Policy:

The requirements for a minor in chemistry include a minimum of 27 credits of chemistry (CH) courses. These credits must include a complete general chemistry sequence (CH 221, CH 222, CH 223) (CH 224, CH 225, CH 226) (CH 201, CH 202, CH 123 or CH 223) (CH 121, CH 122, CH 123). In addition, a minimum of 4 upper division courses of 3 or more credits in at least two areas of chemistry (organic, physical, analytical, inorganic, or nuclear) and including one laboratory course are required. CH 374, CH 401/501/601, CH 403/503/603, CH 407/507/607, CH 410/510, CH 695, and CH 696 cannot be used to fulfill the upper division credits and CH 130 does not count toward the minor.
 
Explanation of the Policy:

All courses from OSU or elsewhere must be taken for a grade (not S/U) and the overall GPA for all chemistry courses from OSU and transferred must be 2.0 or higher. If the general chemistry sequence is transferred from another university or college, it must be a full-year course with appropriate laboratory experience. CH 130 is considered a terminal course and will not count for the minor. Students taking CH 201 and CH 202, who wish to pursue a chemistry minor, should take CH 123 or CH 223 the third term. With this sequence, only 11 credits are earned and a minimum of 16 credits of upper division chemistry courses must be taken.

Starting F02, the CH 201-202 sequence was revised and the lab in CH 202 is now a separate course (CH 205) and recitations (CH 211 and CH 212) have been added for both courses.  Students wishing to earn a minor must take CH 205 with CH 202 (starting W2003). Students have the option of taking the recitation sections which adds to the total chemistry credits.

To fulfill the upper division requirement, any upper-division CH course can be used (except for the courses excluded above). Normally CH 331, 332, 337 (lab), 324 (lab), or 390 are used. Be aware that most of the upper-division chemistry courses are designed for chemistry majors who take a specific sequence of chemistry, physics, and math courses and have many prerequisites.

How to Apply for a Chemistry Minor:

Not at the chemistry department. Obtain the form entitled  "Change of Undergraduate Academic Program"  from the office of your college or school, the Registrar, off the WEB at this link Web Version, or the following PDF form at this link PDF file. Fill in the appropriate information (name, 520  code for chemistry, etc.). Obtain an approval signature from the College of Science (128  Kidder Hall). If you are not a major in the College of Science, you must also obtain a second approval signature from your own college.

Common Courses used to fulfill the Chemistry Minor Requirements

A common grouping of courses for majors in biological, health or food sciences is CH 221, CH 222, CH 223, CH 331, CH 332, CH 337, and CH 324. This provides for the minimum of 27 credits (30 credits in this example) and four upper division courses of 3 or more credits in two areas with at least one advanced lab (2 in this case). Hence, the above sequence fulfills the requirement for a chemistry minor. See the links below for other combinations and suggested courses

Biochemistry and Chemical Engineering majors:

Students in the above two areas are required by their departments to take many chemistry courses. The B.S. curriculum in biochemistry as written includes sufficient courses to fulfill all requirements necessary to obtain a chemistry minor. Chemical engineering students need one more upper division lab course in chemistry (e.g., CH 324 or CH 337) to fulfill the requirements for a chemistry minor.
 

Useful Links about the chemistry minor

Frequently Asked Questions

Suggested Courses

Common combinations of courses that fulfill the chemistry minor requirement

Obtaining a minor after graduation from OSU or Elsewhere

Understanding the Audit for the Chemistry Minor

General Chemistry Requirements for the Chemistry Minor

Organic Chemistry Transfer Policy