Fundamentally, chemistry is the study of the matter in the universe and how it interacts, combines, and changes. Modern chemistry is central to our lives and impacts diverse fields such as medicine, energy generation, cosmetics, food production, and more. The curriculum for chemistry majors includes foundational courses in Principles of Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, as well as advanced courses exploring the various subfields of chemistry (Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry).
Chemistry
WHY STUDY CHEMISTRY AT CHC?
At Chestnut Hill College, when studying Chemistry, you receive more than just a theoretical understanding of molecular structures and chemical reactions. Along with your Professors, you explore how reactions work in the laboratory and learn about the wide array of tools (techniques and instruments) available to modern scientists.
Along with your classroom and laboratory instruction given by highly qualified and experienced professors, you also gain a well-rounded liberal arts education. This education will help you think for yourself in a critical and creative way while overlaying your scientific decisions with an ethical perspective.
Secondary Education Certification:
The Secondary Education Certification Program in Chemistry (Grades 7 -12) is available to Chemistry Majors seeking Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Certification.
The program integrates educational theory and practice with field experiences that include practicum and student teaching, as well as opportunities to develop teaching competence through innovative and effective approaches to the educational process with focus on students at the Secondary Level.
Students in the minor are expected to complete all courses for Secondary Certification including student teaching. Students may complete student teaching after graduation, but the minor will not be included in the transcript unless student teaching is successfully completed. Students must earn a grade of C- (1.70) or better in courses required to successfully complete the requirements for the minor.
Chestnut Hill College is centrally located near several major pharmaceutical, chemical, and forensic science companies such as DOW, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, National Medical Services, Janssen Biotech, GlaxoSmithKline, Dupont and many more. We are also close to several public and private schools that are committed to developing more and better science teachers. All of this provides an exceptional learning opportunity for our students, not to mention a great location from which to launch a career. Many students at Chestnut Hill College who complete the degree in Chemistry choose to continue their studies – and explore their research interests – in graduate programs. Graduate programs in chemistry offer stipends and tuition remission, making this an attractive option for students desiring a higher degree. Graduate programs are focused in the traditional areas of Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Polymer Chemistry, and Materials Chemistry. Interdisciplinary graduate programs are also available, relating to environmental chemistry, biomedical chemistry, chemical education, and others.
Graduates with the BS degree in Chemistry should expect to earn between $55,000 and $65,000 yearly, while those who continue to graduate school to earn the MS or PhD degree can expect salaries from $60,000 to $180,000+ once they join the workforce.
Majoring in chemistry opens students to a wide range of exciting and fulfilling career choices post-graduation. These include:
- Going to graduate school
- Going to medical, dental or veterinary school
- Working in a laboratory in a pharmaceutical company, an industrial chemical company, or a medical examiner’s office
- Becoming a High School Chemistry Teacher
- Becoming a Patent Attorney
Internships:
Chestnut Hill College science majors gain valuable real-world experience through internships. Some of these internships even lead to full-time employment after graduation. Several of the places at which our majors have held internships are the following:
- Jefferson Medical College
- Georgetown University
- Purdue University
- Boise State University
- University of Florida
- The Medical Examiner’s Office of Philadelphia
- The Drug Enforcement Agency
- JRF America
- GlaxoSmithKline
- The Research Center of the US Dept of Agriculture
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Kathleen Duffy, SSJ, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita of Physics
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Elliott Tammaro, Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Physics