Department of Chemistry

Majors:

• Biochemistry (B.S.)
• Biochemistry Professional (B.S.)
• Chemistry (B.S.)
• Chemistry Professional ( B.S.)
• Chemical Engineering (B.S.)
• Chemistry Education (B.S.)
• Cytotechnology (B.S.)
• Medical Technology (B.S.)
• Pre-Physical Therapy (B.S.)
• Pre-Occupational Therapy ( A.S.)
• Pre-Physician Assistant (A.S.)
• Pre-Speech-Language Pathology (A.S.)

Minor:

• Chemistry

Purpose
It is the purpose of the Department of Chemistry to prepare its students for acceptance into graduate and professional schools, to provide training required for employment in the laboratories of government and industry, and to prepare them for careers in teaching chemistry at the secondary level. While pursuing these objectives, the department seeks to offer its students a quality program of chemical education that underscores the importance of the liberal arts and nurtures the integration of faith and reason.

It is the purpose of the Allied Health Program to prepare students choosing allied health careers, to give guidance regarding the choice of schools to complete their professional education, and to aid in their placement in professional school.

High School Preparation
Students planning to study chemistry at Oakwood should include as many science and mathematics courses as possible in high school, and they should endeavor to make superior grades in these courses. The following courses are strongly recommended: Algebra I, Algebra II, Precalculus, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Application for Admission
To be admitted as a major in the Department of Chemistry, students must have completed at least 32 hours of course work, including EN 112 Freshman Composition, and have an overall minimum GPA of 2.25.

Exit Examinations
Chemistry majors will be required to take an exit examination prepared by the American Chemical Society that will be administered in the junior year. The examination is designed to ascertain the student’s general knowledge of the subject areas of general, organic, analytical, physical chemistry, instrumental methods and biochemistry. A minimum of 40 percent is required for passing, and if failed, the student may repeat the examination in the senior year. Allied health majors will be required to take an exit examination that will be administered in the junior or last year of their respective pre-professional program. A minimum of 50 percent is required for passing.

Career Opportunities
Ask an old chemist what he would like most, and his answer would be, ''a young chemist.” This statement describes the atmosphere of enthusiasm about chemistry and chemical research that permeates the department. Indeed, chemistry at Oakwood is an exciting confrontation of the student with the theories and the methods of modern chemistry and biochemistry. Many of the graduates of this department have earned doctoral degrees in science, medicine, and dentistry from some of the most prestigious universities in this country and in Europe. Others have achieved successful careers in the laboratories of government and industry as chemists, biochemists, and engineers. Oakwood has been listed as one of the 23 historically Black colleges that are most productive of Black scientific talent.

Most of the growth that is occurring in health professions is happening in the allied health careers. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and physician assistant are examples of allied health careers that are consistently on the Bureau of Labor Statistics list of highly desirable–professions that will enjoy good salaries and job security due to their role in the health care system and because demand outstrips supply. Minority students are especially needed in the allied health professions, as Blacks are underrepresented in almost every health profession. However, good academic preparation is vital to success. Therefore, the Allied Health curriculum and advisement are designed to maximize academic success and support the University’s mission to assist in the development of Christian character.

Early Selection Program (ESP)
Medical/Dental Scholars - Loma Linda University - Oakwood University Early Selection Program (NS 320)

To be eligible for admission to Loma Linda University School of Medicine/Dentistry Scholars Early Acceptance/Selection Program applicants must complete the usual prerequisite courses for entry into Loma Linda University School of Medicine/Dentistry as outlined in the School of Medicine/Dentistry Bulletin. Students shall be eligible for nomination during their junior year.