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The Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science prepares students for exciting careers in science, technology, education, and beyond. With rigorous training and mentoring, students learn to tackle real-world challenges in both chemistry and environmental science while developing the skills to become scientists, educators, informed citizens, and problem solvers. Most of our graduates launch their careers or enter graduate programs within just three months of earning their degree.
"I would say one of the best aspects is the academic support and also the personal support you get."– Nathan Tortos '25, Chemistry Major and President of the Chemistry Club, and Matthew Cortese '26, Chemistry Major, share their stories.
Alumni in science and health are employed or in graduate school within 6 months after graduation
Average starting salaries in Chemistry and Environmental Science (NACE)
Noteworthy Chemistry and Environmental Science Jobs and Mid-Career Salaries 8+ Years of Experience (PayScale)
Students pursuing a BA in chemistry will receive broad exposure to the major disciplines of modern chemistry, and will have the opportunity to concentrate on at least one major discipline of chemistry. They will be exposed to state-of-the art instrumentation, and may take advantage of numerous opportunities to engage in research with faculty mentors. This degree is ideal for students who wish to pursue a career in science education at the secondary level, but also prepares students for medical school, dental school, and pharmacy school.
View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:
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Students pursuing an ACS-certified BS in chemistry will receive rigorous training in all major disciplines of modern chemistry. They will be exposed to state-of-the art instrumentation, and will leverage this instrumentation to solve authentic problems in the classroom and in research laboratories working directly with faculty. This degree prepares students for advanced study of chemistry at the doctoral level, and for immediate employment doing scientific work in chemical, pharmaceutical, and allied industries. This program requires 62-63 credit hours of chemistry and related required electives.
Accelerated Programs:
A BA in integrated mathematics and science with a concentration in chemistry will receive broad exposure to the major disciplines of modern chemistry, and will have the opportunity to concentrate on at least one major discipline of chemistry. They will be exposed to state-of-the art instrumentation, and may take advantage of numerous opportunities to engage in research with faculty mentors. This degree is ideal for students who wish to pursue a career in science education at the secondary level, but also prepares students for medical school, dental school, and pharmacy school.
The BS in medicinal biochemistry program offers a unique interdisciplinary curriculum, outlined with advanced level biochemistry as well as medicinal chemistry courses. Course offerings such as biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biophysical chemistry, will provide students with a solid foundation of various biochemical and physical concepts of medicinal biochemistry. The students will also be trained in cutting-edge research and problem-solving skills.
The MS in materials chemistry, a unique offering at William Paterson University, provides chemists, chemistry educators, and materials scientists with a cutting-edge curriculum focused on the design and synthesis of next-generation materials. This program provides practical, employment-oriented training, and facilitates the advanced study of physical, chemical, and electromagnetic properties of biomaterials, nanomaterials, polymers and other modern materials. More info »
The BS in Environmental Science and Sustainability explores the interaction between humans and the environment through both the natural sciences and interdisciplinary perspectives. Students begin with foundational courses in biology, chemistry, and other natural sciences, and progress to advanced coursework that links these sciences to environmental challenges. The program also integrates studies of society, politics, and human health as they relate to environmental problems, emphasizing the formation, development, and management of environmental resources. Designed to provide a holistic understanding of the environment, the program culminates in a Senior Practicum, where students apply their training to a real-world case study to broaden their understanding of a specific environmental issue.
The BA in earth science major is designed for students who wish to apply to the K-12 teacher preparation program in which a double major in education is required. Students must complete a sequence of education courses offered by the College of Education in order to achieve licensure. Earth science is an integral part of instruction in the K-12 classroom as defined by the New Jersey Core Content Science Standards.
Accelerated Program:
A BA in integrated mathematics and science with a concentration in environmental science gives students a broad knowledge in the fields of geology, ecology, chemistry, physics, and biology. Students must also complete requisite courses in calculus and statistics. This broad foundational knowledge is ideal for students pursuing a career in science education at the secondary level, but is also useful for graduate studies and careers in environmental sciences.
