Undergraduate Program Overview

Clemson University accepts AP test scores of 3 or above for most, but not all, courses. AP credit will translate into transfer credit, and one to four hours will be awarded for a course, meeting any degree requirements for that course. Grade points will not be contributed to the student’s GPA.

Example: If a student makes a score of 3 on the AP chemistry exam, the student will automatically receive credit on their transcript for CH 1010 upon Clemson receiving the AP credit. It will count as a natural science requirement for their required general education course, and it will contribute four hours to the student’s overall number of hours completed at the University.

When registering for the AP exam, indicate if you wish to have the final results sent to Clemson University (CEEB No. 5111). Be sure to include your Social Security number when registering for AP exams. This will save time and ensure that credit is automatically awarded to your Clemson academic record.

• View the AP test scores accepted by Clemson University (PDF).

Should I Utilize AP Credit?

One of the most common questions we receive from prospective students is whether or not to utilize AP credit for CH 1010 or CH 1010/CH 1020. We suggest students go with what feels appropriate. For those with a solid chemistry foundation, start in CH 1020 and see how the first week goes. If that doesn’t seem like a good fit, you can still register to take CH 1010. There is a small window of time in the first two weeks of class in which students can move up or down based on first impressions of actually being in a course. We have quite a few chemistry majors who did well enough on the AP test to exempt CH 1010, but about half of them retook the course as a refresher, and the other half went into CH 1020. Both groups succeed equally well academically.

Determining Class Placement

• AP chemistry score 1: No Clemson credit; placement in CH 1010 (General Chemistry Part 1).
• AP chemistry score 2: No Clemson credit; placement in CH 1010 (General Chemistry Part 1).
• AP chemistry score 3: Clemson credit for CH 1010; placement in CH 1020 (General Chemistry Part 2).
• AP chemistry score 4: Clemson credit for CH 1010; placement in CH 1020 (General Chemistry Part 2).
• AP chemistry score 5: Clemson credit for CH 1010 and CH 1020; placement in CH 2230 (Organic Chemistry Part 1).

International Baccalaureate credit is awarded in much the same way as AP credit. The credit hours will be applied to the student’s transcript and any degree requirement the course meets will be considered completed. Students wanting to use IB credit must put their IB number in the space provided on the Clemson application.

• View the IB scores accepted by Clemson University (PDF)

Orientation

New and transfer student orientation is held regularly.

• Visit the Clemson orientation page

Prerequisites

CH 1010 prerequisite/co-requisite: There are no prerequisites or co-requisites for CH 1010, but we highly encourage students who register to have already have earned a C or better in MATH 1010 or MATH 1020 or MATH 1030, or concurrent enrollment in MATH 1040, 1060, 1080, 2060, 2080 or STAT 2300.

CH 1020 prerequisites: The pre-requisite for enrollment in CH 1020 (General Chemistry Part 2) is completion of CH 1010 with a C or better. Students are still responsible for meeting the prerequisite prior to the start of classes. This is not a permanent section of CH 1020. It is a temporary mechanism to track students anticipating eventual entry into the class.

CH 2230 prerequisite: The prerequisite for CH 2230 is completion of CH 1020 with a D or better. Students are still responsible for meeting the prerequisite prior to the start of classes. This is not a permanent section of CH 2230. It is a temporary mechanism to track students anticipating eventual entry into the class.

CH 1010 Section Restrictions

• Sections 001 to 014: No restrictions, but in-person attendance enforced, no online accommodations.
• Section 041: Online synchronous only.
• Section 050: Chemistry major students only.
• Section 072: Honors students only.

Holding Sections

There are no holding sections for chemistry classes. Once a student has received transfer credit(s) and/or AP credit(s), please email a PDF or screenshot to Kris Coleman. Include:

• Student’s full name
• Student’s CUID number
• The name of the other college, and location of the college
• The name of the chemistry class and/or lab
• The grade of the chemistry class and/or lab

Once verifications of their class in TCEL, overrides will be given for the desired chemistry class and/or lab.

Academic advising is an integral part of the College of Science commitment to help students meet their academic and personal goals. The college operates on a split-advising model. A team of professional staff advisers works with first-year students to ensure they are in the correct major and are making satisfactory academic progress. Continuing students in chemistry are assigned faculty members who monitor their academic progress and help them select courses at each registration period. Faculty and staff advisers begin working with students at new student orientation and continue to work closely with them throughout their academic careers.

Students entitled to lab exemptions will be dropped from current lab sections and put in an exempt lab section. Studentsd will still be required to pay lab fees, but will not be required to attend the lab. In order to claim credit, prior grade must be 75% or higher. Students are required to pay lab fees in order for the University to award students 4 credit hours for the course.

• Request a lab exemption

Residents in Science and Engineering living-learning xommunity is a first-year transition program in conjunction with being a unique living-learning experience. Clemson RISE provides opportunities for first-year STEM students to write their own Clemson stories. The mission of the RISE is to assist students in their transition to college by combining the academic and residential experiences in order to foster academic success and facilitate professional development.

• Learn more about RISE

The mission of PEER — Programs for Educational Enrichment and Retention — and WISE — Women in Science and Engineering — is to educate, recruit, and retain underrepresented populations in STEM fields through mentoring, academic coaching, counseling and academic enrichment. The goal is to make all students feel comfortable and supported as they pursue their degrees in science and engineering fields.

• Learn more about PEER and WISE