Major Advising Page – Chemistry

The chemistry department encourages our majors to study abroad!  Though it is not as common to earn Chemistry course equivalents while abroad, many chemistry majors take the opportunity to participate in research, expand their studies in other subjects, or to fulfill breadth and general education requirements.  A study abroad experience is something that can benefit you regardless of where you plan to go next after graduation!

Prospective Chemistry Students

Students are eligible to declare the chemistry major after completing general chemistry, though any student is welcome to meet with the chemistry advisor to learn more.  If you are considering study abroad, it is important to meet with the advisor early so you can begin planning.

Chemistry majors have studied abroad during all terms, including winter and summer.  It is most common for our majors to study abroad their junior year, though you can study abroad before or after that.  We encourage you to familiarize yourself with our chemistry major requirements and to meet with the chemistry advisor to discuss your interests.  Together, you can create multiple potential course plans to show your options.  Remember that communication and planning are key to studying abroad and graduating on your chosen timeline!

Chemistry Course Considerations Abroad

L&S students need to complete at least 15 Upper-Level Major Credits in residence to meet graduation requirements.  All approved study abroad programs meet UW-Madison course standards and give you in-residence credit.

Though possible, it is likely that the chemistry course you take abroad would not count towards the chemistry major requirements due to having limited direct equivalencies.  The most likely courses you would take abroad to fulfill degree requirements are:

• Breadth courses (humanities, social sciences, languages).
• Additional laboratory credit fulfilled through research.
• Some chemistry courses, through some programs. If a course does not match one of the chemistry courses offered at UW-Madison, the department may still be able to grant chemistry study abroad course credit, which could be used to fulfill major requirements at the discretion of the major department.

Mapping Your Study Abroad Experience in the Chemistry Major

Freshman Year

Freshman year is a good time to focus on your core foundation courses – specifically chemistry and math.

Sophomore Year

Many chemistry majors take organic, analytical, or inorganic chemistry during sophomore year.  It is also most common to take physics or biology during this time (biology is most commonly taken by chemistry majors who are on a pre-health track, have interest in biology, or who need the subject for another major requirement).

Junior Year

Junior year is the most common time for chemistry majors to study abroad.  This is also a common time to begin your physical chemistry courses, possible upper-level advanced chemistry courses, and research.  Since most of our majors who study abroad do not take any of our major courses while they are away, it is important to plan with the chemistry advisor to allow a gap in your chemistry studies.  Your advisor can work with you to find a plan that works best.

Senior Year

Chemistry majors could also study abroad during their senior year.  It is most common in the fall due to job interviews, grad school visits, etc. during the spring. Since this is when most chemistry majors are completing their physical chemistry requirements, it would be best to work with the chemistry advisor to work out a plan and to ensure the 15 Upper-Level Major Credits in Residence is also met.

Questions to Ask

Your Academic Advisor:

• What classes must I complete for my degree (breadth/depth, major requirements, etc.)?
• Do I need to be on UW-Madison’s campus for any courses in my major?
• How many electives do I have outside of my major?

Your Study Abroad Advisor:

• What classes can I take abroad?
• How and when do I select courses for my program?
• When will I know course equivalents for my program?
• What is the class structure like abroad?

Identifying Programs to Explore

Studying abroad offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture while simultaneously completing your degree.  Though it is common for students not to take any chemistry major courses while abroad, there are programs that offer equivalents.  Here are some possibilities where students have been able to earn chemistry major credits.

Australia: University of Queensland Exchange

Denmark: DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia

England: University of Bristol Exchange

Thailand: Mahidol University Exchange

Search all IAP programs
Research all programs using the IAP Program Search page.   The above is not an exhaustive list of all programs that offer Chemistry courses.  There may be other programs that are a better fit for your individual needs or interests.