Chemistry, an option of the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program in Science and Mathematics, prepares students for transfer into traditional bachelor’s degree programs in chemistry, as well as a variety of specialized programs at four-year colleges and universities. Chemistry majors find employment in academic, industrial, and clinical laboratories and play essential roles in fields like chemical engineering, cosmetics, pharmaceutics, materials science, biotechnology, and environmental protection. Alternatively, they can choose careers in chemical sales, regulatory agencies, technical consulting, and science communication. Chemistry graduates can also pursue advanced studies, including master’s and Ph.D. programs, where they engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to scientific advancements. They can become independent researchers, college professors, or project leaders in industrial or government laboratories.
Our chemistry laboratories are equipped with modern equipment such as pH meters, electronic balances, melting point apparatuses, centrifuges, sonicators, spectrophotometers, NMR spectrometers, gas chromatographs, and HPLC systems. Computers are used in data acquisition and analysis.
Graduates are able to:
- describe and apply current scientific principles and methodologies inherent to chemical research
- describe the evolution of the models and theories pertaining to atomic structure and molecular bonding
- use the theories and concepts of modern chemistry to analyze and solve problems in the field of chemistry
- collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative data, using appropriate method and instrumentation
- communicate the results of analyses, laboratory investigations, and literature searches in an appropriate professional writing style
Raritan Valley Community College Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degree programs are designed to comply with the New Jersey Community Colleges General Education Foundation which supports transfer of courses to NJ Public four-year colleges and universities. Students who intend to transfer to a NJ college or university can further improve the transfer of courses by using the Recommended Transfer Program (RTP) feature in NJTransfer.org.