Degree programs - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Our Academic Programs

Often considered "the central science," a degree in chemistry or biochemistry can lead to employment or further study in a wide variety of scientific and health-related fields.  Towards that end, we offer degrees in chemistry and biochemistry at three levels (B.A., B.S., or B.S. with ACS Certification) designed to be tailored to one's long-term goals.

The B.S. with ACS Certification is the most rigorous and requires foundational courses in all sub-disciplines of chemistry (organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biochemistry), as well as a research experience.  The B.S. degrees require fewer chemistry courses and do not require research.  The B.A. degrees are the most flexible, requiring fewer courses and more elective options.  The B.A. degree was designed for students with a strong interest in either chemistry or biochemistry but who chooses to use that degree towards a career in the health professions, teaching or law.  Students who pursue a B.A. degree often combine it with a double major or a minor in another discipline.

These degree paths do not differ until the second or third year of study, and changes can be made at any time, upon consultation with one's academic advisor.  We recommend that most students begin in the Bachel of Science path.

In conjunction with the Department of Education, we also offer a chemistry degree with high school teaching certification.

An opportunity for students pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree is the Bachelor’s + Pharm.D. Early Assurance Program (EAP) leading to a Doctorate in Pharmacy (Pharm.D.).  This program is the result of a collaboration between Messiah University and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). Students will complete their Bachelors’ degree at Messiah University and then proceed to LECOM to obtain their Pharm.D. degree.  This early assurance program (EAP) is open to high school students who are accepted to and plan to attend Messiah University and current Messiah University students prior to the start of their junior year.