Earn an Online Bachelor of Science in Chemistry: Industry Professional
Build a strong foundation in chemistry with skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving.
Gain business knowledge to manage operations, utilize data, and communicate in ways that support efficient chemical processes in an industrial setting.
Develop hands-on lab experience using industry-standard equipment in-person during the semester or through intensive one-week summer lab sessions.
Through a curriculum designed specifically for careers in chemical and manufacturing industries, you’ll be ready to manage projects, oversee operations, ensure safety and compliance, and make data-driven decisions.
Admissions
Whether you're a first-time freshman or a transfer student, our admissions team is here to support you from day one.
Apply by
Jul 20, 2026
Classes begin
Aug 24, 2026
I have no college credits
For university acceptance, first-time freshman must meet the following criteria:
- Complete high school Core curriculum for college readiness in place at time of high school graduation
- Not be required to take more than one developmental course
- Have a high school grade point average of at least 2.0
- Meet one of the following:
- Have an ACT composite of 20 or higher
- Have a high school Core grade point average of at least 2.0
I have some college credits
Transfer students to LSUA must meet one of the following sets of criteria:
- Have earned a transferable associate degree or higher
- Have earned at least 18 hours of college-level credit, including a college-level English and college-level mathematics course, with a grade of “C” or higher in each, and an overall GPA of at least 2.0
- Have earned at least 12 hours of college-level credit from LSUE or CLTCC Bridge Program, including a college-level English and college-level mathematics course, with a grade of “C” or higher in each, and an overall GPA of at least 2.0.
- If the above are not met, meet freshman admission requirements and be in good standing with their previous institution
Re-Enrollment Information for LSUA
Although LSUA has six sessions (terms) a year, there are only three semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Summer enrollment is optional and will not affect student records.
One Semester
Students who are not enrolled for one entire semester (both Fall terms or both Spring terms) will need to complete the "I am Coming Back Form" at least two weeks before the term starts to let us know they are returning so we can reactivate their record.
More Than One Semester
Students who are not enrolled for more than one full semester (Fall ELearn1 and ELearn2 AND ELearn1 of Spring – or all of Spring ELearn1 and ELearn2 and ELearn1 of Fall) will have to reapply. Students do not have to resubmit documents that we already have but would need to submit new transcripts from any school attended while absent from LSUA. Re-entry students are eligible to be re-admitted.
Tuition
LSUA offers competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees. Plus, you may be able to save even more by transferring up to 75% of previous credits.
Tuition & Fees
- 120 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $353
- Cost per credit hour
- $10,590
- Total cost with fees and maximum transfer credits
- $42,360
- Total cost with fees
The final cost of this program will be determined once all transfer credits are evaluated. Transfer credits may apply for up to 75% of degree requirements. Your academic advisor will work with you to determine if and how any prior college credits or industry credentials earned will apply toward your LSUA degree. For further information about the approval for transfer credits and other requirements, please visit this site.
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Financial Aid Available
LSUA offers multiple ways to help you fund your education, including financial aid, veteran education benefits, and credit for prior learning. Learn more ›
Academics
Graduates in the Industry Professional concentration take courses in accounting, business law, economics, finance, management, and marketing, in addition to their chemistry courses, to develop their managerial skills, and data-driven decision making skills.
This is not intended for students interested in the pre-professional or medical routes.
Career-Ready Skills
Graduates will be able to explain, apply, and evaluate foundational chemical principles across the major subdisciplines of chemistry.
Graduates will also be able to demonstrate competency in laboratory practices by correctly performing experimental procedures, operating instrumentation, collecting and analyzing data, and adhering to safety protocols.
- Technical and scientific skills – Gain hands-on experience in chemical analysis, laboratory techniques, and experimental design. Develop proficiency in using advanced instrumentation such as spectrometers, gas and liquid chromatography systems, and mass spectrometry tools to identify and characterize substances. Build a strong understanding of chemical principles, reactions, and material properties, while adhering to strict laboratory safety protocols, proper chemical handling, and regulatory standards.
