Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
If you possess a curiosity about our physical world and a desire to improve the quality of life, consider a major in chemistry.
Our curriculum is approved by the American Chemical Society and involves core and laboratory courses in general, inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry as well as the allied fields of physics and mathematics. Each chemistry faculty member holds a doctorate from a major university. Class sizes are small, and we are proud of our accessibility in and out of the classroom. You will have the opportunity to undertake research to obtain experience in individual scientific investigation.
What to Expect
What makes the Shippensburg University Chemistry Department stand apart? It's not just chemistry, it's a community. With professors that offer personal attention, this is a program unlike any other.
Small Class Sizes
Small class sizes help faculty form close relationships with students, but they are also accessible outside the classroom. They are always excited to help future chemists set and achieve their goals.
Analytical Instrumentation
Undergraduate chemistry students have access to a wide variety of instruments for hands-on experience in their course work and research. Learning how to use these instruments will prepare you for internships while you complete your degree at Shippensburg University, a career in the field of chemistry after graduation, or make you an excellent candidate for graduate programs.
Career Placement
Currently in demand, chemistry majors can expect a wide variety of career choices with good salaries and low unemployment rates. Immediately after graduation, approximately half of our students enter industry, business, or government agencies where employment usually involves laboratory testing or research. Our graduates become gainfully employed or become graduate students in various programs to pursue advanced degrees.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate knowledge in four sub-disciplines of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical.
- Students will have experience working with chemistry in extracurricular settings: internships and/or summer research.
- Students will satisfactorily complete, analyze, and interpret data from laboratory experiments.
- Students will summarize the design and results of a scientific investigation in an acceptable format for oral presentations.
- Upon completion, students will be qualified for graduate programs, industry positions, and/or secondary teaching.
- Students will present laboratory work in a recognized format for scientific writing.