BS in Chemistry

A Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Siena Heights University will provide preparation for either entrance into the chemical workforce or for post-graduate education.

Our emphasis on a broad-based approach to chemical principles, coupled with an introduction to chemical research, has produced graduates who have successfully made the transition from student to professional.

The program provides a solid grounding in all the areas of modern chemistry. Our graduates have either successfully entered the workforce, or have gone on to attend graduate and professional schools.

Chemistry is often referred to as the Central Science because chemical behavior plays a vital role in every aspect of daily life. Students majoring in chemistry at Siena Heights University receive training in all areas of chemistry and in their senior year they perform an independent research project.

Our emphasis is on producing chemistry graduates that have a firm grasp of the basic principles of chemical science and who are ready for a wide variety of possible career paths.

Recent senior projects have included:

• A theoretical study of compound stabilities
• Design and testing of solvent-resistant polymers
• Isolation and assay of an enzyme from beef liver
• The study of the relationship between molecular structure and reactivity
• Catalysis of the hydroxamate hydrolysis reaction
• Computational study of protein-ligand binding
• Synthesis of the plant metabolite camalexin

These activities emphasize not only the abilities necessary to carry out meaningful research, but also stress the importance of having good communication skills.

Fast Fact

All Chemistry majors undertake a research project in their senior year. This includes the design and execution of the project, followed by a written report and an oral presentation. This experience will introduce students to all aspects of the research process.

Program Distinctions

• Diverse faculty. Dr. Steven Wathen specializes in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Cheminformatics and has more than 25 years of experience teaching chemistry. Dr. Julius Nagy teaches General Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry as well as a class in Culinary Chemistry; before coming to Siena Heights University, he worked in corporate Research and Development for 20 years. Our newest faculty member, Dr. Krishanthi Weerasinghe teaches Physical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, and Physics.
• Local connections. The chemistry program at Siena Heights University has connections with local chemical firms such as Anderson Development and Wacker Silicones. Many of our chemistry majors have been able to get work experience in the polymer industry through internships at these companies.
• Early acceptance. Chemistry majors who meet eligibility requirements can receive early acceptance into Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s medical, dental, or pharmacy schools.

Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded in 1919 and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Enrolling a diverse community of traditional-age and working adult students, Siena Heights is a coeducational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission that was founded in the liberal arts tradition, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The University is headquartered in Adrian, Mich., with degree completion centers in Dearborn, Southfield, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Jackson, and Online.

Mission

The name Siena honors St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century Italian Dominican who dedicated her life to a quest for truth and social responsibility. Similarly, the mission of the institution – to help students become more competent, purposeful, and ethical – grows out of the philosophy of Siena.

Throughout its history, Siena Heights has built a proud tradition of innovative responses to challenging social needs. Originally a college for women who intended to become teachers, Siena broadened its offerings over the years and by the 1950s was recognized as one of the nation’s 10 best liberal arts colleges for women.

The mission of Siena Heights University, a Catholic University founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

In addition to the accreditation of Siena Heights University by the Higher Learning Commission, the following academic programs are accredited by their professional organizations:

• BFA and BA Programs in Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
• BSW in Social Work is accredited by the Council for Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE).
• The Division of Education at Siena Heights University is granted Accreditation at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing at Siena Heights University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
• The master’s degree program in nursing at Siena Heights University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Siena Heights holds membership in the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Michigan Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan, the Michigan Colleges Foundation (MCF), the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Council for Opportunity in Education, the Association of Governing Boards, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and several athletic conferences, including the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

The University is authorized to prepare students for teacher certification in Michigan and other states. Upon request, students may review University accreditation at the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Sacred Heart Hall, Room 202, on the Adrian campus.