Chemistry Education

Offered by the Department of Chemistry and Physics
Professors Ramasamy (chairperson) Davis
Associate Professors Ambrosio, Carson, Chester, Ganong, Vayansky
Assistant Professors Kiessling
Instructor Tandon

The Department of Chemistry and Physics is recognized by the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Professional Training as meeting their nationally recognized standards that define high quality undergraduate chemistry programs. Students who complete the ACS approved chemistry degree program will then be certified by the ACS, the largest scientific society in the world. The Department of Chemistry and Physics offers four programs that lead to the baccalaureate degree with a major in chemistry and one program of study that provides an ACS-certified baccalaureate degree. Minors in Chemistry, Physics, and Forensic Science are available as further options.

 This B.S.E. degree leads to certification as a qualified chemistry teacher in secondary schools. In addition, the student receives a sufficiently extensive background to continue on to graduate school for further studies in chemistry. A student who completes the program will graduate with a provisional certificate to teach in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The current demand for high school chemistry teachers, both nationwide and in Pennsylvania, is high and the future looks bright for qualified people. In addition the B.S.E. is the traditional entry-level degree for school administrative positions such as school counselors, principals, superintendents, and other educational specialists. Education and chemistry faculties are involved in advising students in this program.

See The Teacher Education Certification Section in the University Policies section of this catalog, for further details regarding admission to teacher certification candidacy and Pennsylvania certification requirements.

THESE ARE NEW COURSE SUBSTITIONS REPLACING OLD COURSES BEGINNING FALL 2009. STUDENTS MAY TAKE EITHER THE OLD OR THE NEW, BUT MUST NOT TAKE BOTH ON THE SAME ROW.

 STUDENTS GRADUATING BEFORE MAY 2013 HAVE A CHOICE ON WHETHER OR NOT THEY TAKE THESE COURSES. STUDENTS ENTERING IN FALL 2009 MUST TAKE THESE COURSES