Photo Credit: Chris J. Taylor 

Congratulations to chemistry professor Vicky Minderhout for being named the 2011 Washington State “Professor of the Year.” You can read more about Minderhout's award in The Seattle Times.

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Employment Opportunities

 Tenure Track Faculty Position in Physical Chemistry

 

Program Overview  

Seattle University offers ACS approved undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry programs  that encourage scientific exploration featuring inquiry-based classrooms, labs, faculty-mentored research and service learning.  

About the Department

Emphasizing personal attention, inquiry and lab-intensive studies, undergraduate research, and service learning, the Department of Chemistry at Seattle University offers bachelors’ degrees in chemistry and biochemistry that prepare students for professional careers, graduate study,  and to make a difference in the world through science.  

By earning a chemistry degree at Seattle University, students learn to think like scientists. Seattle University’s programs are approved by the American Chemical Society, one of the nation’s largest professional associations, allowing students to earn an ACS certified chemistry degree. 

Chemistry is the study of matter, its different states, reactions and properties. Often referred to as the “central science,” chemistry touches all of the sciences, including medicine, biology, physics, geology and environmental science. Not only does this mean that chemistry is especially compelling, but it also means students can leverage their chemistry majors in an enormous variety of professions ranging from medicine and biotechnology to engineering and protecting the environment.  

A chemistry major gives students who want to make a difference in the world through the practice of science great flexibility. Students who major in chemistry/biochemistry can pursue graduate school, medical school, pharmaceutical research, forensic science, art conservation, biotechnology, genetics counseling, education, science writing, pollution mitigation, and industrial chemistry. These are just a few of the options available to students with chemistry degrees. 

Degree(s) offered:

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry  

Chemistry: The Uniquely Seattle University Experience   

The chemistry programs at Seattle University teach students to do science. Classes are lab-intensive. So students spend some time in cooperative class environments learning concepts—and a lot of time applying them. 

The chemistry department’s faculty, too, are committed to helping chemistry and biochemistry majors not only develop their scientific acumen, but also to helping them find their place in this broad field.  

All chemistry and biochemistry majors complete a senior capstone project, working closely with a faculty member on a project. Projects range from literature or laboratory investigations including finding ways to source coffee more sustainably and improve the chemistry of wine to studying water quality, biomarkers of disease as well as the synthesis and characterization of organic and inorganic materials used in pharmaceutics and material science.  Some students use their senior capstone experience to complete internships at places such as the Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute or through study experiences in labs around the world. 

Because of Seattle University’s Jesuit Catholic values, students are also encouraged to use their chemistry skills and knowledge to help others. Students gain career experience and give back to the community by working in literacy programs, tutoring Seattle University peers, judging science fairs and conducting science demonstrations at local youth organizations.  

What happens when chemistry and biochemistry students graduate from Seattle University? In recent years Seattle University chemistry and biochemistry majors who have gone straight into careers have enjoyed exceptionally high job placement rates. Those who apply to medical or graduate school have received acceptances at institutions all over the country and institutions located right here in Seattle, Washington. 

Contacts