The Future of Online STEM: How LSUA Is Expanding Access to Laboratory-Based Science Degrees

As industries increasingly depend on skilled science professionals, access to quality STEM education is essential to developing the workforce.

However, declining national chemistry degree conferrals and the hands-on requirements of laboratory-based programs can create barriers for students pursuing science careers. For working adults and transfer students, traditional campus-based programs may not offer the flexibility needed to balance education with professional and personal responsibilities.

LSUA is helping address these challenges by expanding access to online STEM education, including its online Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with an Industry Professional concentration. By combining flexible online coursework with focused, hands-on laboratory experiences, LSUA demonstrates how accessible online and hybrid STEM programs can maintain the technical training essential to science education.

Discover how LSUA is expanding access to flexible, hands-on STEM education.

National Trends in STEM Education

National trends in chemistry degree conferrals point to challenges in maintaining a strong pipeline of graduates entering science-related fields. According to a 2024 article by Chemical & Engineering News, the number of undergraduate chemistry degrees awarded declined 14% between 2019 and 2023.

Despite this decline, demand for science-trained professionals remains steady. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 6,500 openings expected annually.

Together, these trends highlight the importance of educational pathways that prepare students for technical careers while accommodating different learning needs and circumstances.

Growth of Online and Hybrid Chemistry Programs

Online education is creating new opportunities for students who may find traditional, campus-based STEM programs challenging to navigate. Working adults, transfer students, and professionals already employed in technical fields can pursue a bachelor's degree while maintaining existing personal and professional commitments.

For laboratory-based disciplines, expanding online access requires thoughtful program design. Chemistry students must develop practical competencies alongside their understanding of scientific principles, making hands-on instruction an essential part of their education.

LSUA addresses this challenge by combining online coursework with concentrated, in-person laboratory experiences. This hybrid model allows students to complete much of their degree remotely while fulfilling the laboratory requirements essential to a comprehensive chemistry education.

LSUA combines online flexibility with the hands-on experiences students need to prepare for science careers.

The Importance of Lab-Intensive Experiences

Laboratory instruction is fundamental to developing the skills needed for chemistry-related careers. Students must learn to perform experimental procedures, operate scientific instrumentation, collect and analyze data, and follow established safety protocols.

LSUA's online chemistry program incorporates designated one-week laboratory intensives to provide this essential experience. Students can complete select laboratory courses through concentrated on-campus sessions or available traditional in-person semester offerings.

By organizing select laboratory requirements into intensive sessions, LSUA helps reduce the need for ongoing campus attendance while preserving opportunities for practical scientific training.

LSUA's Innovative Approach

LSUA's online BS in Chemistry with an Industry Professional concentration demonstrates how flexible education can align with the needs of today's chemical industry.

The hybrid program combines foundational chemistry coursework with business-focused classes in accounting, business law, economics, finance, management, and marketing. This interdisciplinary approach prepares students to apply scientific knowledge while understanding the operational and managerial responsibilities found in industrial environments.

Students develop competencies in chemical analysis, laboratory techniques, instrumentation, data interpretation, problem-solving, and professional communication. These skills support career opportunities across petrochemical, pharmaceutical, consumer chemical, basic chemical, specialty chemical, agrochemical, and materials industries.

Designed with working adults and transfer students in mind, the online concentration provides a pathway to a rigorous science degree that combines technical knowledge with workforce-ready business skills.

Expanding LSUA's Online STEM Portfolio

LSUA's online chemistry program reflects the university's broader commitment to expanding accessible, workforce-aligned STEM education. In addition to the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with an Industry Professional concentration, LSUA offers a variety of other STEM-related degree programs, including:

By developing flexible academic pathways across science, technology, and mathematics, LSUA provides students with additional opportunities to pursue STEM education while preparing for evolving workforce needs.

Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Professionals

As industries continue to seek professionals with technical expertise and practical problem-solving abilities, accessible STEM education will play an increasingly important role in developing the workforce.

Through its online chemistry degree and growing STEM portfolio, LSUA demonstrates how flexible coursework and rigorous, hands-on instruction can work together to expand access to science education and prepare students for opportunities in evolving industries.

Explore LSUA's online programs and discover how flexible STEM education can support your academic and professional goals.

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