
678-891-3782
[email protected]

Shamin Shah
Administrative Secretary
Clarkston Campus
678-891-3789
[email protected]

Decatur Campus

Dr. Jo Ann Joyner
Associate Chair
Decatur Campus
678-891-2600
[email protected]

Dunwoody Campus

Dr. Jay Dunn
Associate Professor
Dunwoody Campus
770-274-5068
[email protected]

Ms. Connie Fickenscher
Administrative Secretary
Dunwoody Campus
770-274-5071
[email protected]

Newton Campus

Dr. Michael Sakuta
Associate Chair
Newton Campus
678-891-2466
[email protected]

Jill Heft
Administrative Professional
Newton Campus
678-891-2453
[email protected]

Perimeter College Logo140 Decatur Street SE
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.