Department of Chemistry

Chemistry, as a central science, is involved in natural processes occurring in living things, the earth, the oceans, and the atmosphere. The chemical industry provides materials to feed, clothe, and house mankind; drugs to combat disease; and processes to provide energy. Chemistry plays a role in high technology fields such as molecular biology, microelectronics, drug design, and ceramics.

The American Chemical Society (ACS)-certified chemistry degree includes core chemistry courses and electives. Special options are available for students with specific interests in combining chemistry with other subjects, such as bioscience, business, communication, computer science, education, and polymer science. These options allow students to take additional courses that provide an in-depth introduction to the subject of choice and are directly relevant to individual career goals.

The Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry prepares students for a career in business or industry or for advanced study in chemistry. Combined with core biology courses, the chemistry major is frequently selected as the preferred major for admission to the graduate health professions, including medical and dental school. In combination with an education option, the chemistry major prepares students for a certification program leading to a career in secondary science teaching. Chemists at all levels of training have a wide variety of industrial and corporate career opportunities in agricultural chemistry, food chemistry, environmental science, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and electronics, and fine chemicals, as well as in basic research. Many opportunities are available for chemistry majors with skills in business (sales, technical marketing, management), communications (technical writing, journalism), and computer science (programming, database management, information science). For more information on the ACScertified degree and degree options as well as the Department of Chemistry, see www.chem.pitt.edu.

Programs

Major

Chemistry, BS

Minor

Chemistry Minor

Courses

Chemistry

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