Chemistry Degree, AS

Why Study Chemistry?

Everything around us is made up of matter—from prickly pear cactuses to iPhones. By studying chemistry, you'll understand how different substances interact with one another to create the world we live in. Because chemicals make up everything in our world, you'll be able to work in various fields, from environmental science to perfumery.

With your analytical skills, you can perform research to discover new products. Chemists have played vital roles in developing items such as:

• Fertilizers
• Flavors and scents
• Medicines
• Microchips
• New materials like plastics

With a Chemistry AS degree, you can find a career as a chemical technician or pursue your bachelor's degree. That will open the doors to more opportunities in chemistry, healthcare, and more.

Why Earn an Associate Degree in Chemistry at San Juan College?

Ready to Transfer

Get the knowledge and lab skills you need to transfer and earn your bachelor's degree. SJC's two-year Chemistry program is rigorous, but you'll learn in a supportive environment. Because of our small class sizes and dedicated instructors, you'll be ready to succeed at the next level.

Once you graduate, you can transfer to a four-year university. After two more years of hard work, you'll graduate with a bachelor's degree in chemistry.

Flexible Course Options

We know that it can be hard to get to class, especially if you're also working. That's why we're proud to offer remote learning options for our students. Some of our chemistry courses are offered completely online. We also have hybrid classes, which meet online and in person throughout the year. Create a schedule that works for you at SJC.

Chemistry Research Opportunities

Get research experience that will make you a better student and future employee. During your time at SJC, you can join chemistry research projects and work in our laboratory. Use advanced instrumentation to perform experiments and find solutions. Our professors will work with you to give you confidence in your research.

Past student projects include:

• Addressing environmental concerns
• Creation of artificial retina materials
• Synthesis of electronic materials

Affordable Option

With SJC's low tuition rates, earning your Chemistry AS is a smart investment for you. You'll take the same rigorous curriculum at SJC as you prepare to transfer but pay thousands of dollars less than you would at many four-year colleges. You may also qualify to get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.

What You'll Learn in the Chemistry Associate Degree

Explore the chemical elements of our world and how they interact with each other. Study molecular structures and chemical synthesis in your courses. You'll also get practical experience using our advanced equipment in our laboratory. With our lectures and experiments, you'll have a solid grasp of chemistry concepts.

Major topics covered in the Chemistry AS include:

• Atomic and molecular structure
• Qualitative analysis
• Quantitative analysis
• Reaction dynamics
• Synthesis

In your labs, you will learn how to:

• Calculate fundamental quantities
• Handle materials safely
• Interpret spectra
• Perform chemical analysis

Chemistry Degree AS Curriculum

Transfer Options for Chemistry AS Graduates

SJC's associate degree in chemistry will prepare you to transfer to a four-year university. You'll be able to earn your bachelor's degree in chemistry in just two more years. A bachelor's degree will make you more competitive in the job market. It will also prepare you for more advanced jobs that command a higher salary.

With our associate degree in chemistry, you can enter as a junior majoring in chemistry at the following schools:

• Fort Lewis College
• New Mexico Tech
• New Mexico State University
• The University of New Mexico

Meet with your advisor if you wish to transfer to pursue your bachelor's degree in chemistry. You will need to coordinate your coursework at San Juan College with the transfer institution's requirements.

Learn More About the Transfer Process

Careers and Outcomes

Most of our graduates transfer to a four-year university to complete their bachelor's degree in chemistry or a similar field. Some of our Chemistry AS graduates find employment as chemical technicians in the Rocky Mountain region and nationwide.

Because of the many applications of chemistry, you can work in various specialties. You can join fields such as:

• Art conservation
• Chemical engineering
• Environmental science
• Food science
• Forensic science
• Manufacturing
• Medicine
• Toxicology

Your job opportunities will depend on how much education you receive:

• Associate degree: You can work as a chemical technician in government and commercial laboratories. You'll often prepare samples and run instrumentation.
• Bachelor's degree: Find a career performing managerial duties and quality assurance. You may also be more involved in research and development projects. You can also be on track to become an elementary, middle school, or high school science teacher.
• Master's and doctoral degree: Oversee and direct government, academic, commercial, and research laboratories. You'll help invent new materials, instrumentation, and processes. You may also teach at the college level.