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Chemistry
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Bachelor's in Chemistry

About the Chemistry Program

Slippery Rock University’s Chemistry program has a strong commitment to student success. Our experienced, diverse and caring faculty are enthusiastic about teaching in both the classroom and the laboratory. They advise students at every step of their academic programs. The department offers five scholarships annually as well as meaningful extracurricular activities. Simply put, the chemistry major provides a well-rounded and rock-solid educational experience that prepares students for exciting careers and to be well-informed citizens.

What Can I Do With a Chemistry Degree?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the mean salary of chemists to be more than $90,000 annually. Career opportunities in this field include pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, scientific research and development and careers in the petroleum and natural gas industry. Chemistry graduates are also well-positioned to pursue entrance into a number of graduate programs including pharmacy school, medical school, other health-related graduate programs, education and chemistry doctoral programs.

Student standing

Why Choose a Chemistry Degree?

  • Small Lab and Class Sizes
    Introductory labs are capped at 24 students and upper level labs are capped at 12 students. This provides students with hands-on experience and more one-on-one interaction with their professors. The average lecture class size is 25, thereby providing students a more individualized experience.
  • Experienced Faculty
    Students will be taught by full-time faculty members, not graduate assistants, who bring real-life examples and research and/or industry experience to enhance the learning experience.
  • Projects and Research with Faculty
    Projects and research with faculty: Chemistry majors have numerous opportunities to collaborate with faculty in undergraduate research. These collaborative research opportunities are a long-standing departmental tradition. All undergraduates should seriously consider experiencing this high impact practice.
  • Support and Guidance
    Every undergraduate is assigned an academic adviser to guide them through their program of study and help them make decisions about educational and career goals.
  • Accredited by the American Chemical Society
    Accreditations means that our program meets or exceeds the industry standards developed by experts in the field.
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The Rock's chemistry program was the right choice for my goals for the one-on-one development provided by the department faculty and the support of my peers in the program.

Brock Salvatore ‘24, Cardiac Device Clinician
Sky Lakes Medical Center
Brock Salvatore

Chemistry BA, BS and Concentrations

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Chemistry, Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The BA in Chemistry at SRU provides a broad chemistry education with classes in organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry.

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Chemistry student writing report

Chemistry, Bachelor of Science (BS)

Provides a rigorous and integrated program to prepare students for a career in chemistry. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience with modern technology, and students collaborate closely with faculty on research. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the job market or pursue further education.

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Chemistry, BS - Concentration in Biochemistry

A rigorous program that combines both biology and chemistry courses, preparing you for a diverse range of career opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the job market directly or pursue further education in a graduate or professional program.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Chemistry professor

Chemistry, BS - Concentration in Chemistry Education

Offers an American Chemical Society (ACS) certified Chemistry major with an Education Concentration to prepare you for a career in teaching high school chemistry. Through a demanding curriculum, you will be well-prepared to enter the job market directly as a chemist or continue your education in a graduate program.

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Chemistry, BS - Concentration in Computational Chemistry

At the intersection of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science, you'll find Computational Chemistry. This field uses powerful technology and a comprehensive understanding of chemical processes to tackle complex challenges and advance the field.

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Chemistry, BS - Concentration in Environmental Chemistry

You will be prepared to make informed decisions about how our actions impact the environment. If you have a passion for science and the environment, this field will prepare you to contribute to the body of evidence exploring how chemistry affects the environment.

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Chemistry student inspecting vial

Chemistry, BS - Concentration in Forensic Chemistry

Forensic chemists provide a scientific analysis of evidence gathered at a crime scene. Eyewitness accounts may not be reliable, but your contribution as a forensic scientist provides unbiased facts to be submitted for consideration.

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Chemistry, BS - Concentration in Health Sciences

SRU offers a major in Chemistry certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) that will prepare you for graduate studies leading to a career in the health sciences. Through this curriculum, you'll be prepared to enter the job market directly as a chemist or to continue your education in a graduate program.

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Chemistry student in pharmacy

Chemistry, BS / Pre-Pharmacy (Duquesne) (3+4)

Through a 3+4 affiliation agreement, you can continue to Duquesne after your third year of study at SRU. After successfully completing your first year at Duquesne, you can apply for and receive your Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from SRU.

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Chemistry, BS / Pre-Pharmacy (LECOM) (3+3)

Prepares you for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Pharmacy. This program allows you to spend three years at SRU before transferring to LECOM to complete your PharmD degree.

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Chemistry, BS / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (3+2)

The SRU Chemistry major is an excellent choice for students preparing for graduate study and a career as a physician assistant. This program provides the necessary scientific foundation to succeed in a physician assistant graduate program.

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Chemistry, Pre-Pharmacy (Duquesne) (2+4)

Through a 2+4 affiliation agreement, you can continue to Duquesne after your second year of study at SRU. If you choose this program, you will not receive a Chemistry degree from Slippery Rock University.

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Career Outcomes

While many SRU chemistry majors will continue their education after earning their bachelor’s degree, graduates have secured careers in the following areas:

  • Quality assurance scientist, Mylan
  • Alternative raw material chemist, Chromaflo Technologies
  • Commercial technology chemist, Sonneborn LLC
  • Research technician, Covestro
  • High school teacher, New Castle High School
  • Chiropractor, Click Family Chiropractic

Internship Opportunities

SRU chemistry students have completed internships at various locations including:

  • Calumet Specialty Products
  • Chromaflo Technologies
  • Medical Examiner’s office of Allegheny County
  • Sonneborn Chemicals

Clubs & Organizations

  • Chemistry Club

Resources from SRU

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

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