Associate of Science in Chemistry

You are about to start an unforgettable educational journey that will enhance your logical, analytical, and technical skills. By the time you successfully complete this course, you will know how to responsibly build a compound and characterize it, as well as its properties. You will become a molecular architect and engineer.

Every intersession, we chose a group of outstanding students to participate in the Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Research class (Chem. 298).

A little history about this class: it started in the winter of 2010 with a generous seed donation from CSULA MBRS director, Dr. Carlos G. Gutierrez, which afforded the purchase of essential equipment and supplies to start the first round of then volunteer attempt to introduce research to Glendale Community College. In 2012, after three successful rounds of undergraduate research, Title V and GAUSS grant managers recognized the importance of this program and funded the most needed equipment for further development. Ever since the program has been established, there is an incredible body of evidence showing its benefits for our students.

So far:

1. More than 90 students have been trained through the program.
2. The vast majority of the scholars who participated in Chem. 298, joined research groups at the universities upon transfer.
3. Four of the alums are currently enrolled in Ph.D. programs in chemistry and biochemistry.
4. Five of the alums are completing M.S. in chemistry and biochemistry.
5. 35 Of the alums chose chemistry or biochemistry as their major field of study, and are currently completing their B.S. in reputable four-year universities.
6. The students have presented their original work at college-wide, regional, state, and national conferences.

The success of this program was such a clear indication of the need to institutionalize it, that it was approved to be registered as a college course, Chem. 298, in the spring of 2015. The second part of the sequence, Chem. 299, is in the process of submission to Curriculum and Instructions committee at GCC.

The Physical Science AS degree provides the students with a solid foundation of Physical sciences with emphasis either in Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, or Earth Science. The Program emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving in its approach to learning. Students understand and demonstrate the scientific laws and theories and the applications thereof, in their chosen emphasis.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to compare and contrast the general chemistry performance exam taken at Glendale Community College with the national performance norm, reported by the American Chemical Society.

All courses used to satisfy the major for the Associate in Arts degree must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Academic Calendar

• Semester system (16 weeks).

• Fall Semester begins at the end of August.

• Spring Semester begins mid-February.

• Summer Session (mid-June to mid-August.); along with a short-term Winter Session of six weeks in early January.

New International students applying directly from overseas can only apply for the Fall or Spring Semesters. The short-term Sessions offer limited class scheduling for "new" students and are best designed for "continuing students."

Admission Requirements

High School transcripts and Diploma; minimum of 2.0 or "C" grade point average, if transferring directly from a U.S.-based College or University. TOEFL score minimum 45 on iBT, or IELTS 'band score' of 4.5 minimum – if English is not your first language of instruction. Also, Affidavit of Support Form & Bank Statement, and one-page personal essay. "Conditional Admission" is available for students without TOEFL or IELTS, and transferring-in from a Language School program.

Application Deadlines (for overseas Applicants)

• July 1 for Fall Semester;

• December 1 for Spring Semester;

• [May 15th for “Summer Session” -- Summer only for students "transferring" inside the U.S. with a current and valid Form I-20.]

• Deadlines may be flexible; please contact the International Student Office for details.

Tuition & Fees/Living Expenses

• Tuition & Fees (Academic Year 2020-21): $7,581 USD (full-time; two semesters).

• Estimated off-campus living expenses: $13,000 USD.

• Total costs for bank statement = $22,965 USD.

• Note: above costs are subject to periodic/annual changes. [Please plan your budget accordingly].

• Tuition/Fees are paid per Semester upon registration.

• "Tuition Advanced Deposit" is not required.

• The College offers a tuition payment plan each semester.