Bachelor of Science, Major in Chemistry with Emphasis in Biochemistry

at Pittsburg State University USA

Change the world, one sustainable solution at a time with Pittsburg State University’s Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree program in Sustainability, Society and Resource Management (SSRM). Our unique interdisciplinary undergraduate program provides students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and hands-on experience required for effective resource management in today’s complex world. As a sustainability professional, you’ll be able to help employers conserve resources, improve operational efficiency; create new, more environmentally and socially responsible technologies or services; educate stakeholders about environmental and social issues, and facilitate outreach, planning and programming. Improve life for future generations; earn a SSRM degree from Pitt State.

The Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation (HHPR) is located in the new Student Recreation Center. The HHPR faculty possess a wide array of specializations. The department offers undergraduate degree programs in Exercise Science, Recreation Services, Sport and Hospitality Management, and Physical Education, five minors and certificates in Dance, Coaching, and Hospitality Management, as well as a graduate program in HHPR. Within each of the degree programs, there are emphases/concentration areas from which students select the professional paths that best fit their needs.

Community and Worksite Wellness -  Emphasis
An emphasis in Community and Worksite Wellness prepares students to advocate and create a culture of wellness both in a community setting as well as the workplace. Wellness coordinators often focus on healthy eating, physical activity, reduction in tobacco use, stress management, fitness programs, use of preventive screenings, programs and services, and improved physical environments, such as walking paths, healthy food choices, and nutritional information provided on site.

The job outlook for Health Educators and Community Health Workers is expected to grow much faster than average (16% from 2016-2026) as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. Department of Labor).

The Department of Physics at Pittsburg State University was founded in 1962 and has been dedicated to the outstanding teaching of undergraduate and graduate physics students ever since. Our faculty members are trained in a wide variety of physics-related fields and have industrial and research laboratory experience. We pride ourselves in getting to know our students and helping them through their years of academic growth at PSU.

Astrophysics - Emphasis
A Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics with an Emphasis in Astrophysics features the core courses of a professional physics degree but includes specialized courses in astrophysics as electives. This combination prepares students for advanced training in graduate school in either astronomy or astrophysics.

We have undergraduate programs covering the range of modern biology including: pre-health (pre-med, pre-dentistry, pre-vet, pre-optometry, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant), medical technology, cell and molecular biology, wildlife biology, fisheries and aquatic sciences, botany, ecology, and secondary education.

There are almost 400 students in the undergraduate program and about 20 in the graduate division. The Department of Biology has 13 full-time faculty with a wide range of interests. The faculty are dedicated and committed to Pittsburg State University and the department, but most importantly, to students. Most faculty are actively engaged in research activities, national professional organizations, and professional service.

Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences - Emphasis
Explore the fascinating diversity of aquatic ecosystems and discover practical solutions to real-world issues as part of the Pittsburg State University Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences program. The emphasis in the Department of Biology gives students the opportunities for hands-on, interactive research into rivers, lakes, wetlands, and all of their living inhabitants.

Students in this program work alongside professional biologists on a wide range of projects focused important environmental issues such as disease, pollution, preservation, and restoration of aquatic habitats.

Aspiring aquatic scientists and those inspired to serve in state and federal resource agencies should strongly consider the Pittsburg State University Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences emphasis.

Pittsburg State University's Department of Chemistry prepares students for careers in science, chemical engineering, pharmacy, chemistry teaching, pre-engineering, and other university programs that require rigorous training in chemistry. It offers eight Bachelor of Science Degrees, two Master of Science Degrees, and one minor.

Polymer Chemistry
Pittsburg State University’s Department of Chemistry, together with the Plastics Engineering Technology Program, and the Kansas Polymer Research Center, provides unprecedented bachelor and master’s degree options for students in the midwest and beyond that enable students to enter the workforce as working polymer chemists in as little as four years.

The key to our program's success lies in its qualified faculty and small class size (average class size of 15), which ensures hands-on support and guidance. Our graduates enjoy a nearly 100% placement rate in groundbreaking careers or advanced degree programs.

The Department of Family & Consumer Sciences offers baccalaureate degrees and a cooperative master’s degree program. B.S. programs are offered in Nutrition and Wellness, Community and Family Services, and two tracks in Child Development. A B.S.E. program is offered in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. The department has an Early Childhood Unified: Birth - Kindergarten program. The department offers minors in Child Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Human Ecology, Nutrition and Wellness, and Youth and Adolescent Development. The department also contributes to minors in Women’s Studies and Public Health. 

Community and Family Services - Emphasis
The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at Pittsburg State University is one of two Family and Consumer Sciences programs in Kansas and is known for getting students involved in professional development opportunities that will lead to employment across the nation. The students who select the Community and Family Services emphasis are known for their involvement with the KAFCS student organization.