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Our expert faculty prepare students in chemistry and environmental science with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in industry, research, education, and government. The department fosters inclusive learning communities that emphasize scientific scholarship, hands-on research, and understanding of the earth, natural environment, and human–environment interactions. We offer the BS in Chemistry, BS in Environmental Science, BS in Environmental Sustainability, and the BA in Earth Science, as well as an Environmental Science minor.
In our chemistry and environmental science programs, students learn in-demand skills that employers have identified as critical for job candidates, including:
Graduates of the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science pursue careers in industry, government, education, and research. They work in pharmaceuticals, health care products, electronic materials, manufacturing, environmental agencies, homeland security, law enforcement, and patent offices. Alumni also serve as scientists, lab analysts, environmental technicians, forest managers, and education specialists. Earth Science graduates are especially prepared to teach at the middle and high school level. Many continue to advanced study in chemistry, environmental science, medicine, nanoscience, engineering, and related fields. With growing demand for sustainability and scientific expertise, our graduates are ready for leadership in business, government, and academia.
"The dedication of my professors not only cultivated a deep passion in me for environmental science, but has also inspired me to look at the world like a scientist – to question and think critically. This skill opened the door for me to participate in a large laboratory-based research project alongside two of my professors, who are studying shark thermoregulation. It’s been an honor to work so closely with such talented scientists, and to serve as a lead author on an abstract about our work. Ultimately, I hope one day to be a professor, too."
Allison Neumann ’19 Environmental sustainability major, master’s student in applied science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
"My professors provided the opportunity to explore the relationship between theory and experiment, and gave us unique opportunities to not only delve into research atypical of an undergraduate institution."
Jason Codrington CHEMISTRY MAJOR, ATTENDED UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, MILLER SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.
And we're ready to help you grow. At William Paterson, we provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to forge forward as a powerhouse—both in the classroom and in their careers. Apply today to discover your potential.
Just one year after earning his bachelor’s degree in environmental sustainability from William Paterson University, Jason Peralta ‘25 has already devoted more than 1,700 hours to protecting New Jersey's waterways, educating residents, and collecting scientific data that helps monitor the state's environmental health.
Peralta recently completed an AmeriCorps term with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Watershed Ambassadors Program. During his 10-month service term, he delivered 67 educational presentations, conducted 38 biological and habitat stream assessments, identified more than 1,000 aquatic macroinvertebrates, and partnered with community organizations on cleanup, restoration, and tree-planting projects.
For Peralta – a first-generation college graduate from Hackensack, New Jersey who came to WP via the Educational Opportunity Fund – those accomplishments represent more than impressive statistics; they reflect the opportunity to translate classroom learning into meaningful public service.
“Serving with AmeriCorps has been an amazing experience,” Peralta says. “I loved organizing community events where we can come together and build our environment up, whether it be removing trash or planting trees. It was pleasant to see the community work toward a common goal: taking care of our planet.”
As an undergraduate, Peralta immersed himself in opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. An Honors College student in the Global Public Health track, he complemented his environmental sustainability major with minors in public health, social justice, and anthropology, developing a multidisciplinary perspective on the connections between environmental systems and human health.
“William Paterson shaped the way I approach environmental challenges by combining faculty mentorship with hands-on learning opportunities,” Peralta says. “These experiences strengthened my analytical skills, introduced me to field and laboratory research, and prepared me to address environmental challenges that impact both ecosystems and public health.”
Working closely with environmental science professors Michael Griffiths and Nicole Davi, Peralta studied soil and lake sediments, as well as tree rings, to better understand climate history and environmental change.
His academic experience opened doors to competitive summer research opportunities, including a National Science Foundation-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, where he studied urban ecology and biodiversity alongside some of the nation’s best scholars. He also completed internships with Rutgers University's Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve and Cornell University Cooperative Extension in New York.
Peralta developed leadership skills at William Paterson, serving as a member of the swim team, an Honors College Peer Leader, Student Ambassador, Orientation Leader, and student representative to the University Board of Trustees. Those experiences, he said, helped prepare him to communicate effectively with diverse audiences – an important part of his work as a Watershed Ambassador.
Looking toward his next chapter, Peralta is currently interviewing for full-time professional roles as an environmental health scientist.
