Chemistry, B.S.
If you’re naturally curious about the world around you, maybe Chemistry is the major for you. You’ll study why things are the way they are, what they’re made of, and why they react the way they do.
And there’s a reason chemistry is sometimes called “the central science”—it is an incredibly versatile field. That’s why Penn State Behrend’s B.S. in Chemistry gives you options for your future career path. You can tailor your Chemistry degree by selecting from the Biochemistry, Environmental, Pre-Health, or Professional Chemist concentrations.
Related Occupations
This field involves studying crop production, food safety, and agricultural systems to improve yield and quality. Professionals solve issues like pest control, soil health, and sustainable farming. Work takes place in labs, greenhouses, processing facilities, and agricultural fields.
This field focuses on applying engineering principles to healthcare, including designing medical devices and systems. Professionals solve problems like improving diagnostics, patient care, and therapeutic technologies. They work in labs, hospitals, or manufacturing environments, often collaborating with doctors and researchers.
Biological technicians support scientific research by preparing experiments, analyzing samples, and recording results. They solve problems in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture. Work environments include laboratories in universities, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies.
Chemical engineers develop processes to convert raw materials into useful products like fuels, plastics, or pharmaceuticals. They solve problems related to efficiency, safety, and environmental impact in industrial processes. Work is conducted in labs, manufacturing plants, and engineering offices, often in highly regulated industries.
This field explores the properties and behavior of substances to develop new materials and chemical products. Professionals solve problems related to durability, reactivity, and composition in everything from batteries to medications. Work is typically in labs, manufacturing facilities, or R&D divisions.
Professionals in this field perform tests on blood, tissues, and other body fluids to help diagnose, monitor, and treat disease. They operate complex lab equipment, analyze results, and ensure quality control. They solve problems related to disease detection, lab accuracy, and patient care support. Work is primarily conducted in hospitals, diagnostic labs, or research institutions, often in highly controlled, sterile environments with strict safety protocols.
Conservation scientists and foresters manage natural resources, focusing on the sustainable use of forests, parks, and rangelands. They solve environmental challenges such as habitat loss, wildfire risk, and land degradation. Work takes place outdoors in forests or parks, as well as in offices or government agencies.
Professionals in this field promote health through proper nutrition. They assess dietary needs, develop meal plans, and educate individuals or groups on healthy eating habits. They solve problems related to chronic disease management, food insecurity, and nutrition education. Work environments include hospitals, schools, public health agencies, and private practice.
Environmental engineers use engineering principles to solve environmental problems such as pollution control, waste management, and water treatment. They work to improve public health and sustainability through infrastructure design and regulatory compliance. The job involves office-based planning, lab testing, and site assessments in both urban and rural environments.
Environmental scientists study natural systems and human impact on the environment. They analyze pollution, climate change, and ecological disruption, developing solutions for sustainability. Work is split between fieldwork, labs, and offices, often involving regulatory or consulting roles.
Forensic scientists collect, analyze, and interpret evidence for criminal investigations. They solve crimes by examining DNA, trace materials, and digital or chemical evidence. Work occurs in labs, crime scenes, and courtrooms, with a focus on precision and legal integrity.
Geoscientists examine Earth’s structure, materials, and processes to understand natural phenomena and resource distribution. They solve problems such as earthquake risk, groundwater contamination, and mineral exploration. Work involves a mix of field research, lab analysis, and computer modeling.
Hydrologists study how water moves through the environment, from precipitation to groundwater and surface runoff. They solve problems like water scarcity, flood risk, and contamination. Their work informs infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and resource management. Work settings include government agencies, consulting firms, labs, and field sites.
Professionals study and develop materials to improve product performance and durability. They solve problems involving strength, weight, heat resistance, and environmental sustainability of materials. Work occurs in laboratories, manufacturing plants, or R&D facilities.
Medical dosimetrists calculate and plan radiation treatment doses for cancer patients, ensuring the maximum effect on tumors while minimizing risk to healthy tissue. They work closely with radiation oncologists and medical physicists. Challenges include treatment precision, patient safety, and equipment calibration. Most work in hospitals or cancer treatment centers.
Petroleum engineers design and implement methods for extracting oil and gas from beneath the Earth’s surface. They solve technical challenges related to drilling, reservoir management, and production efficiency. Work occurs in offices, laboratories, and remote field locations such as drilling rigs or offshore platforms.