Student chemistry research goes green

Working in collaboration with her professor, a chemistry student’s recent research project embraces the use of environmentally friendly reagents.

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Combining a Cutting-edge Approach with Time-tested Methodology

Stonehill’s Chemistry program covers the traditional chemical disciplines as well as those disciplines that will have the strongest impact on society in the future. Students learn to think broadly, creatively and independently.

Degree Options to Suit Your Goals

The Chemistry B.S. is designed for students desiring a thorough background in the field of chemistry in preparation for either graduate school or industrial employment in which the main focus of the work is in chemistry. A bachelor’s degree qualifies graduates for entry-level positions such as:

  • Research associate
  • Quality control chemist
  • Environmental and regulatory compliance chemist

A doctoral degree is required to oversee basic industry research, to supervise government laboratories and for college and university faculty positions.

The Chemistry B.A. is appropriate for students interested in professional school, direct employment in industry, or entry into a non-traditional field combining the knowledge of chemistry with another discipline. This degree provides the flexibility to double major or minor in another field of study, for example education. Professional schools attended by graduates include:

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Optometry

  • Forensics

  • Nurse practitioner and physician assistant programs

Stonehill College offers a 3+2 Engineering Program in collaboration with The University of Notre Dame. Students in the 3+2 Engineering Program receive a B.A. in Chemistry from Stonehill College and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame.

The Chemistry minor provides a strong understanding of fundamental principles and techniques of chemistry as well as the application of those principles to biological, environmental and industrial processes.

The Flexibility to Pursue Other Interests

One aspect that sets Stonehill’s Chemistry program apart from others is that students have a chance to do more than just science. If they are pursuing a second major or are involved in athletics, the Department does its best to adjust class schedules to try to accommodate students. Many schools only offer labs in the afternoon, which forces some students to choose between athletics and science. Stonehill offers labs in both the morning and the afternoon.

Three Things to Know About the Program

Unless they are in class or a meeting, chemistry faculty members are almost always in their offices at any given time on weekdays, and they are available to students at other times by text, email, phone and social media. Every student is known on a personal level by several professors.

The Department also tailors its offerings to meet your scheduling needs. This helps make Stonehill more cost effective than other schools, where it’s more likely to take more than four years to graduate, driving up tuition and boarding costs.

At Stonehill, science students get to use equipment that, at other schools, is often only available to faculty or graduate students. A High Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer, for example, is a $230,000 instrument that our chemistry majors are using the first semester of their first year.

Recent Accolades

Organizations involved in assessing U.S. colleges and universities continually cite Stonehill as being among the best in the nation when it comes to value, outcomes and a commitment to making the world a better place. See full list of accolades.

Sample Courses

Theme-based General Chemistry

The first semester of chemistry is offered as a theme-based course focused on such topics as Forensics, Food and Nutrition or Environmental Chemistry. These courses are taught with lecture and lab integrated into a cohesive experience with one professor rather than as separate lecture and lab components.

Sequence of Introductory Courses

After one semester of General Chemistry, students begin the two-semester sequence of Organic Chemistry. With this arrangement of courses, students get a taste of more types of chemistry in their first year. In addition, students with an interest in the biological aspects of chemistry learn the chemistry that is more applicable to their biological interest sooner. After Organic Chemistry I and II, chemistry and biochemistry majors take Inorganic Chemistry while biology majors return to a second semester of General Chemistry, usually in the spring of their sophomore year.

Seminar & Thesis

Juniors and seniors meet with the entire faculty every week for Seminar. In the fall semester, every student presents a seminar based on an article from chemical/biochemical literature. In the spring semester, seniors present and defend their theses, which are based on their original research projects.

Graduate & Professional School Placements

Over half of Stonehill chemistry and biochemistry graduates continue their education in graduate or professional school. 

See the full list of graduate and professional placements

Outside Partnerships & Special Programs

Stonehill College has developed academic affiliations with colleges and universities that enable our students to augment the degree they earn at Stonehill with graduate and undergraduate degrees that further enhance their opportunities.

Earn Two Degrees in 5 Years

The Skyhawk Accelerated Dual Degree allows Stonehill students to earn a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Stonehill College in five years. Eligible students receive early and expedited admission to their graduate program of interest and can begin working toward a master's degree in education, data analytics or marketing during their senior year.

Career Placements

Stonehill chemistry graduates have found employment as analytical chemists, synthetic chemists and pharmaceutical chemists. We also have recent graduates teaching chemistry and others working as forensic chemists. 

See full list of career placements

By the Numbers

Stonehill’s Chemistry program enables students to obtain skilled technical positions after graduation or continue their education in graduate or professional school.

3%
TOP 3% OF HIGHEST PAID GRADS

The early career salaries for graduates of Stonehill's Biochemistry and Chemistry programs are among the top 3% in the field, according to College Factual

“My professors are basically my idols. Professor [Marilena] Hall was my advisor since freshman year and she’s such a great role model. She knows me for not only my academics but she knows me as a person, which is really great.”

Team Vaccine

In a poignant reflection of Stonehill’s mission, a number of students and alums are putting their degrees to work in the race for a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Have Questions?

Daniel R. Rogers

Daniel R. Rogers

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Chemistry Department Chair
Chemistry