Chemistry (B.S.) American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified

Program Overview

With many sciences such as ecology, medicine, material science, and food science turning increasingly to chemistry for explanations and understanding of their disciplines, an undergraduate major in chemistry is good preparation for a variety of careers. The Chemistry Major curriculum includes courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical analysis, physical, and inorganic chemistry, and offers a variety of electives making it possible to tailor the program to the individual’s interests and needs. Students not only learn the theory of instrumentation used in chemical research, but have hands-on experiences in the laboratory in which they become familiar with these techniques.

This experience allows graduates to be quite competitive for jobs in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, environmental and forensic science labs, as well as government laboratories. This major is well suited for students planning to attend graduate school in any area of chemistry, or pursue a career in medical school or another allied health profession.

For students interested in teaching chemistry in grades seven to twelve, the chemistry secondary teaching curriculum should be followed. Upon successful completion of this program and a 12-week student teaching experience, students receive certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Chemistry program can:

  1. Describe the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry.

  2. Apply fundamental and advanced principles across multiple areas of chemistry.

  3. Work accurately and safely in the laboratory.

  4. Demonstrate advanced lab knowledge and skills.

  5. Identify and respond appropriately to chemical safety issues.
  6. Demonstrate research and communication skills needed in the discipline.
  7. Plan and execute original research in collaboration with a faculty mentor.

  8. Identify ways careers in chemistry connect with God’s vocational call.

  9. Demonstrate the integration of faith and science.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

CHEM 105General Chemistry I

4

CHEM 106General Chemistry II

4

CHEM 221Chemical Analysis I

4

CHEM 309Organic Chemistry I

4

CHEM 310Organic Chemistry II

4

CHEM 321Chemical Analysis II

4

CHEM 342Advanced Synthesis and Spectroscopy

3

CHEM 361Inorganic Chemistry

4

CHEM 390Junior Chemistry Seminar

1

CHEM 393Research Methods

1

CHEM 410Biochemistry I

4

CHEM 437Physical Chemistry I

3.5

CHEM 438Physical Chemistry II

3.5

CHEM 490Senior Chemistry Seminar

1

CHEM 495Capstone: Natural Sciences

3

MATH 111Calculus I

4

MATH 112Calculus II

4

PHYS 211General Physics I

4

PHYS 212General Physics II

4

CHEM 221: Fulfills Writing Enriched course requirement for Major.

Zero to three credits of the following:

CHEM 222Independent Research

1-3

CHEM 322Independent Research

1-3

CHEM 422/NUTR 422Senior Research

1-3

CHEM 497Major Honors

1-4

CHEM 498Major Honors

1-4

Summer research

0

Three to four credits of the following:

MATH 211Calculus III

4

MATH 270Linear and Differential Methods

3

Three credits from the following:

PHIL 101Problems in Philosophy

3

PHIL 102History of Philosophy

3

All of the courses in this major are vital to our program. If you plan to study abroad or graduate early, you must talk to your advisor early and make plans to take the required courses when they are offered. Directed study will not be offered for any lab courses, and will only be granted in extreme circumstances for non-lab courses.

QuEST Requirements

Experiential Learning requirement 0
QuEST requirements Credits
First Year Seminar 3
Oral Communication 3
Created and Called for Community (W) 3
Mathematical Sciences (MATH 111) met/major
Laboratory Science (CHEM 105) met/major
Science, Technology & the World waived
Two of the following (6 credits total):
   Social Science
   European History
   United States History
6
Literature 3
Philosophy and Religion (PHIL 101 or PHIL 102) met/major
Arts 3
First Semester of Language 3
Second Semester of Language 3
Third Semester of Language or Cross Cultural 3
Non-Western Studies 2 or 3
Bible 3
Christian Beliefs 3
Wellness course 1
Ethics, World Views or Pluralism 3
QuEST requirements 42-43
Major requirements 70-74
Free electives 11-6
Total credits 123