The Department of Psychology and Counseling has placed its graduates in schools, businesses, agencies and hospitals throughout the region, as well as provided teachers for two and four year colleges. The department enjoys a strong relationship with area mental health agencies, with many private and governmental establishments acting as training sites for students, and using department faculty and advanced graduate students as consultants. PSU is the only school within a 100 mile radius that provides graduate training in counseling, psychology and school psychology. Additionally, no other university in Kansas has an integrated psychology and counseling department, allowing the department to offer comprehensive, in-depth programs in each area and providing students with the opportunity to experience the best in both disciplines.

Psychology, Human Resource Development - Emphasis
As a part of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, the Human Resource Development (HRD) concentration area helps prepare students for graduate training in HRD and for careers in business and industry as human resource planners, personnel directors, or employee selection specialists. Individuals trained to assist individuals in the workplace become the most effective and motivated workers who have their skills, abilities, and knowledge suitably utilized and recognized.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology was designed for students who want to pursue a career in a psychology-related field immediately after graduation. Historically, most careers in psychology and counseling require graduate training. However, there are a number of careers that do not.

The Department of Art at Pittsburg State University provides students who have an interest in art with a strong foundation in creative critical thinking and design. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with four emphasis areas: 2D Studio Art, 3D Studio Art, Illustration and Visual Storytelling, and Art Education. The BFA degree prepares students for a multitude of professional careers in studio, applied arts, and art education, and is also considered fundamental preparation for graduate degrees in the studio arts and art history.

The Department of Art faculty members are all active exhibiting artists and/or research scholars in their own respective art fields. Faculty provide students with insight and guidance as they prepare for their own careers. The student to faculty ratio in the Department of Art is approximately 15 to 1.

All art majors take a series of introductory art courses in a wide range of media, as well as art history courses, and upper level courses in their emphasis area. Additionally, students pursuing a studio art emphasis take a series of professional practice courses that introduce them to the business aspects of being working artists and developing creative careers. Those pursuing the art education emphasis receive a comprehensive art education curriculum. Students also have opportunities to participate in internships in the areas of museum studies and gallery practice or studio and creative industry.

Art  2D Studio - Emphasis
This professional degree program provides the foundational knowledge and skills required for entry into art-related career fields or graduate programs in the arts. All art majors take a series of introductory art courses in a wide range of media, as well as art history courses, and upper level courses in their emphasis area. Additionally, students pursuing a studio art emphasis take a series of professional practices courses that introduce them to the business aspects of being working artists and developing creative careers.

The Department of Art at Pittsburg State University provides students who have an interest in art with a strong foundation in creative critical thinking and design. We offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with four emphasis areas: 2D Studio Art, 3D Studio Art, Illustration and Visual Storytelling, and Art Education. The BFA degree prepares students for a multitude of professional careers in studio, applied arts, and art education, and is also considered fundamental preparation for graduate degrees in the studio arts and art history.

The Department of Art faculty members are all active exhibiting artists and/or research scholars in their own respective art fields. Faculty provide students with insight and guidance as they prepare for their own careers. The student to faculty ratio in the Department of Art is approximately 15 to 1.

All art majors take a series of introductory art courses in a wide range of media, as well as art history courses, and upper level courses in their emphasis area. Additionally, students pursuing a studio art emphasis take a series of professional practice courses that introduce them to the business aspects of being working artists and developing creative careers. Those pursuing the art education emphasis receive a comprehensive art education curriculum. Students also have opportunities to participate in internships in the areas of museum studies and gallery practice or studio and creative industry.

Art 3D Studio - Emphasis
This professional degree program provides the foundational knowledge and skills required for entry into art-related career fields or graduate programs in the arts. All art majors take a series of introductory art courses in a wide range of media, as well as art history courses, and upper level courses in their emphasis area. Additionally, students pursuing a studio art emphasis take a series of professional practices courses that introduce them to the business aspects of being working artists and developing creative careers.

The Department of Psychology and Counseling offers a Masters of Science Degree with a Major in School Counseling.

The School Counseling program prepares candidates for careers as professional school counselors in Pre K-12 settings. Candidates interested in pursuing this program are strongly encouraged to complete an undergraduate degree in education. While two years of teaching experience is no longer required for candidates planning to secure employment as school counselors in the state of Kansas, it is still recommended. Candidates without a degree in education or teaching experience will be required to complete additional coursework and other requirements. In addition to completing the 48 hour program of study in School Counseling, a passing score on the PRAXIS II specialty test for Professional School Counselor is required.

Options available for the degree include:

Option I: Thesis
This option is designed to prepare students for a doctoral program, for advanced professional careers, or for students wanting to complete an in-depth research experience.

Option II: Research Problem
This option is designed to provide a research experience that can include a specific problem, creative and aesthetic efforts such as performances, exhibits, or creative programs, or an internship.

Option III: Coursework
This option requires completion of coursework that demonstrates evidence of advanced coursework in an area of concentration. Departments will require evidence of competency through activities such as research papers, portfolios, practice, internships, comprehensive exams, or other individual work. Students should check with their major department for specific requirements for the coursework.