Purposes

• To prepare students for graduate studies in fields related to Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Health Professions (e.g. Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, etc.);
• To prepare students to enter careers in industry (biotech, etc.) immediately after graduation;
• To prepare students to teach chemistry or physical science at the secondary education level;
• To provide students with the opportunity to participate as partners with their professors in nationally reported research projects;
• To provide students with a general knowledge of chemistry and its relation to society.

Tradition of Excellence

The Department of Chemistry aims to provide a space to support students and their passions. Quality classroom instruction paired with a laboratory rich curriculum ensures students gain both necessary knowledge and hands-on experience to be prepared for a variety of science related fields. Deliberate mentoring from our expert faculty provides students with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their goals. Additionally, the Chemistry Undergraduate Research program provides students with the opportunity to apply to work under the direction of experienced faculty on original research projects in a variety of fields within chemistry and biochemistry. Our research students gain approximately 400 hours of hands-on lab experience in a single summer. Students work in our state-of-the-art laboratory facility, studying subjects ranging from organic and inorganic synthesis to drug discovery, natural products chemistry, and structural biology. Results of their research are often published in peer-reviewed professional journals and/or presented at scientific conferences with students included as co-authors. As remarkable evidence of loyalty and support, department alumni also contribute nearly $70,000 annually to partially fund the research program from which they themselves benefited. Students, faculty, and alumni connect in significant ways to make chemistry education at PLNU a respected and vital experience.

Career Opportunities

Students who graduate with a degree from the Department of Chemistry leave PLNU prepared for graduate schools or careers in industry or teaching. Since 2004, more than 90% of students who have applied for admission to medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary schools have been accepted. Acceptance rates for Biology and Chemistry students applying to graduate (M.A., M.S., and Ph.D.) programs is over 90%. PLNU alumni can be found on the faculty of numerous medical schools and universities. They are also making important contributions in the practice of medicine, in school classrooms and industrial labs. The same quality undergraduate education is available to all students in our program, and our department is proud of each of our graduates.

Faculty

Laurance Beauvais, Ph.D.
University of California, Berkeley

Ariane Jansma, Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego

Katherine Maloney, Ph.D.
Cornell University

Marc Perry, Ph.D.
New Mexico State University

Matthieu Rouffet, Ph.D.
School of Pharmacy, Reims, France

Sam Stoneburner, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

To view requirements for majors, minors, and certificates, see the Degree Program Information page.