Shenandoah University’s College of Arts & Sciences is your direct connection to a classic, broad-based education to satisfy both your intellectual curiosity and career goals. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, small classes and individualized learning opportunities, we put students at the center of all our decisions and events.

We blend the liberal arts with pre-professional courses and hands-on learning to prepare you for careers in the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities. You’ll learn through small, engaging classes and relationships with faculty mentors; hone your skills to solve problems; and learn to use creativity and critical thinking to make informed decisions.

The most exciting part about my major is the ability I have to do research and learn how to work the instruments in the lab. I also like how versatile a chemistry degree is — you can choose to go into research, teaching, pharmacy, etc. without needing to take many additional pre-requisite classes.”

Stephen Klawa ’18 | Chemistry Major with a Biology Minor and Mathematics Minor

Shenandoah’s minor in Chemistry prepares you for graduate studies and for a career in pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, molecular biology, environmental monitoring and control, research and development, teaching and more.

Declaring a Minor

Shenandoah students work with their Academic Advisor to declare a minor. Academic Advisors will continue to work with students to ensure that they fulfill all of the requirements to complete the minor.

Incoming students should not indicate their intended minor on their Shenandoah application. Applications are for intended majors only.

I interned for Shenandoah’s Chemistry Department. I helped out as a teaching assistant for analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis labs. I would prepare needed chemicals for lab and help train the students how to use the instruments. I took this position because I wanted more experience with the instruments myself, and I enjoyed working with the students especially when they were doing their mini research projects for these classes. By doing this, I have learned a lot about using the lab equipment.”

Stephen Klawa ’18 | Chemistry Major with a Biology Minor and Mathematics Minor

 

The Career & Professional Development staff helps Shenandoah students search and apply for internships related to their major and career goals. Internships differentiate you as an applicant in your future job searches, provide hands on experience in your field, allow you to sample different career paths for your major, and help you find a specific position that fits your passion before graduation.

Career & Professional Development at Shenandoah

A Bachelor Of Science In Chemistry will prepare you for:

• Further studies in health-related occupations such as pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry
• Graduate study in chemistry and related fields (such as molecular biology and environmental science)
• Teaching in secondary schools
• Chemistry-related positions in industry and government, including quality control, environmental control, production supervision and research and development

Career and Salary Examples for Biology Majors:

• Senior Chemist: $81,801
• Research Scientist: $73,511
• Chemist: $55,447
• Research Chemist: $53,173
• Analytical Chemist: $49,057
• Quality Control (QC) Chemist: $53,292
• Laboratory Manager: $61,576
• High School Science Teacher: $31,085 – $66,384
• Clinical Research Associate (CRA): $38,630 – $87,505

 

Career & Professional Development provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.

Career & Professional Development at Shenandoah

Throughout the program you will also gain expertise with a variety of hands-on skills and methodologies in our laboratory courses.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to participate in original research with our faculty, and you’ll learn how to approach problems using scientific methods. Through valuable hands-on experience with a variety of specialized laboratory equipment and instrumentation, you’ll sharpen your critical thinking and comprehension skills and gain scientific expertise in a supportive laboratory-based environment.

I experienced so much personal and professional growth at Shenandoah University and a large part of that was because of the remarkable faculty members who work incredibly hard to help the students succeed, whether it was in the classroom, with extracurricular activities or at a practice site. I found many mentors who provided me with endless guidance and unique opportunities that allowed me to pave my own path in the profession of pharmacy.”

Gina Fu  ’14, ’17 | Chemistry and Doctor of Pharmacy 

Courses Required For The Chemistry Major

• CHEM 121 General Chemistry I (4 credits)
• CHEM 122 General Chemistry II (4 credits)
• CHEM 211 Analytical Chemistry (4 credits)
• CHEM 301 Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
• CHEM 302 Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
• CHEM 317 Inorganic Chemistry (4 credits)
• CHEM 321 Physical Chemistry I (4 credits)
• CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry II (4 credits)
• CHEM 331 Biochemistry I (4 credits)
• CHEM 332 Biochemistry II (4 credits)
• CHEM 491 Research Seminar (2 credits)
• CHEM 492 Research Seminar (2 credits)
• MATH 201 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5 credits)
• PHYS 111 College Physics I (4 credits) or PHYS 121 General Physics I (4 credits)

Total: 53 credits

Chemistry majors are strongly encouraged to take the following courses to complement their program:

• CHEM 311 Instrumental Analysis (4 credits)
• CHEM 420 Advanced Synthesis and Analysis (3 credits)
• MATH 202 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (5 credits)
• PHYS 112 College Physics II (4 credits) or PHYS 122 General Physics II (4 credits)

 

Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and Academic Advisors across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.

Being a tutor has been the most memorable part of my program. I began tutoring, with the Math Enrichment Center, my freshman year and later became a chemistry tutor with the Academic Enrichment Center. I am always slightly nervous to tutor new students, but I always am able to at least make them smile. I know that math and chemistry courses can be stressful, so I take pride in providing one on one sessions to go over topics in a more comfortable setting.

