Chemistry and Biochemistry

students in a lab

Instrumentation | Courses | Faculty | Undergraduate Research

The Chemistry Department

The Chemistry Department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry or Biochemistry as well as a minor in Chemistry. Students may also choose to double major in Biochemistry and Biology, or Biochemistry and Chemistry. The department also provides advising and coursework for students interested in applying to pharmacy school. In collaboration with the Education Division, the department offers courses toward a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education – chemistry and certification to teach high school chemistry. The chemistry program at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown is ACS Approved, which means that the program meets the standards and guidelines put forth by the American Chemical Society. An approved program provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their future careers. Students that complete the ACS approved curriculum are eligible to receive a certified degree and electronic credentials from ACS to indicate that they have met these criteria. Additionally, the Department is a proud member of BeyondBenign’s Green Chemistry Commitment.

B.S. in Chemistry

Chemistry teaches students to understand the composition, properties, and reactivity of matter. Pitt-Johnstown's chemistry program prepares students for employment at the bachelor's degree level, for graduate study, and for professional programs in health-related areas. Chemistry majors are highly sought after by companies that produce products made from chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, paints, plastics, cosmetics, food, and green energy industries. Graduates have gone on to work as:

Product Development Researchers
Formulation Chemists
Biotechnologists
Process Chemists
Quality Assurance Specialists
Quality Control Specialists
Teachers and Professors
Sales and Marketing Professionals
Patent Lawyers
Government Researchers

To learn more about career opportunities available to chemistry majors, visit the American Chemical Society.

B.S. in Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a major that teaches students to understand the composition, structure, chemical reactions, and behavior of matter as applied to living systems. This program enables students to develop their knowledge of the natural world, while also developing critical thinking skills. A degree in biochemistry will create a tremendous opportunity for various career paths including:

Medical Doctors
Pharmacists
Health Care Fields
Chemical Industry
Biotechnology
Food Science
Academia
Pharmacology
Drug Development
Cancer Biology
Toxicology
Clinical Chemistry

To learn more about career opportunities available to biochemistry majors, visit the American Chemical Society.

Student Focused Learning

Small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio allow direct interactions between students and professors that enables students to gain hands-on experience with analytical methods, organic and inorganic synthesis, biochemical methods, and state-of-the-art instrumentation. Faculty are dedicated to ensuring that students are progressing toward their career goals through quality advising, mentoring, and research experiences. Many of our students participate in internships at local and national institutions. Because of highly trained and versatile faculty, multiple faculty-mentored research projects are available in a variety of disciplines. Students, as early as freshman, participating in research have been published in professional journals and have presented at local and national conferences. These opportunities help prepare students through real world experiences by creating competitive resumes. Students can also join the Chemistry Society Club, where they can meet other students and participate in monthly events such as movie nights, bowling, trivia, community outreach and service activities, and professional development events.

Request Information