- Analytical and critical thinking skills – Strengthen your ability to evaluate experimental data, interpret results, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Apply critical thinking to assess the validity of information, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and develop effective solutions to scientific problems. Cultivate precision and attention to detail to ensure accuracy in measurements, observations, and documentation.
- Quantitative and digital skills – Develop a solid foundation in mathematics, including algebra, calculus, and statistics, to support data analysis and modeling. Gain experience in interpreting complex datasets and using digital tools and software for analysis, simulation, and visualization. Enhance computational skills relevant to scientific research and industry applications.
- Soft and professional skills – Build strong communication skills to clearly present scientific concepts, research findings, and technical information in both written and verbal formats. Enhance teamwork and collaboration through group projects and lab work. Improve organizational and time-management abilities for handling multiple tasks, maintaining accurate records, and meeting deadlines. Develop leadership skills by coordinating projects and guiding team efforts, particularly in industrial settings.
- Business and professional skills – Develop practical knowledge of how scientific work translates into industry applications. Strengthen communication skills for engaging with both technical and non-technical audiences through reports and presentations. Gain exposure to marketing and sales concepts related to chemical or pharmaceutical products, as well as foundational skills in project management, finance, and organizational leadership.
Courses
| General Education Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
ENGL 1001 – English Composition I |
3 |
ENGL 1002 – English Composition II |
3 |
General Education Social Science |
6 |
MATH 1550 – Calculus I, or MATH 1540/1541 |
4 |
MATH 1552 - Calculus II, or MATH 1542/1543 - Integral Calculus |
4 |
PHYS 2001 - General Physics I, or PHYS 2101 - General Physics for Technical Students I |
3 |
PHYS 2002 – General Physics II, or PHYS 2102 – General Physics for Technical Students II |
3 |
BIOL 1201 – Biology for Science Majors I or BIOL 1101 – Biology for Science Majors |
BIOL 1201 – 4 credits |
General Education Communication Studies |
3 |
General Education Humanities |
6 |
General Education Fine Arts (fine arts, music, theatre) |
3 |
| Major Foundational Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
CHEM 1201 - General Chemistry I |
3 |
CHEM 1202 - General Chemistry II |
3 |
CHEM 1301 - General Chemistry Laboratory I |
1 |
CHEM 1302 - General Chemistry Laboratory II |
1 |
CHEM 2001 - Quantitative Analysis |
3 |
CHEM 2002 - Quantitative Analysis Laboratory* |
1 |
CHEM 3261 - Organic Chemistry I |
3 |
CHEM 3262 - Organic Chemistry II |
3 |
CHEM 3361 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I* |
2 |
CHEM 3362 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (2 credits)* |
2 |
CHEM 4491 - Physical Chemistry I |
3 |
CHEM 4500 - Instrumental Analysis |
3 |
CHEM 4570 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry |
3 |
*Online students may take these courses in-person or at a prespecified summer residency on campus. |
| Major Concentration Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
ACCT 2001 – Financial Accounting |
3 |
ACCT 2101 – Managerial Accounting |
3 |
BLAW 3201 – Business Law |
3 |
ECON 2010 – Principles of Macroeconomics, or ECON 2020 – Principles of Microeconomics |
3 |
FINC 3715 – Business Finance |
3 |
MGMT 3200 – Principles of Management |
3 |
MKTG 3401 – Principles of Marketing |
3 |
| Electives |
|---|
Students concentrating in Industry Professional need 26-27 credits. |
Careers
This program prepares students for diverse career opportunities by combining a strong foundation in chemistry with practical business skills valued in today’s industry-driven workforce.
Employment in chemistry-related occupations is expected to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034. (Source: BLS)
Explore career paths and salaries in accounting:
Entry-level Roles (0-2 years of experience)
Start building your career with roles that provide foundational experience in the industry.
Mid-Level Roles (2-5 years of experience)
With experience and your degree, you can advance into more specialized and higher-paying roles.
| Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
$38K-$129K/year (ZipRecruiter) |
Product Development Chemist |
$50K-$135K/year (ZipRecruiter) |
Materials Engineers |
$68K-$172K/year (BLS) |