Maiya Pencile ’21 | Chemistry major with a Biology minor, Pre-Pharmacy 

 

Learning Support Services at Shenandoah

Learn about Shenandoah’s Chemistry education programs:

• Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education — Chemistry
• Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education with Special Education 6-12 — Chemistry

The Honors Program is a multidisciplinary Honors Program for students who are curious, creative, self-motivated, and eager to engage in their education and community.

Not only do Honors Program students partake in honors courses that emphasize collaboration, service, and communication, but they will also have the opportunity to develop aspects of the program based on their own interests and goals. By participating in the Honors Program you will acquire the tools, knowledge and experiences necessary to make meaningful contributions to your community – whether it be globally, locally, or specific to your life’s work. You will have access to unique courses, exciting experiences and a community of peers and faculty who never stop asking questions and striving for excellence.

Explore the Honors Program

Students interested in this program should also look into these other majors, graduate degrees, minors, and certificates.

All majors within the College of Arts & Sciences require students to complete a minor in the program of their choice at Shenandoah.

These minors complement this program well:

• Biology
• Environmental Studies
• Physics
• Public Health
• Spanish

Continue your education by earning a graduate degree:

• Doctor of Pharmacy

I chose Shenandoah University because I wanted a smaller, more intimate university setting. I wanted to go somewhere where my professors knew my name. Also, Shenandoah has a fast-track program in which I earned my bachelor’s degree in three years, so it was a very smooth transition from my undergraduate program to pharmacy school. I was very well prepared for all of my pharmacy classes.”

—Jordan Canankamp, Chemistry, ’13 & Pharmacy, ’17

 

I loved how the school develops students into being well-rounded pharmacists. The faculty has innovative strategies to not only help us learn the material, but to also build our written and oral communication skills. We are encouraged to take an active role in student organizations with many opportunities available to take on diverse leadership roles. Our expansive alumni network allows us to participate in unique rotation sites and internship programs. The seamless transition from student to new practitioner would not be possible without all the resources and tools Shenandoah has provided.”

—Gina Fu  | Chemistry ’14, Pharmacy ’17

Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.

Submit your application, review required admission materials, and find our admissions standards.

Application Information

The Pre-Health Program is designed to help guide students develop as competitive applicants to graduate schools that match their desired profession and their academic and pre-professional profile.

Pre-Health Advising at Shenandoah University consists of in-person advising sessions either in a group or individual setting that seek to provide guidance to students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions.

Pre-Health Students follow one of these tracks at Shenandoah:

• Traditional Pathway
• Articulation Agreement Pathway
• Early Assurance Pathway

Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks. You will never forget learning in another culture! The Center for International Programs is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. Start your planning early to ensure the courses you complete abroad count toward your degree and you graduate on time.

Learn About Education Abroad

Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program

The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit.  These short-term, credit-bearing, faculty-led programs are offered winter break, spring break, and during the summer. If a course is not within your major, it might be used as an elective.

GEL Courses Currently Offered

Study Abroad

Shenandoah University is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a global network of 300 universities. This partnership allows students to study for a full semester or year at other member campuses abroad. By working closely with their academic advisors and the study abroad advisor, students can take classes taught in English abroad while receiving Shenandoah credit.

Shenandoah University also maintains direct partnerships with several universities around the world.  These relationships allow students from SU to study abroad as exchange students and students from these universities to study at SU.  All partner universities offer courses taught in English.

Chemistry Abroad Course Catalog

 

Imagine participating in interesting conversations led by engaging professors who’ve already done what you dream of doing. You’ll be in a small class — the average class size is approximately 12 students — with professors who know your name, care about your success and provide advice as you pursue your academic and career goals.

Honestly, any class with Dr. Ca is my favorite class. If I had to pick one as my favorite, it would be analytical chemistry. It was one of my chemistry requirements for graduation, but it turned out to be so much fun. Dr. Ca makes her classes and labs enjoyable with her contagious energy and wit. She continuously pushes my academic skills and limits to prepare me for my career in Pharmacy. Throughout the courses I’ve had with her, she’s challenged me to think outside of the box and, for the sake of education, challenged me to not rely on my calculator.

Maiya Pencile ’21 | Chemistry major with a Biology minor, Pre-Pharmacy 

I chose SU primarily because it was a small school where the professor have the time to give the students all the help they need, and it is easier to get to know the professors and students at a school like this. The faculty at SU have had a large impact on my life. They all have been very encouraging and have helped me to get accepted into graduate school. My advisor, Dr. Ca, was especially helpful in letting me get the research and teaching experience that the schools were looking for.”

Stephen Klawa ’18 | Chemistry Major with a Biology Minor and Mathematics Minor

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Meet Brett Kite, Department Chair & Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Meet The Chemistry Faculty