Academic Planning and Advising
Welcome to the Chemistry Major!
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.
The chemistry major provides students with the communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills necessary to be successful in a wide variety of careers in the chemical industries (e.g., consumer and agricultural products, materials, energy, petroleum, paper, food, etc.), as well as environmental, pharmaceutical, and other health-related sciences. Students are also well-prepared for graduate-level work in chemistry, chemical physics, biochemistry, biophysics, materials chemistry, and other related fields. Chemistry majors have been successful in a variety of professional programs where they have studied medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, business, or law.
Students involved in the five-year Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate program receive a master's degree in secondary education, which qualifies the student to teach chemistry in secondary schools.
Discover What Advising and Academic Planning Can do for You!
High-quality academic advising is crucial to student success. That’s why every chemistry student is assigned a faculty advisor to help them develop a unique academic plan that meets their needs. Enthusiastic faculty members are committed to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals. Keep reading to learn how advising can shape your future success.
Have questions about the Chemistry Major or Minor? Please contact the Chemistry Undergraduate Office in 219 Whitmore via email at undergrad@chem.psu.edu or by phone at 814-865-9391.
With a large variety of exciting and innovative courses available, you can explore different areas of chemistry and specialize your degree.
Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser and LionPath on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
You can do just about anything with a Chemistry Degree. Penn State Chemistry alumni are everywhere! From major academic institutions to Fortune 500 companies, our alumni make a difference where ever they are.
Enhance your bachelor's degree by adding a chemistry minor. Earning a minor enables you to gain specialized knowledge that complements your major, pursue a personal interest, or explore a different field of study.
International Opportunities
Studying abroad offers chemistry majors unique opportunities to network with international scientists and exchange ideas, all while experiencing a new culture!
Penn State’s Education Abroad Office offers almost 200 different study abroad options for Penn State students, including opportunities to take chemistry courses abroad, study a language, take general education courses, experience a new culture, or visit a particular country or culture.
International Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs, summer program options, and embedded courses are also available to chemistry majors.
A complete list of all study abroad programs and embedded courses can be found from Global Penn State, and more science-specific information about international opportunities can be found on the Office of Science Engagement website. Talk to your advisor for more information about how you want to fit an international experience into your chemistry major.
