Understanding Chemistry means understanding the science of universe. At Gettysburg College, our Chemistry and Biochemistry degrees will prepare you for a career in the sciences. You’ll work hands-on with our faculty engaging in research projects and gain a solid foundation in chemical theory and lab techniques.
| Available as | Degree | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Majors, Minors | Bachelor of Art | 4 years |
| Majors, Minors | Bachelor of Science | 4 years |
Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry isn’t just confined to the lab. With chemistry you’ll explore the connections between other fields such as biology, environmental science, and physics. This interdisciplinary approach broadens your understanding and enhances your problem-solving skills. With a Chemistry degree, you’ll be prepared for careers in a broad range of industries and including research and technology, pharmaceuticals, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or even forensic science!
Curriculum
Gettysburg College offers a diverse range of chemistry and biochemistry courses. In Chemical Structure and Bonding you will study fundamental chemical principles focusing on properties of matter and theories of chemical bonding, atomic and molecular structure and chemical reactions. In Organic Chemistry, you’ll explore the chemistry of carbon compounds, with emphasis on molecular structure, stereochemistry, and the application of spectroscopy to the structure of organic compounds. Our Physical Chemistry courses will take you deep into quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and molecular reaction dynamics, and their application to chemical systems through the use of problems, lectures, readings, discussions, and laboratory investigations.
You’ll have the opportunity to participate in:
- Interdisciplinary courses
- Faculty-mentored research
- Co-authorship with faculty on scientific publications
- Seminars by and discussions with speakers from academia, industry, and government labs
- A summer research program with over 50 students in the sciences from all across campus
- Regional and national conferences where you will present your research findings
As a graduate of this program, you’ll obtain strong problem solving and quantitative skills that will prepare you for graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry, medical and dental schools, industrial and government research laboratories, secondary school teaching, or careers in a broad range of fields.
Major in Chemistry
Major in Chemistry at Gettysburg is the right choice for students who seek hands-on access to professional lab instruments and a prefer learning by doing. At Gettysburg we emphasize experiential learning. From your first year, you’ll engage in laboratory work using cutting-edge instruments and techniques. Our small class sizes ensure that you receive personalized attention and mentorship from our dedicated faculty. The Chemistry and Biochemistry department emphasizes collaborative research with faculty members, frequently leading to publications in scholarly journals and presentations at scientific meetings. Stipends for summer research are also available from the endowed Albaugh Fund or through external research grants. In past summers as many as fourteen students have stayed on campus and worked on summer research projects in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.
Minor in Chemistry
Minoring in Chemistry is a great way to sharpen your problem-solving and analytical skills. You'll use critical thinking to and lab research to get to the core of how things work at a molecular level. And having a chemistry minor strengthens your resume for career and professional applications, as well as graduate school.
Why study in Chemistry at Gettysburg College?
Gettysburg College students learn chemistry by doing chemistry. Hands-on experience is our focus, from beginning lab sessions to senior capstone projects. Explore our program, meet our faculty, and discover how Gettysburg College can help you turn your passion for chemistry into a meaningful career.
Request more information below, or apply now to Gettysburg College!