Our Facilities Get a Big Reaction
Lasers, spectrometers and a superconducting NMR, oh my!
Our Chemistry Major
Learn by doing
Do research alongside your professors as early as your first semester. Graduate with co-authored papers on your resume. Travel to present your research at national conferences.
Get hands-on experience with lasers, fluorescence and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectrometers—more than $1 million in equipment!
Both in the classroom and out, you'll examine science from multiple perspectives.
Classes are small and emphasize collaboration, giving you teamwork experience that employers value. We designed our building and lab spaces for workshop-style classes, so you'll move seamlessly from lecture to group work to labs.
You'll be well-versed in the fundamentals of general, organic and physical chemistry-and then choose from popular upper level courses on medicinal chemistry, forensics or how to spot scientific mistakes.
Our chemistry students and faculty thrive on close, professional connections with each other as they explore the relationship between chemistry and everyday life.
Interested in engineering? Study here for three years and get your bachelor's degree in chemistry, and then get an engineering degree from Columbia University, Washington University of St. Louis or Case Western Reserve University through our joint engineering program.
Prepare for a future with endless possibilities
Whether you see yourself doing research, teaching, practicing medicine or working in law enforcement, a chemistry degree prepares you for a fulfilling career. You'll be ready to step right into a job or a graduate program with experience on a research internship or presenting research at national conferences.
About half of our graduates pursue graduate studies in organic, physical and inorganic chemistry. A chemistry major sets you apart on dental and medical school applications—they know you can easily master challenging material. Our interdisciplinary minors help you gain a better understanding of important topics in today’s world.
Our graduates immediately pursue advanced schooling or careers in:
- Medical School
- Dental School
- Pharmaceuticals
- Alternative energy
- Biotech fields
- Sales
- Education
- Law enforcement
If you're interested in teaching, we've received a $1.2 million grant to fund special scholarships for students interested in teaching chemistry, physics and math in high-need school districts.
A Susquehanna education provides students with flexibility in coursework so they can conduct research, intern and study abroad. When it comes to your major, you’ll begin taking classes in your chosen program of study in your first year.
Here are some of the courses that chemistry majors take in their first few semesters at Susquehanna.
- General Chemistry I and II
- Organic Chemistry I and II
- Methods of Chemical Analysis
- Physical Chemistry I and II
Download the current course catalog on this page to see the full list of classes and course descriptions for Susquehanna’s majors.
Most of our students go on to graduate school, medical/dental school or work in a government/pharmaceutical/industrial lab. Below are a few examples of recent placements.
Graduate Schools
Brown University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Georgetown University
Johns Hopkins University
New York University
Ohio State University
Pennsylvania State University
University of California, Berkeley
University of Connecticut
University of Delaware
University of Utah
Villanova University
Virginia Commonwealth University (Forensic Science Program)
Yale University
Medical/dental Schools
Albert Einstein School of Medicine
Drexel University College of Medicine
Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine
Temple University School of Dentistry
University of Minnesota School of Public Health
University of New England College of Pharmacy & Pre-Pharmacy
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pittsburgh Medical School
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Western University of Health Sciences
Government/pharmaceutical/industrial labs
Amgen
Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Broad Institute
Eli Lilly
Eurofins Lancaster Laboratory
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Food and Drug Administration
Geisinger Medical Hospital
Institute for Defense Analyses
Merck & Co.
National Institutes of Health
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Precision Dermatologics
Rhodes Pharmaceuticals
Sandia National Laboratories
Sanofi
Geneive Elizabeth Henry, Ph.D.
Department: Chemistry
Professor of Chemistry
henry@susqu.edu
570-372-4222
William G. Dougherty, Jr, Ph.D.
Department: Chemistry
Associate Professor of Chemistry
doughertyw@susqu.edu
570-372-4255
Lou Ann Tom, Ph.D.
Department: Chemistry
Associate Professor of Chemistry
toml@susqu.edu
570-372-4540
Michael A. Parra
Department: Chemistry
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
parra@susqu.edu
570-372-4259
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classes taught by graduate assistants
$1million worth of instrumentation
100%of chemistry majors conduct research
A True College Experience
We know it takes a lot of hard work for chemistry majors to succeed in the classroom. But we want to help you become well-rounded and enjoy all that college has to offer. So get out of the lab and join a club, tune your trombone or hit the gym.
Not every school makes it this easy to pursue multiple interests, but we measure success by the flexibility you have to explore your options and have a life.
Contact Us
Phone & Email
Geneive Henry, department head
570-372-4222
henry@susqu.edu