Chemistry Degree

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Program Overview

Are you curious about the elements that make up our world? Do you feel at home in a laboratory, learning how even the smallest reactions can change our bodies and the environment around us? If so, earning an undergraduate chemistry degree at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., could be your gateway to a future of scientific discovery and innovation.

Whether you're captivated by molecular structures or excited by the vast applications of chemistry across various industries, our curriculum is designed to inspire and challenge you. With hands-on laboratory experience and guidance from expert faculty, you'll be well-prepared for advanced studies and diverse career opportunities.

chemistry degree students and professor in science lab

What Can You Do with a Chemistry Degree?

A chemistry degree from King's College opens up a world of limitless possibilities and meaningful impact across various sectors. As a chemistry major, you possess a unique skill set that enables you to address complex challenges and drive innovation. Whether your passion is ignited in research, industry, healthcare, or environmental conservation, your chemistry degree equips you for success.

With a solid foundation in chemistry, you're poised to make significant contributions to research and development. You might find yourself working in the pharmaceutical industry, devising groundbreaking drugs, or advancing sustainable technologies that shape our future. You may even prefer academia where you delve into cutting-edge research that reinvents industry-standard knowledge.

In the industrial landscape, your expertise could find a home in quality control, ensuring products meet stringent standards, or in materials science, where innovation drives advancements in manufacturing. Chemistry's role in environmental sustainability gives you the opportunity to work on solutions that combat pollution, promote renewable energy, and safeguard our planet. The versatility of a chemistry degree also extends to healthcare, where you could contribute to diagnostics, drug formulation, and medical advancements. In short, with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, your career paths are diverse.

Career Paths

Analytical Chemist
Chemical Engineer
Educator
Environmental Chemist
Food and Beverage Chemist
Forensic Scientist
Pharmaceutical Marketing
Pharmaceutical Scientist
Quality Control
Research & Development
Research Scientist
Technical Writing

Top Chemistry Employers

Chemical Industry
Education and Academia
Environmental and Energy Companies
Food and Beverage Industry
Forensics and Law Enforcement
Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

While there are job opportunities for graduates with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, many chemistry careers and related fields require advanced degrees. About a quarter of our graduates eventually continue their education and are highly successful in being admitted into the best graduate schools.

In recent years, each of our graduates accepted to graduate school has earned an award that provides a salary in addition to all tuition and fees. Opportunities include M.S./Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, forensic science, materials science, molecular biology, physiology, education, or business; doctor of medicine or dentistry, and law school. Each student who has chosen graduate school has received a graduate fellowship or assistantship.

bachelor's degree in chemistry students using a computer researching jobs for a chemistry major

What makes the King's program different?

The journey into chemistry is rich and rewarding, and King's College is where passion, innovation, and excellence converge to create an unparalleled learning experience. Choosing King's isn't just about pursuing a degree: it's about embracing a transformative path that will shape you into a dynamic and confident chemist.

At King’s, we believe chemistry is a dynamic force that drives innovation. Experience a classroom where theories aren't just discussed but brought to life through conducting hands-on experiments and groundbreaking research. Whether you dream of shaping the future through research or making waves in scientific industries, our program equips you with the confidence to excel.

Here is what makes our chemistry degree program unique:

ACS certification: Our chemistry program is certified by the American Chemical Society – a recognition reserved for programs that adhere to rigorous standards of excellence. This certification showcases our dedication to providing an education that meets the highest industry benchmarks and prepares you for a future as a skilled chemist.
Dynamic learning approach: At King's, we believe in learning that transcends textbooks. Our chemistry program immerses you in an engaging and interactive educational experience. Through hands-on laboratory sessions and close interactions with accomplished faculty, you'll develop a deep understanding of chemistry that extends beyond the classroom.
Comprehensive education: We understand that success as a chemist goes beyond technical knowledge. The King's College CORE curriculum augments your chemistry education with communication, teamwork, and interdisciplinary skills that are essential in today's competitive landscape. This approach ensures that you graduate not only as a chemist but also as a well-rounded professional.
Strong faculty-student interaction: At King’s, our deliberately small class sizes ensure each student receives personal attention in the classroom, the lab, and beyond. All King’s students receive an elevated level of personal attention at our beautiful campus.

Programs Offered

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S.)
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Secondary Education Certification (B.S.)
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry-Business (B.S.)
Chemical Engineering through the 3+2 Dual Degree Engineering Program with Notre Dame
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (B.S.)
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Chemistry (B.S.)

There is no doubt in my mind that the King’s College Chemistry department is the best
environment to learn and thrive. The small classes and supportive faculty are hallmark
features of an incredible education centered around engagement and success.

Meaghan Devine '24

Chemistry Program Details

At King's College, our chemistry program is designed with your success and growth in mind. Led by our dedicated and experienced faculty, our program consists of a sequence of chemistry courses designed to help students understand the various branches of chemistry.

Our laboratory courses use state-of-the-art equipment to teach the fundamentals of the scientific method, the creative questioning of nature, and careful reasoning from results. The department of chemistry also has a tradition of strong faculty-student interaction.

While we nurture your growth as a scientist, we also recognize the importance of a well-rounded education. Our commitment to liberal education means that alongside your chemistry major, you'll select courses from our CORE curriculum.

Special Features

Most students engage in an undergraduate research project in chemistry with a faculty mentor, which helps grow independence and sets students apart during job and medical school interviews.
Many students showcase their work at local, regional, and national meetings, such as the Pennsylvania Academy of Science Meeting, and the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.
Over the past ten years, over half of our students have gone on to work in chemical research-related careers, with over a quarter of our students pursuing graduate degrees (M.S., Ph.D., Pharm.D.).
Graduates are certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), which certifies degrees at colleges that meet the rigorous standards set by the ACS for coursework, instrumentation, and laboratory experience.
The department is well-equipped for teaching and undergraduate research. Students routinely use FTIR, UV-visible, NMR, and atomic absorption spectrometers; gas and liquid chromatographs; a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system; thermal analysis equipment; SEM; and glovebox.

Chemistry Curriculum

The King's College chemistry curriculum is carefully crafted to provide you with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. From foundational concepts to advanced topics, our curriculum is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the dynamic world of chemistry.

The chemistry department at King’s knows that the heart of science is the search for new knowledge. Alongside your chemistry courses, each student is highly encouraged to elect a research project under the individual direction of a faculty member. This collaborative effort and hands-on experience is important in the success of our graduates.

Recent Graduate School Placements

Augusta University
Belmont University, Pharmacy School
Drexel University
Lehigh University
North Dakota State University
Ohio State University
Penn State University
Purdue University
Salus University School of Optometry
Stanford University
Temple University
University of Connecticut
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Recent Job Placements

Acton Technologies
ALS Environmental
Armstrong World Industries
Bristol Myers Squibb
Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate
Crayola
Eurofins
ExxonMobil
Frontier Medicines
Geisinger Medical
GlaxoSmithKline
Johnson Matthey
Jubail Chemical Industries
Liveo Research
Merck
Mylan Pharmaceuticals
NMS Labs
ProPharma group
Reaction Biology
Sanofi
Stellant Systems
The Curry Rockefeller Group
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
UGI Energy Services

Visit Us

We welcome all potential students and their families to visit our beautiful campus and get a taste of the King’s College experience. Feel free to schedule a personal visit or register for one of our upcoming admission events.