Formulating your future

Were your favorite science fair exhibits exploding volcanoes, balloons inflating with yeast and sugar or making elephant toothpaste? Do you now take joy in knowing the chemistry behind these reactions? The study of chemistry is the study of curiosity. Why do leaves change color? Can cola really dissolve corrosion on a car battery? How does chemotherapy work?

The wide world of chemistry opens is as diverse as the elements on the periodic table and is applicable in several fields including

  • Medicine
  • Education
  • Environmental science
  • Forensic science
  • Food science
  • Manufacturing
  • Sustainability

Susquehanna’s program, approved by the American Chemical Society for its excellence, gives you access to accomplished faculty, a coherent curriculum and a modern, well-maintained infrastructure. Get hands-on experience with lasers, fluorescence and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectrometers — over $1 million in equipment.

Your time at Susquehanna will be spent working in cutting-edge labs. You will participate in original research projects, and can use your chemistry education as a springboard for graduate programs, medical school or other pre-professional professional programs. As a chemistry major, you will in demand for lucrative careers.

At Susquehanna, you can satisfy your endless curiosity to childhood questions and more. Our faculty will challenge you. Opportunities to conduct research will excite you. And lessons learned from scientific setbacks will only propel you to succeed.


100%
of students conduct research with faculty by their junior year
50%
of graduates attend graduate programs, medical school or other pre-professional programs
$1.2m
in recent National Science Foundation grant for scholarships, summer research funding and major instrumentation
75%
of students present their research at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society

Tour the chemistry building

Chemistry professor William Dougherty walks you through Susquehanna’s state-of-the-art chemistry department.

Watch now

“The chemistry department at Susquehanna University really drew me in as I loved the close-knit community between the professors and students. This school hands you an abundance of research opportunities, and if you run with them, you will be successful.”

Olivia Basile ’24


Potential Careers

  • General medical practitioner or specialist
  • Dentist or orthodontist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Nurse
  • Industrial chemist
  • Chemical engineer
  • Research chemist
  • Food scientist
  • College or high school teacher

Recent Employers

  • Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Merck
  • Moderna
  • Eurofins/Lancaster Labs
  • Penn State Hershey

Average Salary

$89,130

2021 median pay for chemists

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Susquehanna provides a career catalyst

The best way to learn is by doing, and that’s precisely what you’ll find at Susquehanna. Make your chemistry education hands-on with summer research opportunities.

Learn more

Summer research

Studying for a degree in Chemistry

Explore the courses you’ll take on your journey to earning a degree in chemistry at Susquehanna.


Explore other programs and opportunities

See the full list of related programs on the School of Natural and Social Sciences page.


Virtual Tour of the Natural Sciences Center

Click Here for the Accessibility Version


Contact Us

Chemistry

514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870

Get Directions

Location

Natural Sciences Center

Campus Map

Phone & Email

Dr. Swarna Basu, department head
570-372-4223
basu@susqu.edu