Susquehanna University
BS in Chemical Physics

Selinsgrove, USA

DEGREE TYPE

BSc

DURATION

4 years

LANGUAGES

English

PACE

Full time

APPLICATION DEADLINE

EARLIEST START DATE

STUDY FORMAT

On-Campus

* November 1 — Early Action 1. November 15 — Early Decision. December 1 — Early Action 2. February 1 — Regular Decision admission application deadline; late applications welcome as space permits. March 1 — International Students

Key Summary

About : The BS in Chemical Physics program combines principles from chemistry and physics, providing a comprehensive understanding of both fields. Students will engage in in-depth studies that emphasize problem-solving and analytical skills, preparing them for interdisciplinary roles. The curriculum covers topics such as thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and solid-state physics, ensuring a strong foundational knowledge.

Career Outcomes : Graduates can pursue various career paths, including roles in research, laboratories, and industry-related positions in sectors such as materials science and environmental protection. The skills obtained can also lead to opportunities in academia and engineering fields, making this degree versatile for the job market.

Chemistry + physics + math

Combine your love of physics, interest in chemistry, and outstanding math skills into career opportunities with exciting growth potential. Chemical physics is the perfect major if you’re interested in how our world works on a chemical level but don’t want to pursue a double major.

Chemical physics graduates have a variety of career options that span many industries:

Material engineering
Physics and/or chemistry research
Biotechnology
Electronics
Petroleum
Pharmaceuticals
Medicine

Expanded educational opportunities

You will develop a firm foundation in the fundamentals and applications of chemical theories in the physical world and be ready to pursue an advanced degree in physics, chemistry, chemical physics, theoretical chemistry/physics, or biophysics.

You can choose from a selection of upper-level courses that expose you to spectroscopic, computational, instrumental, and mathematical methods. You will also gain analytical, critical thinking, scientific writing, and oral communication skills.

Important topics like quantum mechanics and thermodynamics will be viewed through a broader context by examining them from both chemical and physical perspectives.

And you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities with more than $1 million in instrumentation.

Broad competitive edge

Get involved in research with chemistry and physics faculty beginning your first semester, and graduate having had opportunities to co-author research papers or travel to or present at national conferences.

With this broad education in chemistry, physics, and math, you’ll be highly marketable to graduate school programs and prospective employers.

Requirements for Major

When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the complete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s) and the Academic Planning Tool.

American Chemical Society Accreditation

The department’s major in chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society.

Requirements for the Majors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemical Physics

Susquehanna offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry and Bachelor of Science degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical physics. Two biochemistry tracks are available: an ACS-Certified track and a Biology-Intensive track. The ACS-Certified track includes courses that cover properties of metals, spectroscopic techniques, and instrumental methods that will prepare students for careers or graduate programs in the areas of biochemistry or biophysics. The Biology-Intensive track includes courses that will offer a solid foundation in chemical principles in addition to biological systems and will prepare students for careers or graduate programs in the biological sciences or biochemistry or the health care professions.

Double-counting restriction

Students majoring in chemical physics cannot double-count courses towards a chemistry or physics major.

Requirements for the degree in Chemical Physics

The Bachelor of Science degree in chemical physics requires the following courses with grades of C- or better:

4 General Chemistry I
Choose from: CHEM-101, CHEM-103 or CHEM-111
- Choose from: CHEM-101, CHEM-103 or CHEM-111
4-8 General Chemistry II
Choose from: CHEM-102 or CHEM-104
or CHEM-232 and CHEM-242
- Choose from: CHEM-102 or CHEM-104
- or CHEM-232 and CHEM-242
4 Introductory Physics I: Calculus
Choose from: PHYS-203 or PHYS-204
- Choose from: PHYS-203 or PHYS-204
4 Introductory Physics II: Calculus (PHYS-206)
4 CHEM-221 Organic Chemistry I
4 CHEM-341 Physical Chemistry I
4 CHEM-342 Physical Chemistry II
4 PHYS-404 Thermodynamics and Statistical Methods
4 MATH-111 Calculus I
4 MATH-112 Calculus II
4 MATH-201 Linear Algebra
- 4 CHEM-221 Organic Chemistry I
- 4 CHEM-341 Physical Chemistry I
- 4 CHEM-342 Physical Chemistry II
- 4 PHYS-404 Thermodynamics and Statistical Methods
- 4 MATH-111 Calculus I
- 4 MATH-112 Calculus II
- 4 MATH-201 Linear Algebra
2 Capstone
Choose from CHEM-500 Problems in Chemistry and Biochemistry
or PHYS-550 Physics Research.
- Choose from CHEM-500 Problems in Chemistry and Biochemistry
- or PHYS-550 Physics Research.

Students must complete at least 2 SH of CHEM-400 Research Experience prior to taking CHEM-500.

Other requirements

Students must select at least four courses from the following list, with at least one course from each department and no more than two courses from a single department. Students may take additional courses as long as the total number of semester hours in the major does not exceed 64.

Chemistry