Chemistry (B.A.)

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.

This B.A. degree in chemistry has the fewest number of required courses and incorporates more choice among elective options. Students often choose this path in preparation for work in an interdisciplinary area that includes chemistry, but does not focus on laboratory work.   This might be nutrition science, scientific writing, law or business, among other options. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Chemistry (B.A.) program can:

1.   Describe the fundamental principles and applications of chemistry.

2.   Describe the structure and composition of matter.

3.   Describe the major reaction types in chemistry.

4.   Apply the laws and principles of equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics to chemical systems.

5.   Apply mathematical tools to the study of chemical systems.

6.   Work effectively and safety in the laboratory.

7.   Apply central techniques for characterizing chemical compounds and mixtures.

8.   Integrate personal Christian faith to the discipline of chemistry or biochemistry.

9.   Compose abstracts, written lab reports or research summaries according to the standards of the American Chemical Society.

10. Obtain, organize, and present information from the primary literature.

11. Identify careers in chemistry that connect with one’s vocational call.

12. Analyze and respond ethically to case studies that demonstrate common moral dilemmas in the chemical or biochemical workplace.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Three credits from the following:

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