Chemistry

Recent graduates of The University of Scranton chemistry program are earning starting salaries of $35,000 to $45,000. A number of recent grads have accepted assistantships at the following institutions: University of Cincinnati, SUNY-Stony Brook, Georgetown, Lehigh, University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, Medical College of Virginia and the University of Scranton.

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Many of the scientific and technological advances that aid our daily life are dependent upon the work of chemists.

Planning for College

The University of Scranton encourages a strong college preparatory program in high school with a minimum of four years of English, three years of mathematics, social science and science, and at least two years of a foreign language with additional units taken in acceptable academic areas.

Chemistry at The University of Scranton

The Chemistry Department at The University of Scranton is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and provides a firm foundation in the basic principles of chemistry as well as in advanced courses, laboratories and research experiences.

Program highlights include:

• a teaching faculty of active researchers, all of whom have their doctorate degrees
• state-of-the-art instrumentation which includes a 300 MHz NMR, Fourier Transform Infrared, Atomic Absorption and GC-Mass Spectrometers, Diode-array UV-Visible Spectrophotometers, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis Instrumentation, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. You will receive hands-on experience in using this sophisticated equipment as early as your freshman year.
• a mandatory research project in which you'll work one-on-one with a faculty member. You'll write up and defend your findings before a committee, which is excellent preparation for graduate and/or professional school.
• a five-year program leading to a bachelor and master of science degree. You are also eligible to apply for a graduate assistantship at the University for your fourth and fifth years, giving you the opportunity to teach and further enhance your professional development.
• laboratories for upperclass students taught entirely by faculty members
• active participation in research
• summer internships and fellowships
• laboratories with the most up-to-date equipment and computers

Outcomes

Recent graduates of The University of Scranton chemistry program are earning starting salaries of $35,000 to $45,000 at companies such as Merck, Sharpe and Dohme, Mobil, Pasteur-Merieux, and Gentex. A number of recent grads have accepted assistantships at the following institutions: University of Cincinnati, SUNY-Stony Brook, Georgetown, Lehigh, University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, Medical College of Virginia and the University of Scranton. A recent study completed by the American Chemical Society (ACS) on Professional Training found that The University of Scranton ranked fifth in the nation for the number of master's degrees awarded by a school offering terminal master's degrees.

Finding Out More

For more information about chemistry at The University of Scranton, please contact Dr. David Marx, Department Chair, at (570) 941-6286. His e-mail address is marxd1@scranton.edu.