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听中国365bet中文官网 Committee on Education听and two-year college faculty, 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? 听
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 the Guidelines?
The most recent Guidelines were published in 2023 and updated in 2025. Overarching changes to the guidelines include:
- Language specifically addressing the needs of the types of chemistry education noted above
- A separate section for Safety.
- Restructuring the guidelines into three categories听
- Essential Components: 听This section includes the basic requirements for any 2-year college chemistry program, for students wishing to transfer and for students earning an Associate鈥檚 Degree.
- Successful Practices:听 Suggested practices to enhance research and teaching capabilities, foster a sense of continual improvement for the program, and promote the success of students, faculty, and staff.听
- Aspirational Goals: 听These are guidelines that promote innovation across the program. These overarching objectives can be used to advance the program鈥檚 mission and make significant contributions to educating the next generation of students.听
Events & Opportunities
2YC3 Conference
Join members of the two-year college community at the Two Year College Chemistry Consortium (2YC3) Conference at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS on May 30-31.
about the conference & program.
Fall 2025 Community of Practice for 2YC Faculty
Join us for a virtual community of practice focusing on implementing green chemistry principles into hybrid or online courses through the use of active learning methods. Space is limited to 10 faculty. Applications open in May.
Prepare CTP SEED Grant
To support partnership building at community colleges and similar two-year degree-granting institutions, focusing on preparing skilled technical workers (STW) in the chemical enterprise, termed chemical technical professionals (CTPs).
Exploring Resources
Related Guidelines & Policies
Case Studies
Learn how the Guidelines have been implemented at 12 colleges.
Assessment Tool
Use this tool to assess chemistry and chemistry-based technology education within the context of the Guidelines.
We Want to Hear from You!
How have you used the two year college guidelines? How have they helped? What can be improved?
What other offerings can ACS provide to faculty at two-year colleges?听 Send us your suggestions for new programming
