Department of
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of how the physical world we see and experience is a reflection of the properties of the submicroscopic world of atoms and molecules. Thus, graduating chemistry majors should experience the excitement of relating molecular properties to the order they observe in nature.
The program at Pacific University is a proven pathway to a variety of rewarding careers in health professions, research, industry, business and education. Students gain a broad range of technical skills and emerge as flexible problem solvers.
Many graduates accept positions in local manufacturing and health industries immediately after graduating. Most, however, pursue advanced study either in the medical sciences or in graduate programs in chemistry or a related field.
A Quality Program 
Quality Graduates
Rachel Anderson ’02, Dentistry graduate from Harvard. Currently in
U.S. Air Force in Okinawa, Japan
Darren Bowe ’04, Medical School student at University of Washington
Kristy Drafahl ’02, Biochemistry graduate student at the U.C. San Diego
Maria Gilleece ’04, Biochemistry graduate student at Duke
Adam Glass ’05, Chemistry Ph.D. student at University of Oregon
Stephanie Kraft ’06, Ph.D. student at Nebraska Medical Center in
Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience
Alicia Little ’04, Chemist at Dyno Nobel in Deer Island, OR
Max Montano ’00, Ph.D. from U.C. Berkeley, at Intel in Hillsboro, OR
Jason Pirga ’03, Medical School student at University of Hawaii
Megan Plumlee ’03, Ph.D. Environmental engineering student, Stanford
Shaye Tamashiro ’05, Pharmacy student at Pacific University
Chris Veazey ’01, Materials Science Ph.D. from Cal. Tech. At
Novellus in Tualatin, Oregon
Professional Careers in Industry, Government:
Chemistry is a large, well-established profession. There is always a market for chemists in many areas including the following:
Chemical Industry |
Oceanography |
Microelectronics |
Pharmaceuticals |
Material science |
Forensic science |
Biotechnology |
Analytical Services |
Food science |
Fuels/Energy |
Chemical engineer |
Toxicology |
Teaching |
Environmental Services |
Research |
The median starting salary for chemists in industry with a bachelor's degree is $35,000/year while the median salary for B.S. chemists at all levels of experience is $67,000/year. Ph.D. chemists do even better with industrial salaries starting at about $72,000 and averaging about $105,000 at all levels.
Graduate School: A chemistry degree is good preparation for graduate work in chemistry, environmental science, oceanography forensics, and other areas in science. Teaching and research assistantships which typically pay about $25,000/yr, including of tuition and fees, are commonly available to graduate students in these areas.
Professional studies: A chemistry degree provides excellent preparation for many professional programs including medicine, pharmacy, optometry, law, business (MBA) and engineering.
At the end of their studies, graduating majors will:
- have a working knowledge of the basic areas of chemistry (inorganic, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry). A working knowledge is demonstrated by understanding the language of chemistry and the ability to apply formal knowledge in a problem-solving environment.
- have an understanding of principles and applications of modern instrumentation, computation, experimental design, and data analysis.
- have the ability to formulate and carry out strategies for solving scientific problems.
- be adept at working with others as part of a team to solve scientific problems.
- be good scientific communicators in both written and oral formats
- be able to read, understand, analyze and use scientific literature
- have carried out a research project.