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What You'll Be Doing

Gannon University believes in inquisitive minded people who want to experiment and learn. Chemistry is the study of composition, structure and properties of substances, along with the transformations they undergo. An understanding of chemistry can lead to careers in industries such as: pharmaceuticals, cosmetics/personal care products, higher education, environmental protection, biotechnology, pharmacology, medicine, nanotechnology, material science, agriculture and biofuel.

As a chemistry major, you will develop a strong background and cover a broad spectrum of course and laboratory work in organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry and biochemistry. To meet the demands of an aging population, chemical firms will devote more money to the research and development of new drugs. A chemist can expect to earn an annual entry level salary of $42,000. According to the Employment and Salary Survey conducted by the American Chemical Society and reported in Chemical Engineering News, September 18, 2006, the average base salary of a chemist with a bachelor’s degree is $67,200.

College Connections

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to conduct research with faculty members in the fields of biochemistry, computational chemistry, environmental chemistry and organic synthesis and nanotechnology. Many students have presented their research at professional conferences.

Gannon’s facility consists of advanced instrumental techniques including (but not limited to) electrospraymass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (ES/MS/MS); gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS); FT infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); atomic absorption spectroscopy (AA); ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy (UV/VIS); NMR and computational programs.

Gannon’s chemistry faculty have recently presented at conferences such as The Council for Undergraduate Research, The Northeast Regional American Chemical Society, The International Association for Great Lakes Research, The International Conference on College Teaching and Learning and more.

The Gannon Advantage

• Students at Gannon enjoy internships, co-ops and study abroad opportunities. In addition everyone completes our "Liberal Studies Core" -- 39 credits that will help prepare you for life.
• Gannon's Career Development Services Office reports that 97% of Gannon's recent graduates are employed or are enrolled in graduate studies.
• On our urban campus, students can enjoy all the conveniences of city living while feeling at home in Gannon's caring community.
• An overall 13:1 student to faculty ratio ensures that students receive the genuine commitment and personal attention they are seeking.
• Gannon's Career Service Center helps students search for graduate school or job opportunities, develop interviewing skills and design a professional resume.
• Over 70 clubs and organizations as well as 18 NCAA Division II athletics provide students the chance to be involved.