Bachelor in Chemistry

Overview

Bloomsburg University's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in chemistry with options in biochemistry, chemistry education, and nanotechnology.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) and the American Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (ASBMB) recognize BU’s program as one that meets its standards for undergraduate education in chemistry and biochemistry. Many students graduate with certification from the AC and/or ASBMB.

Chemistry graduates have repeatedly demonstrated the quality of their preparation at BU by the high level of performance in graduate chemistry programs, professional programs such as medicine, secondary school teaching, and in the many chemically related industrial firms. BU's biochemistry option is an excellent choice for those interested in a career in medicine or veterinary school and as a stepping-stone into forensic chemistry.

Chemistry Program Options:

Accelerated Bloomsburg-PCOM Physician Preparation Program

Students accepted into the Accelerated Bloomsburg-PCOM Physician Preparation Program are admitted to Bloomsburg University following our standard undergraduate admissions procedures.

After one year of undergraduate work, you indicate your desire to be in the joint program as either an “accelerated” 3+4 student or a traditional 4+4 student. We then forward your name on to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and they would communicate with you regarding the program. The accelerated program is completed in 7 years: 3 years at BU to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry plus 4 at PCOM to earn the Doctor of Osteopathy degree. The traditional 4+4 program is open to any major and is completed in 8 years, with 4 at BU and 4 at PCOM. Participation in these programs does not prevent you from applying to other medical schools.

While at BU, you must satisfy these requirements up to (and throughout) your junior year:

• The candidate must have earned (on the 4.0 grading system) the following minimum grade point averages at BU: for the 3+4 program, 3.75 overall; for the 4+4 program, 3.25 overall.
• The candidate must take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) no later than April of the junior year for 3+4 students (or senior year for 4+4 students) at BU. The candidate must earn a minimum rank in the 50 percentile for each section of the MCAT to be considered for admission.
• Complete an application to PCOM which includes a letter of recommendation from an osteopathic physician.

Once these requirements are met, your application is then submitted to PCOM. There are three guaranteed seats for any students meeting the above requirements and having a successful interview at PCOM.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Programs of Study

Bloomsburg University's chemistry and biochemistry department offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program options.

BS in Chemistry — The BS in Chemistry is the program most commonly pursued by chemistry majors at Bloomsburg. It provides a broad exposure to all major areas of chemistry as well as options for experience in chemical research, some specialty fields and certifications.

BS in Chemistry - ACS — Completion of a research component will allow a student’s degree to be certified by the American Chemical Society. Students completing this program are particularly well prepared to pursue graduate studies or employment in the industry.

BS in Chemistry - Nanotechnology Option — Students interested in the science of nanotechnology will spend one semester at Pennsylvania State University, taking 18 credits of nanotech courses. This offers students an opportunity to gain additional skills in an advancing technological field with a growing need for skilled workers.

BS in Chemistry-Biochemistry Option — Students interested in both biology and chemistry can pursue a specialized program in biochemistry. This is popular with students interested in attending medical and dental schools after graduation. Both standard and ACS certified tracks are available. Students have the opportunity to be awarded certification by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ASBMB.

BA in Chemistry — The BA program provides a three-year exposure to the core of the chemistry curriculum. Students can double major in chemistry and another discipline or they can participate in the 3:2 program in engineering.

BS in Education - Chemistry Certification— Students interested in teaching high school chemistry to pursue a program that awards them a BS in Education and the equivalent of a BA in Chemistry. The program features a capstone course entitled The Chemistry Curriculum and the Teaching Laboratory, the only course of its kind in the State System.

Physician Preparation Program — A combined Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry-Doctor of Osteopathy dual degree program that can be either three years at Bloomsburg University plus four years at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), or four years at Bloomsburg plus four years at PCOM.

Minor in Chemistry — A study of chemistry is a requirement of many of the sciences. Some science students extend their studies in chemistry by completing a minor.

Nanotechnology - Chemistry (B.S.)

Bloomsburg University’s nanotechnology option offers students an opportunity to gain additional skills in an advancing technological field with a growing need for skilled workers. This academic track seamlessly follows the chemistry bachelors of science program.

Nanotechnology gives us the ability to see and manipulate matter atom by atom and create materials, devices, and systems with new and unique properties, such as creating nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and producing odor-free shoes, socks, and clothing.

Students finish the nanotechnology option with an 18-credit Capstone Semester at Penn State University, after completing prerequisites at Bloomsburg in chemistry.

Nanotechnology's daily impact

According to the federal government, nanotechnology is likely to change the way almost everything is designed and made — from vaccines to computers to car tires. Nanotechnology products can be found in commonly used items as cell phones, cosmetics, and clothing.

Nanotechnology is used to help solve problems by:

• developing nanoparticles for fluorescence imaging of tumors
• producing cleaner, more affordable energy
• detecting and clean up hazardous chemicals in the environment
• enabling medical devices that can eliminate the need for surgery
• making sunscreen and cosmetics more effective
• ensuring food stays fresher longer
• creating smaller and faster electronic components

Expand your opportunities in science and technology

Bloomsburg University is home to one of the largest and most modern science buildings in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Here, science isn't confined to the classroom or even the lab.

As a student, you'll find opportunities for technology internships, healthcare clinical experiences or science research, including undergraduate research opportunities. These experiences will give you an edge in your career, and along the way, you'll be able to take pride in making a difference — for the environment or for your community.

Transfer your associate’s degree ...

Once you transfer your associate’s degree to Bloomsburg University, you will start at the junior-level in these programs.

Earn a bachelor’s degree in four semesters!

• B.S. Biology - Environmental Biology Option
• B.A. Chemistry
• B.S. Chemistry
• B.S. Chemistry-Biochemistry option
• B.S. Chemistry-Nanotechnology option
• B.S. Chemistry-Pre-Medical Sciences option
• B.S. Computer Science
• B.S. Digital Forensics
• B.S. Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences-Environmental Geoscience
• B.S. Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences-Professional Geology
• B.A. Mathematics
• B.S. Mathematics
• B.S. Physics

* with a fall semester start in a program-to-program articulation.

Why BU is the perfect fit to advance your STEM career goals

• dedicated professors who specialize in undergraduate education
• faculty teaching every class and lab (no graduate students)
• small science and math classes
• hands-on experience with instrumentation and in the field
• undergraduate research opportunities
• in-state tuition for PA residents provides an excellent value for your educational dollar
• a welcoming community of students, with hundreds of social and scholarly organizations
• the campus is close to home (but not too close) for many residents of eastern Pennsylvania