About Chemistry
Chemistry is part of everything we do, everything we eat, and everything we are. Understanding chemistry can help you understand the world around you.
Buffalo State offers a minor and a bachelor of science (BS) in chemistry which provides students with two concentration options: traditional chemistry and biochemistry. Both concentrations are approved by the American Chemical Society.
Chemistry is used mainly in the scientific, manufacturing, and medical industries. Graduates of our program are fully prepared to assume entry-level positions as chemists with industrial or governmental laboratories or to begin more specialized programs of study at the graduate level. Professional positions that require a strong grasp of chemistry include:
- Biochemist
- Cell Biologist
- Chemical Engineer
- Climate Data Analyst
- Conservationist
- Drug Regulator
- Environmental Data Analyst
- Forensic Chemist
- Genetic Researcher
- Groundwater Technician
- Hardware Designer
- Immunology Specialist
- Industrial Designer
- Molecular Biologist
- Oncologist
- Product Testing Specialist
- Public Health Specialist
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- Stem Cell Researcher
- Toxicologist
Phi Lambda Upsilon: A national honor society for students in chemistry, Phi Lambda Upsilon is open to students based on specified criteria of academic achievement.
Iota Sigma Pi: Iota Sigma Pi is a national honor society for women in chemistry. Membership is open to chemistry students who meet specified criteria of academic achievement.
Professional Organizations: Our Chemistry Department is professionally affiliated with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the American Chemical Society, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Royal Society of Chemistry, World Science.
Chemistry Forensics Club: This club, open to all students with an interest in forensic chemistry, holds chemistry-related activities both on and off campus throughout the year.
Chemistry-specific scholarships: The Millacci-Brock Scholarship provides $1,000 to an incoming freshman or sophomore chemistry major. Many other more generalized scholarships opportunities are available as well.
Our students have the opportunity to work as research assistants, teaching assistants, and to complete independent studies under the supervision of chemistry faculty members. As an institution, Buffalo State backs its commitment by putting substantial financial resources behind faculty-mentored undergraduate research. The Undergraduate Research Office promotes, supports, and funds undergraduate research in all academic areas—from the sciences to the arts—and for all committed students. More than 400 students present their research through posters and performances each year at the Student Research and Creativity Conference. They also compete for Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships, which support eight weeks of paid research activity
We also encourage students to pursue internships prior to graduation. Internships provide an opportunity for students to acquire realistic working experience in the “real world.” Our chemistry students have landed internships at prestigious companies including:
- TestAmerica
- PeroxyChem
- Alpha Analytical
- Paradigm Environmental Services
- IsleChem
- OxyChem
- Thermo Fisher
- Fresenius Kabi
- ADM Milling Co.
- Kinex Pharmaceuticals
- Mentholatum
- Bureau Veritas
- Albany Molecular Research
- PerkinElmer
- Honeywell
- Cleveland Biolabs
Small Class Sizes
Chemistry classes average 10 to 15 students, so that each student receives highly personalized attention.
High-Achieving Students
The Chemistry Department gives out more than 20 awards to deserving students every year.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The renovated Science and Mathematics Complex includes a 96,000-square-foot addition with state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms chemistry majors use.
Strong Job Placement
Most chemistry majors are able to find a job in the field near their desired geographic location within six months of graduation.
“Chemistry and physics seminars enable students, faculty, and staff to hear presentations on topics in current chemistry and physics research given by speakers from industry, government, and academia."
- Jinseok Heo
Associate Professor, Chemistry
“Buffalo State has my exact major and I wanted a city-like life...After visiting the campus and sitting in on a few classes, I couldn’t wait to attend.”
As a senior scientist at Vertex Pharmaceuticals in San Diego, he’s a member of the research team that developed Kalydeco, the first prescription medicine to treat an underlying cause of Cystic Fibrosis. In 2014, he won Buffalo State’s Young Alumnus Award.
