Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
| Department Chair: |
Richard Schaeffer |
| Administrative Assistant: |
Cynthia Steffan |
| Professors: |
A. Noble, A. Reeve, R. Sachs, R. Schaeffer |
| Associate Professor: |
J. Kleingardner |
| Assistant Professor: |
S. Burkert |
| Senior Lecturer: |
J. Noble |
Majors and Minors
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers the following majors:
Biochemistry (B.A.), (B.S.), or (B.S.) ACS Certified
Chemistry (B.A.), (B.S.), or (B.S.) ACS Certified
Chemistry with Secondary Teaching Certification (B.A.)
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers American Chemical Society Certified Degrees in both Chemistry and Biochemistry.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a minor in Chemistry.
Many students preparing for careers in health care professions choose to major in Chemistry or Biochemistry. For more information about the Pre-Medical or Pre-Allied Health Programs at Messiah University, please refer to the Pre-Health Advising section of this catalog.
Program Options
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry seeks to provide students with an understanding of the chemical sciences that will enable them to continue study in graduate school, medical school, the allied health field, or immediately enter a profession in teaching or in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry. A major in chemistry or biochemistry is ideal for students who thrive with a problem-solving approach to learning and doing science. The Department is approved by the American Chemical Society, a recognition of excellence in chemical education. The unique advantage of studying chemistry at Messiah is that students work in the context of a Christian liberal arts education. Thus, while investigating the world around them, they also study themselves and their Creator. The Department places special emphasis on integrating the knowledge and methods of the sciences with what Christian faith teaches about people and their place in the universe.
The B.A., B.S. and B.S. ACS Certified degrees require increasing numbers of science courses. This allows students to choose a path that best fits their vocational interests and future plans, whether that might include adding a double major or minor for increased distinction when applying for medical school or pursuing high level courses and research in preparation for industry or graduate school.
Messiah University has outstanding facilities for the study of chemistry and biochemistry. The Jordan Science Center together with the Kline Hall of Science offers well-equipped laboratories, research facilities, and much instrumentation including a 400 MHz NMR, FT-IR, GC-MS, HPLC, AA, and XRD.
Chemistry and Biochemistry majors are encouraged to take advantage of research opportunities available to them at the University. Involvement in a research project allows a student to apply the theory and skills that have been learned in earlier courses to the exploration of something new. These opportunities are available to students at all levels of one’s college career. Research is often the highlight of a student’s academic work, and a fundamental step towards that first job. All majors are required to take the Educational Testing Service’s Major Field Test during their senior year.