Program Chair
Dr. Alan J. Jircitano
814-898-6400

Program Coordinator
Dr. Martin G. Kociolek
814-898-6411

Why choose to major in chemistry? 

One of the first questions you may ask yourself is why would you like to major in chemistry?  Many students respond by stating they enjoyed their high school chemistry class or would like to become a chemistry teacher.  While both of these comments are true for many students – chemistry can lead to so much more.  In fact, a degree in chemistry can lead to a variety of traditional and unique career opportunities in science.

The Penn State Erie chemistry program can prepare you for graduate school in chemistry, a career in teaching, the chemical industry, patent law and professional schools such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy.  You may choose to apply your degree in such specialties as the development of energy resources or effective environmental management in either a government position or the private sector.  Perhaps you'll choose to chart a course in a flourishing new area of science, such as nanotechnology.  The opportunities are endless. 

Welcome!

Welcome to the chemistry program at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College!  You are entering a department with many opportunities for you to learn about the world of chemistry.  We hope that this website will give you a sense of some of the unique experiences at Penn State Behrend and help prepare you for your chosen profession once you leave. 

One of the best aspects of Penn State Erie Chemistry is the engaging lecture and laboratory classes by enthusiastic professors.  Information on each professor and their specialty can be found through the faculty links above.  As a chemistry major, initially you will study the fundamentals of chemistry with introductory courses in general, organic and analytical chemistry.  Later, you will take advanced courses in physical and inorganic chemistry, chemical instrumentation, and literature.  There are special interest courses that may interest you, including biochemistry, advanced organic, spectroscopy, crystallography, and other special topic courses offered throughout the year to allow you to pursue the area of chemistry that most relates to your chosen career path.  In advanced laboratory courses, you will have the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience with modern instruments.  Throughout these courses, you will benefit from a close working relationship with the faculty in small classes. 

A particular strength of the Behrend chemistry program is the requirement to participate in scientific research with a faculty member.  By doing independent research under the direction of a faculty member, you will work on novel scientific problems that have never been explored.  You may be synthesizing new materials that may lead to presentations at meetings with scientists from across the nation, or perhaps your analytical study of a process may lead to results that are published in a scientific journal.  This experience enhances your experimental skills necessary to apply for a career in industry or graduate school. 

There are also outside activities you will want to explore.  Chemistry Club is a student-affiliate group of the American Chemical Society at Penn State Erie.  They participate in hands-on science demonstrations for the community during National Chemistry Week, arrange scientific speakers for a student seminar series, take field trips to science museums, and much, much more.  The club is also a social one.  They have picnics and go out to dinner as a group during the semester.  Through these activities, you will form friendships that will last beyond college.

Please do not use the information contained here as a substitute for your academic advisor.  The chemistry major and required courses are constantly changing.  The only sure method to obtaining accurate information is to see your academic advisor at least once a semester or check the official university catalog..