B. S. in Chemistry

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

For specific course and program requirements, please consult the current undergraduate catalog.

The ACS-certified B.S. degree in Chemistry follows the nationally recognized standards for undergraduate education in chemistry of the American Chemical Society.

Both the ACS-certified B.S. degree in Chemistry and the traditional B.S. in Chemistry place an emphasis on organic and inorganic chemistry, mathematics, and general education. This provides excellent preparation for students to pursue graduate studies or employment in the industry.

Students who elect this degree are prepared to assume careers with food, pharmaceutical, oil, and chemical industries. Chemists are often involved in quality control, research, sales, monitoring employee environments, and agencies requiring analytical skills. Chemistry graduates are very competitive in the retail and wholesale professions. Over half of our chemistry graduates continue on to graduate school.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration

For specific course and program requirements, please consult the current undergraduate catalog.

Our department's concentration in Biochemistry was developed in response to the recent explosive growth of the biotechnology industry and to attention to biological problems by all industrial sectors.

Students who opt for the Biochemistry concentration receive in-depth training in traditional areas of chemistry with additional emphasis (three courses) in the area of cellular and molecular biology.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Forensic Science Concentration

For specific course and program requirements, please consult the current undergraduate catalog.

The B.S. degree in chemistry with forensic science concentration is designed for students who want a chemistry education that concentrates on the rapidly growing field of forensic science. This degree program includes a core chemistry curriculum combined with courses in criminal justice and physics that emphasize evidence collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of physical evidence that will combine breadth of field with depth of understanding.

Our program combines the core chemistry degree, which is necessary for students to understand the scope, depth and background of the scientific theory as well as the laboratory skills necessary to become a forensic scientist, as well as offering several specialized courses in forensic science in order to give students context in the specifics of the field.

Some career opportunities for students completing this program include employment in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and forensic science laboratories. Students seeking careers in forensic science may be subject to background checks similar to those required for law enforcement officers as a condition of employment. This program is excellent preparation for graduate study in forensic chemistry and analytical chemistry. The program follows the Forensic Sciences recommended curriculum.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Nanotechnology Concentration

For specific course and program requirements, please consult the current undergraduate catalog.

The B.S. degree in Chemistry with a nanotechnology concentration is designed for students who want a chemistry education that concentrates on the rapidly growing field of nanotechnology and nanomanufacturing.

This concentration requires a one semester nanomanufacturing lab experience at the Penn State Nanofabrication Facility.

This program is excellent preparation for graduate study in solid-state chemistry, materials science, and microelectronics.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Physics Concentration

For specific course and program requirements, please consult the current undergraduate catalog.

The B.S. degree in Chemistry with a physics concentration offers intensive training in classical and modern physics, both in the classroom and in the laboratory. Our students learn about the fundamental laws of nature and apply these principles to practical problems and situations. Through their coursework, they explore motion, energy, gravitation, electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetic waves. Later topics include atomic nuclei and structure, quantum mechanics, and solid state theory.

Plant Extraction Concentration

For specific course and program requirements, please consult:

• Current undergraduate catalog
• Sample 4-Year Course Plan (pdf)

The Plant Extraction Chemistry concentration within Mansfield University's B.S. in Chemistry degree program is designed to prepare students for success in established and emerging industries relating to plant extract production, purification, and analysis. The core of the program is Mansfield's chemistry degree, featuring its American Chemical Society certified curriculum. The addition of specific courses in plant biology and hands-on experiences in extraction science enhances that degree toward the goal of providing qualified personnel for a variety of occupations requiring plant extraction skills, including occupations in the pharmaceutical, medicinal marijuana, brewing, vinification, food, cosmetic, and perfumery industries.

Student Organizations and Opportunities

Chemistry Club

A student organization for chemistry majors and other interested students. Chemistry Club members participate in various activities together, such as coming up with events to celebrate National Chemistry Week (NCW) on campus and in the community.

American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society is the national organization of professional and academic chemists. Annual meetings take place a regional level, and biannual meetings on the national level. Mansfield University chemistry majors often attend the regional meetings to present research.

Corning Section of the American Chemical Society

A local organization of professional chemists from Corning, Inc. and GTP; and academic chemists from the seven colleges in the section. In the spring, there is a meeting dedicated to the presentation of research from the area colleges, and Mansfield University typically enters three or more researchers.

Careers

Graduates are well-prepared for a changing job market or for further study in chemistry. Many of our students have found successful careers in the following areas:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Optometry
• Patent Law
• Pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical Industries
• Biotechnology Industries
• Food Industries
• Cosmetics Industries
• Biomedical Industries
• Semiconductor Industries
• Microelectronic Industries
• Optoelectronic Industries

For a listing of available jobs and internships in your field, visit the Career Center at Mansfield University!

MU Career Outcomes