B.A. in Accounting
Lycoming's B.S. in Accounting provides two tracks for students: a 150-credit hour t...
B.S. in Chemistry
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.S. in Chemistry at Lycoming College is known for its rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on practical laboratory skills. Students gain valuable experience with state-of-the-art chemical instrumentation, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, infrared spectrometers, and scanning electron microscopes, starting from their first year. The program benefits from a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized instruction and close mentorship with faculty members who are accomplished researchers and hold the highest degrees in their fields. This environment fosters a deep understanding of chemical phenomena and their applications in everyday life, preparing students for success in various scientific settings.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry at Lycoming College is definitively a STEM-designated program. This is a crucial advantage, particularly for international students, as it qualifies graduates for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This extension allows them to potentially work in the United States for up to three years after graduation in a field directly related to their major, acknowledging the program's strong emphasis on scientific methodology, quantitative analysis, and rigorous laboratory research.
Curriculum: The Chemistry curriculum at Lycoming College is designed to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education. While specific course names may vary, students typically cover core areas such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. The curriculum also integrates strong components of mathematics and physics, recognizing chemistry's role as the "central science" that bridges various scientific fields. A significant emphasis is placed on laboratory work, where students gain proficiency in experimental design, data collection, and the operation of advanced instrumentation. The program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS), allowing graduates to be certified by the ACS, indicating a curriculum that meets high national standards for professional chemists.
Research Focus: Research is a cornerstone of the Chemistry program at Lycoming College. Students are provided with substantial opportunities for undergraduate research participation alongside faculty members who have active personal research projects. This includes engaging in self-directed experimentation, conducting scientific literature searches, designing experimental procedures, and operating advanced instruments not typically available in course labs. Students are encouraged to present their findings at local and regional conferences, and some may even pursue publication in research journals. Past research has included topics such as the photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceuticals and the analysis of heavy metals in spiders, demonstrating the breadth of research interests within the department. The college's Humanities Research Center also supports collaborative student-faculty research.
Industry Engagement: Lycoming College strongly emphasizes practical industry engagement for its B.S. in Chemistry students, preparing them for a wide range of professional opportunities. The program's intensive laboratory experience and focus on cutting-edge instrumentation directly prepare graduates for careers in various industries, including chemical, pharmaceutical, and governmental laboratories. Students are encouraged to pursue competitive chemistry internships with companies such as Avery Dennison, Croda Inc., and the U.S. Geological Survey, providing crucial real-world experience. The Williamsport Internship Summer Experience (WISE) program also offers paid local internships. Opportunities exist to gain valuable teaching experience as a laboratory assistant or course tutor, and to collaborate with local schools on chemical demonstrations.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is integrated into Lycoming College's B.S. in Chemistry through the universal nature of scientific inquiry and the collaborative efforts that define modern chemical research. The curriculum explores fundamental chemical principles that apply worldwide, fostering an understanding of chemistry's global relevance in addressing challenges like pollution concerns (e.g., studies on environmental waters). While specific study abroad requirements are not detailed for the major, Lycoming College generally encourages and facilitates international experiences. Such experiences can broaden students' understanding of diverse research methodologies and the global impact of chemical advancements, preparing them to contribute to an increasingly interconnected global scientific community. Examples of student research involving water analysis in the Dominican Republic highlight this global engagement.
Location
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 49258
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Lycoming College is attracting talented international students by offering generous and competitive scholarship opportunities. These scholarships help make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to Lycoming College are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships there is no separate application required. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
Renewable Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to international students at Lycoming are renewable for up to four years, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing with the college. This continuity offers financial stability throughout the undergraduate journey.
Need-Based Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, Lycoming College offers limited need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate financial need. Students may be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for this aid. Need-based support complements merit awards to further reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Specialty Scholarships and Awards: Lycoming College occasionally provides targeted scholarships based on students’ fields of study, leadership qualities, or unique talents. International students are encouraged to inquire about available departmental awards or special grants during the admissions process.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry from Lycoming College provides graduates with a highly versatile and rigorous scientific foundation, emphasizing analytical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on laboratory expertise with modern instrumentation.
Analytical Chemist: This is a very common and direct career path. Graduates work in various industries (pharmaceuticals, environmental, food, materials, consumer products) to identify and quantify chemical components in samples, ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance with regulations. They use sophisticated instruments like those found at Lycoming.
Research Chemist / Laboratory Scientist: Graduates work in academic, government (e.g., NIH, FDA, USGS), or industrial research and development (R&D) labs, developing new compounds, materials, and processes. They design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to scientific advancements. Lycoming's strong research focus prepares students well for these roles.
Process Chemist / Production Chemist: In chemical manufacturing, graduates monitor and optimize chemical processes to ensure efficiency, safety, and quality in the production of various chemicals, polymers, and other materials.
Quality Control (QC) / Quality Assurance (QA) Chemist: Essential in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and food, these chemists perform tests to ensure raw materials and finished products meet specified quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Forensic Chemist: Graduates can apply their chemical knowledge to analyze evidence from crime scenes (e.g., drugs, fibers, toxicology samples) for law enforcement agencies, assisting in criminal investigations. The New Jersey State Police has hired Lycoming chemistry graduates as forensic chemists.
Environmental Chemist: With a focus on the chemical composition of the environment, graduates work for environmental consulting firms, government agencies (e.g., EPA, state environmental departments), or waste management companies. They analyze water, soil, and air samples for pollutants and contribute to environmental protection. Lycoming alumni have worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Combining scientific understanding with communication skills, graduates can effectively explain complex chemical and biological mechanisms of drugs to healthcare professionals, promoting pharmaceutical products for companies like Merck and Johnson & Johnson (companies where Lycoming alumni have found roles).
Materials Scientist (with chemistry background): Graduates can work in industries like aerospace, electronics, or manufacturing, developing and characterizing new materials with specific chemical and physical properties for various applications.
Science Educator / High School Chemistry Teacher: With additional teacher certification, graduates can impart their knowledge and passion for chemistry to the next generation in high schools. Lycoming supports this pathway, including programs like the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship.
