Chemistry Programs
About
Our department is approved by the American Chemical Society and prepares students for a broad range of opportunities, including graduate studies and industry careers.
The chemistry department offers four majors:
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry-Business
- Forensic Chemistry
Why Chemistry is in Demand:
- Chemistry majors get hands-on experience in a variety of research and lab settings, making them exceptional candidates for industrial careers, graduate school and professional studies.
- They also build strong foundations to pursue a broad scope of career fields ranging from medicine and pharmacy to forensics and research.
- For 2021, biochemists median annual pay was $102,270.
- Logic, innovation and collaboration are applicable skills in any career.
Is it for me?
- Are you a self-starter?
- Interested in experiments and concentrated research?
- Driven to discover more about the world we live in?
Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for Chemistry Programs
Preparing You For Personal & Professional Successplus or minus
You'll learn how to:
Chemistry students are much more than great scientists. They are also analytical readers, active researchers and practiced writers. In our majors, you'll build strong foundations with core classes in general and analytical chemistry, calculus and composition.
- Utilize a variety of laboratory tools and equipment
- Analyze and solve complex problems
- Strengthen critical thinking skills
- Deliver a presentation with poise and confidence
- Develop a thesis and defend your results
Internships
Students are encouraged to do internships during the summer months. Recent sites have included the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Virginia and Carnegie Mellon University.
What You'll Learnplus or minus
Curriculum
- Chemistry - Chemistry students are much more than great scientists. They are also analytical readers, active researchers and practiced writers. In our majors, you’ll build strong foundations with core classes in general and analytical chemistry, calculus and composition. Outstanding students may be eligible for the combined baccalaureate/master’s degree program. Click here to see the chemistry curriculum.
- Biochemistry - Biochemistry is the study of the chemical composition of living organisms and the pathways involved in the life processes. Students choose one of two tracks as biochemistry majors: pre-professional (preparation for further studies in medicine, law or non-research related careers) and research (preparation for careers in research or graduate study in biochemistry). Outstanding students may be eligible for the combined baccalaureate/master’s degree program. Click here to see the biochemistry curriculum.
- Chemistry-Business - The goal of the chemistry-business program is to combine theoretical and technical instruction in chemistry with management training in business to prepare chemists for a wide variety of careers with environmental, industrial and pharmaceutical companies. Coursework includes general chemistry, organic chemistry and industrial chemistry, combined with courses in management, marketing and finance. Click here to see the chemistry-business curriculum.
- Forensic Chemistry - The forensic chemistry curriculum at The University of Scranton exceeds guidelines of the National Institute of Justice. Graduates also earn a minor in criminal justice. Required courses cover all traditional areas of chemistry study, plus classwork and labs specifically in forensic chemistry. The curriculum is consistent with the requirements of FEPAC, the Forensic Education Program Accreditation Committee. Click here to see the Forensic Chemistry curriculum.
Pursue Your Passion and Make a Differenceplus or minus
In the chemistry programs at Scranton, you’ll apply classroom lessons and lab discoveries to make a difference on campus, in the community and, ultimately, in the world. Our students have conducted demonstrations at local schools, put together Easter baskets for the underprivileged and participated in community cleanups around Scranton.
You’ll also learn sustainable research practices in green chemistry to minimize waste and reduce damage to the environment.
Careers
Where will chemistry take me?
From top-tier graduate programs to real-world application in research labs and organizations across the country, department graduates realize a variety of successful outcomes.
- Our program prepares students for advanced study in chemistry and for employment in other academic laboratories, national research laboratories and industrial research and development laboratories.
- We also provide a solid foundation for students interested in the health professions, including medical and dental schools.
- Our chemistry majors who apply to medical schools enjoy an acceptance rate nearly twice the national average.
- Other graduates have gone in a different direction by attending law school.
Top Graduate Schools
Chemistry majors are thoroughly prepared to pursue advanced studies in the health and science professions. You’ll find our graduates continuing their education at top medical, business and graduate schools across the country, including:
- Columbia University
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- New York University
- Princeton University
- Purdue University
- Syracuse University
- Temple University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Virginia
Employment Opportunities:
Graduates entering the workforce have found success in a variety of career fields. Here are just a few of the organizations employing our exceptional alumni:
- Merck
- FBI
- Sharpe and Dohme
- Mobil
- Sanofi
- Fisher Scientific
- Gentex
- Colgate
- Netzsch
- Performance Fluid Management
How Scranton Gives You a Competitive Edge
At Scranton, you won’t be alone in your educational journey. We understand that a healthy balance of collaboration and independent study is key to success in scientific disciplines. Through mentorship from our expert faculty and collaboration with fellow students, you’ll learn to act as a self-starter and leader in the classroom, in the lab, on campus and beyond.
Scranton is just the right size. We're large enough to have an impressive array of instruments and small enough for students to use them.
- Joan Wasilewski, Ph.D.,
Professor and Department Chair
Take the Next Step
Get the Facts
For More Information
Office of Admissions
The Estate
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON or (570) 941-7540
570-941-7572
admissions@scranton.edu
Chemistry Department
Joan Wasilewski, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Chemistry
(570) 941-6356
joan.wasilewski@scranton.edu