Explore our Physical Science programs

Major, Minor

Physical Sciences

Degree type:

BS, BA, Minor

Mode of study:

On-campus

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Step confidently into the STEM field through the Physical Sciences program at Mount Saint Mary's University

Start your journey into exploring the natural world at a molecular and atomic level through the Physical Sciences program at Mount Saint Mary’s University. You’ll receive rigorous, hands-on education grounded in close faculty mentorship, research experience and multidisciplinary learning while mastering instruments not commonly available to undergraduates at most large universities.

You'll have multiple opportunities to investigate your own research questions and present your findings to donors and industry professionals at a local and national level. Through numerous conferences and symposiums, you will grow your network and develop necessary skills and confidence for STEM-related career fields and graduate study.

A student walking down stairs at Chalon Campus

Every day of class within the Biochemistry major is filled with new information,

teaching something you may never have known existed till now–something to spark curiosity within a field where biology and chemistry unite as one. Kiana Cotto Biochemistry major '27

Career opportunities and program outcomes for Physical Sciences graduates

Graduates of the Physical Sciences program at Mount Saint Mary's University emerge acutely equipped for careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education and research with strong preparation for graduate and professional study in chemistry, medicine and related fields.

With conference, networking and professional growth opportunities, you'll not only be ready to enter the workforce, but qualified to lead within it.

Here are just a few places where our students went on to intern or work at:

Prepare for professional careers and graduate work in STEM

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE

Through the Physical Sciences program at Mount Saint Mary’s, you’ll enjoy a student-centered learning model with small class sizes and hands-on labs, personalized mentorship and paid summer undergraduate research program opportunities. You’ll work with industry-grade equipment and digital tools as you gain confidence investigating scientific questions.

Program concentrations

The Physical Sciences program at Mount Saint Mary's offers two program concentrations: Chemistry and Biochemistry. Choose the program concentration that’s right for your personal career objectives:

B.S., B.A., or Minor in Chemistry

Whether you choose the B.S., B.A. or Minor in Chemistry, this program builds a powerful foundation in chemical theory, laboratory techniques and analytical problem-solving as you deep dive into fundamentals laws of matter, focusing on synthesis, physical properties and advanced analytical techniques. Our chemistry programs offer hands-on, personalized laboratory instruction and individual research as you receive a comprehensive view of the principles of chemistry.

B.S. in Biochemistry

Our B.S. in Biochemistry takes an interdisciplinary lens applying chemical principles to the mystery of life itself. In this program, you'll explore the mechanisms that drive human health and disease and dive into chemical processes within living organisms. This program lays the groundwork for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, research, medicine, prosthetics, dentistry and sustainability.

Develop a strong foundation with career-level experience

Here are just a few courses you might encounter in the Physical Sciences program.

CHE 120

Instrumental Methods of Analysis

Discover how chemists uncover answers to real-world questions using modern analytical tools. This hands-on course explores practical techniques in gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy and selected electromechanical methods while analyzing real samples, building the skills and confidence you need for research, industry or graduate study.

CHE 109

Advanced Biochemistry

Prepare for your career in biochemistry in this discussion-based capstone course for Biochemistry majors as you cultivate skills in literature review, meta-analysis and research proposal development. Analyze topics like biophysical spectroscopy, DNA damage and repair, neurochemistry, biochemistry of vision and metals in biochemistry.

CHE 199

Research in Chemistry

Investigate your scientific questions and develop crucial inquiry, communication and leadership skills for STEM careers and gradaute study. In this three-semester research course, you'll design and conduct original research under faculty mentorship and present your findings at intramural, regional and national conferences. Biochemistry and Chemistry students must take this course for 3 semesters.

“We have so many success stories because we endeavor to help any student achieve their hopes and dreams in STEM fields.”

Dr. Deniz Cizmeciyan-Papazyan Professor of Chemistry

Outstanding STEM education beyond the classroom

At Mount Saint Mary’s University, your learning and development will happen in and out of the classroom as you sharpen your scientific skill, develop your network and expand your research experience.

Stauffer Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Gain research experience through SSURP, a 5-week summer research program as you work alongside the faculty member of your choice. Housing is included and you'll earn a stipend!
W.I.S.H. Club

The Women in Science and Health Club is dedicated to the exploration of the science field beyond what's usually depicted. With guest speakers from a variety of science backgrounds, this club aims to encourage more women to join the science field.聽
Symposiums

Present your research findings to the 国产传媒 community at the 国产传媒 Academic Symposium and to your 国产传媒 STEM peers and faculty at the WISH Symposium.
Conferences

Sharpen your presentation and public speaking skills and expand your network at conference like the Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research and the American Chemical Society National Meeting.