The Chemistry Program

Chemistry students are problem-solvers by nature; they are not only excited to discover the meaning behind a mathematical concept or puzzle, but they learn to become independent thinkers. Students learn how to keep meticulous notes in a laboratory setting, develop analytical skills, and learn to become assertive through their presentation of scientific data. Approximately 100 students currently study in the chemistry program, and sixteen students graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.

Because Stevenson University is a small campus comprised of just over 3,400 students, the chemistry program is the beneficiary of an attentive administration that both purchases and updates lab equipment for the student body. Frequent training rotation enables all students within the chemistry program to become very comfortable with the lab equipment, which includes everything from a 200MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer to a  UV-vis spectrophotometer (try saying that ten times over!).  You can read more about the equipment on our webpage, underneath Academics.

Faculty members have strong experience in chemistry, and have served in various capacities in addition to being educators; environmental chemists, forensic scientists, dentists, and teachers comprise the chemistry faculty.

The program is very research-oriented; beginning in the sophomore year, students begin research assignments with faculty while completing a variety of chemistry courses. Depending on the individual student’s needs, the chemistry program curriculum may be customized to emphasize personal  interests and professional goals.  In their senior year, students select a capstone course that consists of either an internship or independent research experience.  The capstone experience is the culmination of a student’s classroom instruction, and placement depends on the student’s background; “I think every student is different,” notes department chair Ellen Roskes, a thirteen year faculty member at Stevenson University.  Indeed, students have found internships in a variety of chemical/pharmaceutical companies in the Baltimore area, and have completed research opportunities at area medical schools. For students interested in either medical or dental school, the capstone experience can be a potential “foot in the door” for admission into a graduate program.  Several students have completed their capstone research assignment at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where only 15% of Maryland residents who apply are admitted each year. One Stevenson University chemistry student was recently admitted into the School of Medicine, which testifies to the excellent preparation woven into the academic curriculum and to the dedication of the chemistry faculty. Other students have completed their capstone research assignment and have subsequently been admitted into graduate programs at Johns Hopkins University and UMBC. By coordinating with their adviser,  it is possible for students to complete research at other schools where students anticipate receiving advanced degrees. Check out the Chemistry Department’s blog, which offers a closer look at the variety of capstone experiences available to students in the chemistry program.

Just as students may customize the program to match their professional goals, there is also a pre-pharmacy track in the chemistry program specifically designed for students interested in pursuing a career in pharmaceuticals. The pre-pharmacy track enables students to complete three years of study here at Stevenson University, and a fourth year of study at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. The first year at University of Maryland School of Pharmacy articulates as Stevenson University’s fourth year, as per the pre-pharmacy track in the chemistry program at SU. The senior capstone is a 300 credit hour experience in which students assume a managerial position in a pharmacy (CVS Pharmacy); students learn about management, employee relations, and organization while applying classroom instruction in a professional atmosphere.

One track that has recently attracted many chemistry students at Stevenson University is the BS/MS track, which enables students to complete both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in as little as five years. Chemistry students typically complete their Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and pursue a Master of Science in Forensic Science. Stevenson University Chemistry students who select this track must first complete 60 undergraduate credits, attain a 3.2 cumulative GPA, and receive permission from the graduate and undergraduate department chairs. Eligible students begin taking six graduate courses (18 credits) in their junior and senior years, while paying the same tuition and receiving the same financial aid and scholarship awards as before.  The Forensic Science Program at Stevenson University is closely affiliated with the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division, and offers training from some of the MSP’s top experts in forensics. Students receive field placements in forensics laboratories utilized by Maryland law enforcement, and apply classroom instruction to hands-on experience.

The chemistry program has even taken the student’s learning experience outside of the classroom, far away in San Diego, California. One faculty member had received a summer grant and conducted research with a small group of students. The professor and students planned to fly out to San Diego to present their findings at a Biochemistry Convention there. Although the professor managed to leave Baltimore on time, the students missed their flight (although their baggage somehow wound up on the plane bound for San Diego)! The professor managed to secure the students’ bags, and was rewarded with several curious looks for claiming a dozen suitcases. Several hours later, the students and professor were reunited, and they successfully presented their findings in San Diego.

Stay tuned for more information about Stevenson University’s other exciting programs! You can learn more by visiting www.stevenson.edu and reviewing our twenty two undergraduate programs listed underneath “Academics.” You can also start the application process by clicking “Apply Now.”