Chemistry class with dr unger

Undergraduate preparation in chemistry opens the door to many exciting career possibilities.

Juniata students with POEs in chemistry and biochemistry have gone on to complete graduate or professional degrees in medicine and medical research, law, forensic science, material sciences such as polymers and metallurgy, toxicology, geochemistry, molecular biology, and, of course, various areas of chemistry.

Others have used their chemistry degree to start careers directly upon graduation in government or industrial laboratories of both large and small corporations, working in areas such as environmental analyses, drugs, paper, and research. Some of our graduates with POEs in chemistry rise through the corporate structure to become top-level administrators; others prefer to retain close contact with laboratory research. In contrast to joining a corporation, some of our graduates are more entrepreneurial, and undertake enterprises such as family medical practice, or start their own companies.

Designated Programs

The Chemistry Department offers four designated POEs (plus limitless individualized POEs).

  • Chemistry: Whether you plan to go to graduate school in chemistry or seek a position as a professional chemist in the commercial or government sectors your undergraduate preparation in chemistry opens the door to many exciting career possibilities.
  • Biochemistry: POEs take classes in both the Chemistry and Biology Departments and develop a multidisciplinary perspective that prepares them well for graduate programs as well as employment in a variety of fields. Biochemistry students are often interested in health-related fields and many enter medical, dental, and pharmacy school, and other professional training programs. 
  • Chemistry Secondary Education:  The perfect POE if you want to teach chemistry at the high school level. Our chemistry department provides great training in chemistry, the education department is one of the best in the state, and our Science in Motion program offers opportunities for our students to interact with area high school chemistry teachers in the classroom.
  • Chemistry Secondary Emphasis: Many students are interested in chemistry as well as other related fields. Some of these students declare a "Secondary Emphasis" in Chemistry. 

Individualized POEs

A variety of interests that involve chemistry can be accommodated through an individualized POE. Students can design their own POEs that combine Chemistry with related science fields such as Environmental Science or Geology. In order to ensure appropriate depth and breadth in topical coverage and level of laboratory experience the Chemistry Department requires that any POE with words such as “chemistry" or “chemical" in the title should, at a minimum, meet the requirements for Chemistry Secondary Emphasis. The student should also have a faculty advisor from the Chemistry Department. Any chemistry professor can help a student design a sensible POE that includes enough upper-level courses to meet the College requirements and still allow the student the flexibility he or she wants.