ACS Guidelines for Chemistry in Two-Year College Programs

The ACS Guidelines for Chemistry in Two-Year College Programs provide a comprehensive framework for reviewing chemistry programs, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for change, and leveraging support from institutions, partners, and external agencies.

Developed by the Society Committee on Education, these guidelines are based on chemical education research, effective practices, and ACS policies. They are intended for any two-year program that teaches chemistry or chemistry-based technology.

Why use the Guidelines?  

Implementing the Guidelines can help programs and institutions:

• Align their missions
• Meet the needs of a diverse student body
• Support the institution and the community
• Articulate with programs to which students transfer
• Compare to programs of recognized quality

Because chemistry-based education varies widely, colleges are encouraged to focus only on the sections of the Guidelines most relevant to their needs.

What's new in the Guidelines?

The most recent Guidelines were published in 2015.

In 2013-2015, a Society Committee on Education task force used community feedback, input from ACS governance, and information on effective practices to ensure the Guidelines keep pace with the changing two-year landscape.

Overarching changes to the Guidelines include:

• Language specifically addressing the needs of the types of chemistry education noted above
• Integration of safety topics throughout the Guidelines
• Adjustments that keep the Guidelines parallel—in language, content, and format—with the ACS Guidelines and Evaluation Procedures for Bachelor’s Degree Programs.