Academic Affairs » Academic Divisions » Science » Associate Degree in Chemistry
If you are interested in a career in research, medicine, pharmaceuticals or education, a chemistry degree at Northeast State gives you the academic foundation to get there.
Through the Chemistry Associate of Science (AS) on the Tennessee Transfer Pathway, you will complete rigorous coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, college calculus, and calculus-based physics that prepares you to transfer to a four-year university and continue toward a bachelor’s degree.
Northeast State’s chemistry major is designed for students who want a strong science and mathematics background before transferring. You will study in small class settings with dedicated faculty who are accessible and focused on your academic progress. Whether you plan to pursue graduate-level research, apply to medical or pharmacy school, or teach at the secondary level, this associate degree in chemistry provides a competitive start at a fraction of the cost of a four-year institution.
At Northeast State, the Chemistry program gives you a focused academic experience that prioritizes hands-on lab work, one-on-one faculty support and the coursework you need to transfer with a strong transcript. Rather than competing for attention in large lecture halls, you will learn general chemistry and all subsequent courses in an environment where your professors know your name and your academic goals.
4 reasons making your Northeast State experience stand out
The chemistry degree follows the Tennessee Transfer Pathway, which means your courses are designed to transfer directly to the University of Tennessee and Tennessee Board of Regents four-year institutions. You will complete 65 credit hours of coursework, including general chemistry, organic chemistry, college calculus, and calculus-based physics, knowing that your credits apply toward a bachelor’s degree without delays or redundancy.
Is chemistry hard? The coursework is demanding, but Northeast State’s chemistry major requirements include the foundational lab experience and faculty support that help you handle upper-division courses at a four-year school. You will take two semesters each of general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics, along with Calculus I and II, building the scientific and mathematical skills you need to succeed at the bachelor’s level and beyond.
You will learn from faculty who bring professional and academic expertise to every course. At Northeast State, your chemistry professors are actively engaged in helping you understand the material, prepare for exams and plan your transfer to a four-year institution. With smaller class sizes, you get direct access to the instruction and mentorship that make a real difference in rigorous STEM coursework.
Starting your chemistry degree at a community college allows you to complete your general education and foundational science courses at a fraction of the cost of a four-year university. With programs such as Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect, you may be able to cover tuition and fees entirely, reducing the financial burden of your overall education.
If you have been searching for chemistry classes near me, Northeast State offers all the required coursework on campus at the Blountville location, where you will have access to laboratory facilities and faculty support throughout the program.
The chemistry major requirements at Northeast State combine laboratory science courses with mathematics and a well-rounded general education core. Over four semesters, you will progress from introductory general chemistry and college calculus through organic chemistry and calculus-based physics, with each course building on the one before it. The curriculum also includes English composition, history, humanities, behavioral and social sciences and communication courses that fulfill the general education requirements for your transfer institution.
View Chemistry Program Curriculum
(CHEM 1110 · CHEM 1120)
Introduces the principles of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermodynamics and equilibrium. These courses establish the scientific foundation for all upper-level coursework in the associate degree in chemistry.
(CHEM 2010 · CHEM 2020)
Covers the structure, properties and reactions of carbon-based compounds. You will study reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy and synthesis techniques used in pharmaceutical, medical and research applications.
(PHYS 2110 · PHYS 2120)
Applies calculus to the study of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism and optics. For specific concentrations in chemistry at four-year institutions, calculus-based physics may be required.
(MATH 1910 · MATH 1920)
Covers limits, derivatives, integrals, and series. College calculus is a required component of the chemistry degree and supports your work in calculus-based physics and upper-level science courses after transfer.
We provide personalized support.
Northeast State makes it easy to take the next step toward a bachelor's degree. Through established transfer pathways, Tennessee Transfer Pathways and articulation agreements with colleges and universities across the region, students can transfer credits with confidence and continue their education without losing momentum. Whether you're earning an associate degree or completing general education requirements, our transfer advisor provides the guidance, resources and personalized support you need to achieve a smooth and successful transfer.
Contact
Dr. Sam Stevenson
Program Advisor
JWStevenson@NortheastState.edu
423-354-3689
Dr. Chris Wilson
Program Advisor
CAWilson@NortheastState.edu
423-279-3690
Local: 423-323-3191
Toll-Free: 800-836-7822
2425 Highway 75
PO Box 246
Blountville, Tennessee
37617-0246
Northeast State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. Northeast State Community College participates in the E-Verify program, a free, web-based system that electronically confirms the identity and employment eligibility of new hires. By using E-Verify, we ensure compliance with federal employment eligibility verification requirements and help maintain a legal workforce. For more information, visit the official E-Verify website. For questions or concerns, please email Compliance@NortheastState.edu.
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