SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
Chemistry Major (CHMBD)
Program Chair:
Dr. Alan Jircitano
814-898-6400
a0j@psu.edu
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Martin Kociolek
814-898-6411
mgk5@psu.edu
The American Chemical Society calls chemistry "science that matters." What could matter more than the basic building blocks that create each and every thing we can see, touch, smell, and taste?
The Chemistry major at Penn State Behrend first develops the fundamentals of general, organic, and analytical chemistry; later you'll learn physical and inorganic chemistry, chemical instrumentation, and chemical literature, as well as take courses in biochemistry, spectroscopy, crystallography, and other focused topics.
A particular strength of Penn State Behrend's chemistry program is the opportunity students have to participate in scientific research with faculty member.
Our chemistry program meets guidelines for approved schools developed by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Penn State Behrend is among only 619 colleges nationwide, and one of two in northwestern Pennsylvania, who meet the ACS standards.
Penn State Behrend's Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry provides five options to make it possible for you to tailor the major to your interests and career goals:
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The General Chemistry Option offers the maximum flexibility in your selection of technical electives and is good preparation for graduate school. The option is flexible enough so you also can use it to pursue a secondary interest in another discipline, usually as a minor.
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The combination of chemistry and bioscience is crucial for an understanding of living matter and its metamorphosis through growth, reproduction, aging, disease, and evolution. The Biochemistry Option provides a solid preparation for graduate school as well as a career in biotechnology or research in industry, government, and universities.
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A large proportion of chemistry graduates become involved in chemical or instrumentation sales, technical marketing, or management. The Business Option may enhance employment opportunities for entry-level positions in business, industry, and research organizations.
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Computers are increasingly important in our society, particularly for instrument control and information storage applications. We are expanding our understanding of chemistry with the aid of computers through intricate numerical calculations and the graphic display of difficult concepts. The Computer Option provides an introduction to a variety of computers and microcomputers, and to programming, interfacing and graphics. This Option provides excellent background for graduate work in physical, analytical and theoretical chemistry. It also opens up a wide array of industrial career opportunities in analytical chemistry, applications or chemical engineering, drug design and development, information retrieval, and software design.
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In the The Chemistry Education Pre-Certification Option, students may prepare for careers in secondary school teaching while remaining at Penn State Behrend to complete a Penn State Behrend bachelor's degree. An agreement between Penn State Behrend and Mercyhurst College in Erie provides students with the opportunity to pursue Pennsylvania Teacher Certification in a five-year program that combines a four-year degree in selected disciplines at Penn State Erie with a fifth year of course work in education and student teaching through Mercyhurst College.
Chemistry opens the door to many different careers, including biochemistry, chemical education, chemical sales and marketing, energy resources, environmental science, forensic chemistry, industrial chemistry, material science, nanotechnology, medical or veterinary school, pharmaceutical research and sales, polymer and organic synthesis, and toxicology