10 Self-Paced Organic Chemistry Courses Online in 2025

Self-paced online courses are structured classes that allow students to learn online, according to their own speed and schedule. The student, not the instructor, directs the pace of these online courses, allowing them to move through the course material as quickly or as slowly as they want.

Many degrees require organic chemistry prerequisites, and self-paced online organic chemistry courses offer a flexible, convenient approach to fulfilling this degree requirement. To learn more about self-paced course options, read on.

Are There Self-Paced Organic Chemistry Courses Online?

Yes, there are self-paced organic chemistry courses available online. Many of these are stand-alone courses, which means you do not have to take them as part of a greater degree program.

Online organic chemistry courses include the same subject materials as their in-person counterparts. Some online courses also include an additional lab course option.

Can I Get College Credit From an Online Self-Paced Organic Chemistry Course?

Yes, it is possible to earn college credits from online self-paced organic chemistry courses. It is important to choose an online school whose programs have been approved by an independent accrediting organization. Accrediting organizations, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and American Council on Education (ACE), ensure that curricula follow certain standards to indicate that students receive a quality education.

Best Self-Paced Online Organic Chemistry Courses

This list features some of the best self-paced organic chemistry courses available online. All of the following schools are accredited institutions.

1. University of New England

The University of New England (UNE) offers a three-credit course that introduces students to the fundamentals of organic chemistry. Chem 1020: Organic Chemistry I is a completely online, lecture-only course.

The curriculum covers organic molecule structure (e.g., functional groups, stereochemistry, and nomenclature), reactivity, and spectroscopic analysis. UNE also offers a one-credit lab course for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare sciences. The cost is $455 per credit hour.

2. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) has an asynchronous, self-paced organic chemistry course. Organic Chemistry I includes a three-credit lecture and a one-credit lab session. The course is 16 weeks long and includes support from the instructor as well as 24/7 online tutoring.

The cost is $545 per credit hour. MCPHS offers a reduced tuition rate to new students; if you have never taken coursework at MCPHS before, you are eligible for a 50% tuition discount on your first course.

3. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota (UND) offers an introductory course with an emphasis on both organic and biochemistry. CHEM 116: Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry's curriculum covers the molecular structure and reactivity of organic functional groups like alkenes, alkynes, aldehydes, and ketones.

You can complete UND's self-paced course in three to nine months. The course is three credits and costs $408 per credit hour.

4. Southern California University of Health Sciences

Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) offers Organic Chemistry I as a completely online, self-paced course. Students learn the fundamentals of organic reactions and the structures and properties of organic compounds. While not required, SCU highly recommends that students take General Chemistry I before enrolling in Organic Chemistry I.

Students can easily access all the materials needed for this course online, from the course description to the lecture syllabus. The three-credit course is five weeks long and costs $1,545 total.

5. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an general organic chemistry course designed to be completely online at your own pace. Organic Chemistry I introduces students to the structure, names, and reactivity of organic functional groups.

The course is three credit hours and has flexible start dates. Students receive 24/7 tutoring support as part of their online studies. Tuition is $318 per credit hour.

6. West Texas A&M University

Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A&M University offers various online self-paced course options. Its organic chemistry course can be started at any time and can be completed between six weeks and six months. The course includes both asynchronous lectures and a lab portion.

The four-credit course costs $935, plus $100 for an at-home lab kit. This allows for hands-on learning as you develop your understanding of organic syntheses and reactions.

7. University of California - San Diego

The University of California - San Diego (UC San Diego) has an asynchronous, four-credit organic chemistry course designed to be completed in twelve weeks. CHEM-40010 teaches students the elemental concepts and applications of organic chemistry, including chemical structure and bonding, reaction mechanisms, and functional groups. This course prepares students for Organic Chemistry II.

You can choose from one of UC San Diego's frequent course start dates. The course costs $845 total.

8. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers a fully online, self-paced organic chemistry introductory course. Unlocking Organic Chemistry (UNLOC) covers topics such as molecular representation and isomerisms, stereochemistry, and hybridization theory. FAU recommends that students take general chemistry before enrolling in this organic chemistry course.

Coursework is designed to be six weeks long and includes lessons, practice quizzes, and problem-solving sessions. The cost for this course is $250 for both FAU and non-FAU students.

9. Oregon State University

Oregon State University (OSU) is a large public school located in Corvallis, OR, with an extensive distance learning platform. OSU's Ecampus has a self-paced online organic chemistry course for non-chemistry majors.

The course is designed for students pursuing careers in pharmacy, optometry, dentistry, and other healthcare professions. It starts four times per year and costs $384 per credit hour.

10. Doane University

Doane University offers a four-credit online organic chemistry course. The CHM 205 curriculum introduces students to the basics of organic molecules and their reactions � topics include organic reactions and syntheses, organic compound structures, and mechanisms. The course also includes a lab component where students learn about spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and chromatography.

The self-paced course consists of online lectures; the lab component requires the purchase of an at-home lab kit. The total course cost for the course is $1,846.

FAQs About Self-Paced Online Organic Chemistry Courses

This section answers some frequently asked questions about self-paced organic chemistry courses, from course duration to the curriculum.

What Should I Look for in a Self-Paced Organic Chemistry Course?

You should confirm that your organic chemistry course is offered by an accredited institution. This ensures that your coursework adheres to quality education standards and that your credits earned will more easily transfer to other institutions.

Depending on your ultimate career path and degree choice, you may need to take an organic chemistry course with a lab component. In that case, be sure that your course offers a lab option, whether online or via an at-home lab kit.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Self-Paced Organic Chemistry Course?

Self-paced organic chemistry courses vary in length. Much of the online self-paced coursework's appeal comes from the flexibility and convenience of choosing your own timeline.

Generally, schools offer a minimum and maximum timeframe in which students can finish their coursework. Some courses can be completed in as little as six weeks, while others can be taken over nine months.

Do I Need a Background in Chemistry Before Taking These Courses?

A background in chemistry is extremely helpful before enrolling in an organic chemistry course. Organic chemistry is an intensive study of molecular compounds, structures, and reactions; students who have a solid understanding of chemistry basics will enjoy a smoother transition into this next-level course.

Some schools require students to take general chemistry before enrolling in an organic chemistry course, while others do not.

Are Free Self-Paced Organic Chemistry Courses Worth Taking?

If you are pursuing a career in the health sciences, like dentistry, pharmacy, or optometry, organic chemistry is an important part of your career pathway. The value of free self-paced organic chemistry courses is a highly personal decision. Even if you don't receive college credit from these courses, they can provide worthwhile information that helps support your ultimate education goals.

What Topics Are Usually Covered in a Self-Paced Organic Chemistry Course?

A self-paced organic chemistry course includes the same foundational topics as those found in in-person classes. Topics include:

• organic compounds and structures
• nomenclature
• functional groups
• biochemistry
• carbonyl reactions (like nucleophilic substitution to acid derivatives)
• spectroscopic analysis

Many online organic chemistry courses also include lab work. Labs can be conducted completely online or through hands-on lab kits.

Can I Use These Courses to Prepare for the MCAT or GRE Subject Test?

You may certainly use self-paced organic chemistry courses to prepare yourself for the MCAT. The MCAT includes basic chemistry and organic chemistry elements. Free online courses can be a good option for test prep and support.

GRE subject tests are offered in mathematics, physics, and psychology. The topics covered in an organic chemistry course are not likely applicable to these subject tests.

Explore Online Organic Chemistry Programs

There are many organic chemistry programs online. If you're ready to get started, we invite you to check out Learn.org's partner institutions to find out which best supports your education and career goals.