Representative Program Charts
Communications Requirement
FAQ
Biochemistry Major Equivalent

What do I need to do to become a chemistry major?
How do I minor in chemistry?
Whom do I speak to about getting a UROP?
How can I get credit for a class taken at another university?
When should I see my undergraduate advisor?
When should I take which chemistry courses?

 
What do I need to do to become a chemistry major?
If you are a freshman, you will need to fill out a Course Selection form at the end of the year, indicating that your chosen major is Chemistry, and have it signed by your freshman advisor. If you are an upperclassman who wishes to change majors, you must fill out a Course Change form, which is available at the Chemistry Education Office, Room 6-205, and have it signed by Jennifer Weisman (jweisman@mit.edu, 617-253-1845).

Students who wish to double-major should fill out a petition form, outlining the subjects they have taken and those they have yet to complete to satisfy the requirements for a chemistry degree. Students can become a double-major in Chemistry no earlier than October of their junior year.

How do I minor in Chemistry?

• First you will need to Propose a Minor:
• Bring an up-to-date copy of your most recent MIT grade report and fill out a Minor Application form. Turn in the completed form and grade report at the Chemistry Education Office, Room 6-205.
• Subjects required for a minor are discussed on the Requirement for Minors page.
• For academic questions about the minor, you can make an appointment to speak with Professor JoAnne Stubbe (stubbe@mit.edu).
• By the third week of your final semester you must fill out a Minor Completion Form:
• Bring an up-to-date copy of your most recent MIT grade report and a completed Minor Completion Form to the Chemistry Education Office in 6-205.
• Minor Completion Forms can be obtained from the Registrar, the School of Science Office, and at the Chemistry Education Office. For additional information, please contact the Chemistry Education Office, Room 6-205, or call the main office line at 617-253-7271.
• If you do not complete this final step by the third week of your final semester, your minor degree may not appear on your diploma.

Whom do I speak to about getting a UROP?
The UROP advisor for the Chemistry Department is Prof. Christopher Cummins (Room 2-227, 617-253-5332). If you are interested in a Chemistry UROP you should make an appointment with him to discuss your research interests and to receive advice on how to find a position in the department.

How can I get credit for a class taken at another university?
See Transfer Credit

When should I see my undergraduate advisor?
You need to see your advisor on registration day of each semester to discuss the subjects you will be taking that term and to have your registration form signed. You should also feel free to make an appointment to talk to your advisor when you have questions about the academic program, when you have questions about future careers in chemistry, or when you have academic concerns.

When should I take which chemistry courses?
There are no fixed requirements that a chemistry major must take certain courses in a certain year, but generally speaking, 5.111/2, 5.12, and 5.13 are taken as a sequence beginning in the freshman year. 5.60 is recommended as a sophomore or junior year subject, while 5.03 and 5.61 are geared toward juniors and seniors. Biological Chemistry (5.07) is usually taken in the fall of the sophomore or junior year. The laboratory subjects (5.35, 5.36, 5.37 and 5.38) are offered both terms with the exception of 5.38, which is offered only in the spring. See the Representative Program Charts for further details.