You think
- explosions and fascinating color changes are a blast (literally)
- working with complex instruments is fun
- there’s nothing better than figuring out the chemical composition of a material or a process
All of which means there’s a place for you in chemistry at Bethel College.
No technicians
At Bethel, you the student operate the instruments. You’ll be in the lab from the start. If we have an instrument, you will learn to use it.
That means
- you gain knowledge and skills employers and graduate schools value.
- your undergraduate experience gives you an edge over peers from other schools.
- the senior research project required of all majors will also add to your resume.
Choose your path.
A chemistry degree from Bethel College can take you to
- graduate school
- industry
- teaching
- and more – take a minute to see what some of our alumni have accomplished.
A note on “Natural Sciences”
If you don’t want to commit to a single field of science, the Natural Sciences major is an option – available only by request at the end of your sophomore year and subject to approval by the department chair. You must complete at least 18 upper-level hours in one of the sponsoring departments: athletic training; biology; chemistry; computer science; mathematics; physics; or psychology.
Want to talk more with faculty and current students? Schedule a campus visit.
Already visited campus, but want to come back to interview for a science or STEM scholarship? Schedule an interview.
Internships/research
Bethel students recently have had internships at:
- University of North Dakota chemistry department
- Hospira, McPherson, Kan.
- University of Notre Dame chemistry department
- Iowa State University chemistry department
- University of Kansas Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Kansas State Department of Health and Environment, Topeka
- University of Pittsburgh chemistry department
- Envision, Wichita
- Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, Wichita
Recent undergraduate research projects include:
- Synthesis of Inorganic Heterocycles for Combination with Main Group Elements
- Development of an Integrated Test Methodology for Common Defense Sprays
- Feasibility Studies for the Determination of Homocysteine
- The Effects of D-Glucosamine on E. Coli Plasmid DNA, pBr322
- Atomic Coloring of Gamma-brass (Cu5Zn8)
- The Alteration of Becquerelite to Studtite in the Presence of H2O2
- Methods of Total N Analysis in Soil
- Determination of Arsenic in Soil Near CCA Pressure Treated Wood
- Immobilization of Chiral Compounds within Porous Hosts
- Organometallics in Highly Regioselective SN2 Reactions of Allyl Chlorides
- Synthesis and Destruction of Toxic Substances on Nanoparticles of Zinc Oxide
- Studies of Catalytic Decomposition of H2O2 on Transition Metal Doped OMS-2
Post-graduate careers include:
- Industrial chemist
- Pharmaceutical chemist
- Research chemist
- Analytical chemist
- Forensic scientist
- Chemistry teacher (secondary or post-secondary)
- Chemical engineer
- Petroleum engineer
- Environmental chemist
- Physician
- Dentist
- Optometrist
- Pharmacist
- Steph Thimm – ’06
- Steph is a graduate student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy.
- Daniel Unruh – ’06
- Daniel is a graduate student at the University of Notre Dame in the Department of Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences.
- Sara Hobbs – ’06
- Sara is a graduate student at Iowa State University in the Department of Chemistry.
- Adam Robb – ’06
- Adam is a high school chemistry teacher at Moundridge (Kan.) High School.
- Amanda Regier – ’05
- Amanda is a medical student at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.
- Luke Schmidt – ’03
- Luke’s love of chemistry and physics led him to pursue both a masters and PhD in physics with a specific interest in astrophysics. He is currently an assistant research scientist at Texas A&M University.
Summer Science Institute
The Summer Science Institute takes place annually on campus, generally in the first full week of June. The institute offers high school students who have completed grades 10-12 opportunities for research investigation in multiple areas of science, including biology, psychology, mathematics, chemistry and computer science. Students study fascinating and challenging topics that high school courses typically do not cover, with a focus on learning how to do research through close interaction with faculty. Bethel students can gain practical experience in science instruction and lab supervision as Summer Science Institute staff.
- Major requirements for Chemistry:
- 45 hours
- Major requirements for Chemistry teaching licensure:
- 24–26 hours, plus additional coursework in general education requirements for teacher licensure and professional education requirements
- Minor requirements for chemistry:
- 16 hours
A Natural Sciences major is an option if you do not want to commit to a single field of science. This major is available only by request at the end of the sophomore year and must be approved by the department chair. You must complete at least 18 hours in one of the sponsoring departments (athletic training, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics and psychology); 18 hours must be upper-level from the departments listed.
