About Our Program
The Department of Chemistry at Penn State offers a superior undergraduate program.
The mission of the Department of Chemistry is three-pronged: To conduct world-class, groundbreaking research in the chemical sciences, offer the highest quality education to all students, and to engage the public through innovative outreach initiatives. The department's leadership in research, teaching, and outreach includes the traditional areas of physical, analytical, inorganic, and organic chemistry, and has rapidly evolved to encompass environmental chemistry, chemical biology, biophysical chemistry, soft and hard materials chemistry, and nanotechnology. The Department of Chemistry prides itself on its highly interactive, diverse, and collegial scientific environment. Our emphasis on collaboration connects us to colleagues across campus, around the country, and throughout the world.
As a smaller major within the Eberly College of Science; we graduate between 40 to 50 students per year. Students are able to be placed into major-specific courses as early as their first year. Chemistry majors have access to world-class laboratory facilities in Whitmore, which was recently renovated. From first year through fourth year, the chemistry laboratory curriculum emphasizes real-world training through project-based courses as well as hands-on use of research-grade instrumentation. Lecture courses are continuously innovating the chemistry curriculum to emphasize collaborative learning and chemistry-in-context. Finally, the Department of Chemistry is full of dedicated and passionate faculty members that are committed to creating a quality undergraduate chemistry program for our majors! Continue reading to find out why chemistry is right for you!
The undergraduate chemistry major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree awarded by the Eberly College of Science. The program provides significant opportunities for students to participate in scientific inquiry, within both laboratory courses and research laboratories.
Undergraduates are able to enjoy our world-class laboratory facilities in Whitmore Lab, which contains dedicated space for general, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry labs. Students in lecture courses see chemistry come to life with specially prepared in-class demonstrations.
Student Testimonials
“Chemistry education is not only teaching about matter, but also forming relationships with students, sparking curiosity in others, and demonstrating how to think like a scientist!”
Student Testimonials
"My favorite part of the chemistry major at Penn State is the fact that it's a smaller major. There are countless opportunities within the major, like research and outreach, that you can take advantage of. I feel very prepared to take my next step towards graduate school."
Student Testimonials
"I came to Penn State as a BMB major, but I enjoyed CHEM 210H so much that I wanted to switch to chemistry!”
Student Testimonials
“Do you love collaboration, problem-solving, elucidation, and connections? At Penn State, we promote proton-working relationships, endless free energy, and proactiveness instead of reactiveness! It's really easy to gain a top-quality education!"
Living in State College
State College is one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania! Living in State College offers residents an urban feel in a friendly, small-town environment. Residents of State College enjoy many first-rate restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
Things to Do
The Penn State community is culturally alive and vibrant. Residents enjoy annual events such as the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and First Night.
From classical concerts to popular artists, fine art galleries to LateNight crafts, and performance art to theater productions, Penn State has opportunities for you to experience the arts in whatever way you choose.
Housing
State College offers a rich variety of on and off campus housing options. Beautiful, modern apartments and homes are available at affordable rates. Many apartment complexes offer world-class amenities such as onsite laundry and fitness and entertainment facilities. Crime rates are very low, so students can feel safe in any neighborhood!
Recreation
There are many outdoors activities around State College! Centre County has several recreation centers and facilities for year-round fun, including cycling, fishing, hiking, camping, golf, ice skating and more.
