Chemistry is the study of the composition and interaction of all substances. Areas of study range from chemical and instrumental analysis of mixtures to synthesis and characterization of compounds to molecular modeling to the chemistry of the human body and to computational chemistry.
The degree program in chemistry at Southeastern is designed to offer the student comprehensive training in modern chemical principles in preparation for a career in industry or the health professions or for graduate study in chemistry or related fields. The study of chemistry is also important for fostering the scientific literacy of students in other disciplines, such as environmental science, law, education, and business.
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree is offered with three concentrations:
In partnership with Louisiana State University, the department offers a 5-year chemistry/chemical engineering dual degree program. Students earn their Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Southeastern and their Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from LSU.
A Minor in Chemistry may be obtained by completing 20 semester hours of chemistry, at least 6 hours of which are at or above the 3000 level, with a GPA of 2.0 in those courses. Applicable courses for the minor are as follows: Chemistry/Chemistry Lab 1210/1230, 1220/1240, 2210, 2510/2560, 2650/2670, 2660/2680, 2710/2740, 3950/3910, 3960/3920, 4520/4560, 4710/4760, 4810/4850, 4820/4860.
The purpose of the physics degree is to assist students in the learning of fundamental principles in physics and to apply these principles to a wide range of careers in science, technology, and/or engineering. The degree program in physics offers comprehensive training the major fields of physics: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. When combined with the numerous opportunities for experiential learning in physics, the degree produces students who are well prepared for a career in industry or for graduate study in physics or engineering.
The Bachelor of Science in Physics degree is offered with two concentrations:
In partnership with Louisiana State University and the University of New Orleans, the department offers a 5-year physics/engineering dual degree program. Students earn their Bachelor of Science in Physics from Southeastern and their Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from LSU or their Bachelor of Science in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering from UNO.
A Minor in Physics will be granted upon satisfactory completion of 20 semester hours in physics at the 200 level or above, eight hours of which must be Physics 221-223, and Physics 222-224.
Advanced knowledge of and experience with scientific computing is becoming increasingly beneficial for students looking to be marketable to employers and graduate programs. The Interdisciplinary Minor in Scientific Computing is easily combined with the Interdisciplinary Chemistry or Applied Physics concentrations.
Students must register as physics or chemistry majors; but students who decide to change from non-Southeastern degree seeking to Southeastern degree seeking status may not be able to complete the Southeastern degree in four years.