Chemistry, B.S. (ACS Certified)

Department Contact:

Chair: Dr. Michele Hargittai, mhargittai@francis.edu, 814-472-2775

Program Description:

The Chemistry major follows a curriculum that helps students acquire a strong foundation in basic concepts and principles of modern chemistry while gaining an appreciation of chemistry’s central role in society. All courses are taught and all research is facilitated by faculty members who are generous with their time and knowledge. Students can expect individual attention in their small lecture and laboratory classes. Course work is designed to help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, laboratory, computer, data acquisition and analysis, and research skills needed to be successful in their future endeavors. There is a high degree of flexibility in the different chemistry concentrations in order to meet the demands of the following students: those who plan to supplement the bachelor’s degree by attending graduate school or by enrolling in a professional program, like medical school; those who plan to complete their formal education with the bachelor’s degree and obtain positions in industry or with the government; and those who plan careers in teaching.

Careers open to the graduating chemist are numerous including employment in any medical field, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, geochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, spectroscopy, radio and nuclear chemistry, applied or basic research, chemical literature abstracting, technical writing, market research, sales, advertising, technical services, waste treatment, environmental science, forensic science, public health, and teaching.

Accreditation Statement:

The Saint Francis University Chemistry program has been approved by the American Chemical Society to offer ACS certified degrees. ACS may be contacted at 1155 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036; (202)872-4600; www.acs.org.

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically 4 years of full-time study

Total Credits Required:

128 credits minimum

Available Concentrations:

• Chemistry, B.S., Environmental Chemistry Concentration  
• Chemistry, B.S., Forensic Concentration  
• Chemistry, B.S., Nanotechnology Concentration  
• Chemistry, B.S., Pre-Medicine Concentration   (Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Podiatry, Pre-Veterinary, Pre-Chiropractic, and Pre-Pharmacy)
• Chemistry 7-12, B.S., Secondary Education Concentration