Chemistry
Explore science’s great connector in state-of-the-art labs with Ph.D. trained faculty.
Chemistry majors participate in research and inquiry-based activities in a variety of settings to prepare for real-world problem solving.
Our American Chemical Society approved curriculum strategically combines chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses to make you a well-rounded, competent chemist. Classes and laboratories are taught by specialized faculty trained in the chemical sciences. You’ll work directly with modern equipment and instrumentation and have the opportunity to attend scholarly conferences starting as soon as your first year.
Upon completion of the degree, you’ll have a strong foundation of modern theory and laboratory skills for chemistry career options that include teaching, research and development, and management, as well as for advanced study in chemistry or medicine.
What Sets Us Apart
Learn in state-of-the-art facilities
The Stewart Science building is a five-story complex that houses several science departments and is home to newly renovated chemistry laboratories. The labs contain suites of advanced, modern equipment that all students have direct access to, where you can learn to troubleshoot and work independently.
Take advantage of opportunities
All Chemistry students have many opportunities to get involved in events, camps, labs, and organizations to enhance your research, networking, public speaking, and more. Each of our faculty members runs an active research program that you can join, encompassing topics such as drug discovery, pharmaceutical analysis, and analysis of coffee.
Make valuable connections
Each month, our students can attend the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh meeting to network with area professionals. Many of our students have made great connections through this experience.
Get involved in ACS
You can also become a member of the Waynesburg University American Chemical Society Student Chapter, which has been ranked as an outstanding chapter for the past nine years. You can get involved in one of the most active student chapters in the country, enabling you to make significant connections to your future professional life.
The Chemistry Major at Waynesburg University is an official "Approved Chemistry Program" as determined by the American Chemical Society.
As a chemistry student, you'll have countless opportunities to work with our student chapter of ACS.
Faculty Research News
NSF Grant & RIBS Scholar Award
Dr. Suyama was the recipient of the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, "Directed Evolution of Cytochrome P450 for Synthesis of Pyrrole Marine Natural Products."
The grant includes an award of $225,000 for his work that will involve undergraduate students at Waynesburg University.
For each year of the project, students can apply to be the RIBS (Research Initiatives in Biomedical Sciences) Scholar, which comes with a stipend for the research, as well as opportunities to present research locally and at national venues.
The goal is to supplement traditional coursework in biomedical sciences with novel and authentic research experiences to help prepare students for rewarding careers.
Andrew Gordon, senior biochemistry major, has been selected as the first RIBS (Research Initiatives in Biomedical Sciences) Scholar for the fall 2021 semester.
As part of the RIBS Scholar award, Andrew will work ten to twenty hours per week in the lab in addition to his coursework, and he will be given the opportunity to present his work at local, regional or national scientific conferences.
Journal of Natural Products Publication
Dr. Takashi Suyama and collaborators, including recent graduate Kimberly Taylor, were recently published in the Journal of Natural Products for their work involving the total synthesis of a marine natural product isolated from cyanobacteria. Taylor, a Jeffrey and Regina Taussig Ohio Honors Scholarship awardee and 2021 chemistry graduate, is pursuing a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Taylor began work on this project as a sophomore and presented her findings at the virtual 2021 American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring Meeting. Dr. Suyama and Taylor collaborated with researchers at the Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of San Diego.
View the publication
Explore our facilities
Alumni and Student Testimonials
I have developed a personal relationship with many of the Chemistry faculty members. You can find me in their offices having long conversations about my life, my future plans, asking questions about the courses, and anything else.
Chemisty News & Events
Stay up to date on the Department of Chemistry happenings.
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Academics
Fri, Oct 22
Musko to present at international event
Learn more -
Campus News
Mon, Oct 4
Waynesburg nationally ranked "most affordable" for forensic science
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Academics
Wed, Sep 22
National Science Foundation Grant to fund undergraduate research
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Academics
Fri, Sep 17
Undergraduate research receives distinction