Why Major in Chemical Sciences?
Chemistry has always been considered "the central science" because of its unique position relative to other scientific fields. Biological, geological and physical problems in science often require a detailed knowledge of systems at the molecular level. Chemistry provides the experimental and theoretical basis for understanding the structure and function of all forms of matter.
Career Options in the Chemical Sciences
About 30-40 percent of chemistry majors go on to do graduate work in chemistry and related fields. Another 30-40 percent find employment in industry, and the remainder specialize in Secondary Teaching or in the 3-2 Engineering programs. More than 90 percent of Cortland graduates are employed in the field.
Employment opportunities for B.S. degree chemistry majors cover a wide range of options, including working as research assistants, quality control experts, sales and marketing staff, environmental technical support, and secondary teaching. Persons with advanced degrees can be directors of research, university professors, technical consultants, and governmental researchers among many other options. Chemists are in demand in the pharmaceutical, chemical, petroleum, and materials industries, and are employed at all levels of government involving technical operations. Chemists are also hired in non-traditional careers, such as the legal profession, in business and in health-related professions.
Chemistry at Cortland
The various chemistry programs at Cortland emphasize the four traditional areas of the field — analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. A unique advanced laboratory program gives students the opportunity to work in the lab with hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation. Most students in the program do an independent research project, which provides direct involvement with legitimate scientific research activities. The Cortland chemistry program has been accredited by the American Chemical Society, which has an established set of requirements to guarantee high standards in the program, and to certify graduates who complete the degree in chemistry.
Career Counseling
The Chemistry Department has extensive experience in providing guidance to students in pursuit of graduate school or jobs in industry. We have an established network of contacts in industry through former graduates of the department, who provide information about career opportunities and direct access to employment. Almost every student who has wanted to enter graduate school has found a suitable position. Through our extensive contacts with high schools across the state, students have ready access the teaching positions and have a very high placement record.
Chemistry Club
The Chemistry Department has a student affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society (Chem Club). This club, which is partially funded by student activity fees, provides a focus for students in all areas of chemistry to study together, to obtain tutoring services and to socialize. A special Chem Club office provides working areas and a place for joining in the clubs activities. Chem Club sponsors visiting speakers and each year takes a major trip to a scientific meeting or to a site of interest to the club members.
Summer Research Program
During the summer months students can participate in full-time research activity under the supervision of several of Cortland's faculty. Students are paid for their work in the program, and can also use the projects to form the basis for their own independent research projects for which credit is granted. Funding for this program is provided by grants to faculty from various federal, state and local agencies.