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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.
William Paterson University in Wayne has been awarded a Trees for Schools grant of nearly $250,000 which will fund the planting of native trees and the creation of shaded outdoor learning and gathering spaces across campus.
“William Paterson is grateful to be awarded a Trees for Schools grant,” says President Richard J. Helldobler. “Our beautiful campus helps create a great educational and working environment for our students and employees, as well as serving as an outdoor laboratory and classroom, especially for environmental science and public health faculty and students. This funding will help support the work of these academic programs while also further enhancing campus aesthetics and climate resiliency.”
The Trees for Schools program is a joint effort of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Sustainable Jersey, and The College of New Jersey. Funded by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceeds, the Trees for Schools grant program will plant more than 4,500 trees at public schools, colleges, and universities across the state.
The project is directed by William Paterson professors Nicole Davi, environmental science, and Marianne Sullivan, public health, in collaboration with James Shelley, the University’s associate vice president for administration, as well as the institution’s physical plant operations team.
“This grant will significantly advance our efforts to recognize, expand, and steward the trees on our William Paterson campus, enhancing both environmental and educational outcomes,” says Davi, who adds that environmental science students will be actively involved in the project through coursework and extracurricular research such as conducting a campus-wide forest inventory, mapping existing and newly planted trees using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, estimating species diversity and richness, and calculating carbon storage over time. “These hands-on learning opportunities will enrich student understanding of urban forestry, climate mitigation, and biodiversity, while contributing real data to long-term campus sustainability goals.”
The project also will enhance the public health curriculum by adding to and extending learning modules covering the importance of trees to public health, says Sullivan. “In our undergraduate Environmental Determinants of Health course, we address the ways in which trees promote and enhance both mental and physical health,” she says. “We intend to extend the curriculum on the mental health benefits of trees and green spaces, including the role that native trees play in supporting pollinators, the health benefits of fruit and nut trees, and the ways in which Indigenous people use and have used native trees over time.”
The University plans to plant approximately 150 trees through the grant, including native species that produce edible fruit and nuts. Efforts will be made to plant trees in numerous locations on the main campus near parking lots to reduce heat island impacts and where possible near buildings to provide shade and reduce the need for air conditioning and associated carbon emissions.
The grant will cover costs associated with the purchase and planting of the trees including planning, site preparation, watering, monitoring, and maintenance over a three-year period. The tree plantings are scheduled for spring 2026.
“We are committed to maintaining these trees for at least the next 10-plus years, thanks to our dedicated grounds maintenance team and our established systems for tree care, “says Shelley. “We look to ensure long-term care and stewardship for future generations.”
The project aligns closely with ongoing faculty-led research at William Paterson focused on forest health, climate change, and native species restoration. The University is currently collaborating with the American Chestnut Foundation and SUNY-ESF to grow pure American chestnut trees on campus as part of a broader effort to restore this iconic species. Additionally, Professor Davi’s research in regional forests, including the Catskills and coastal forests of New Jersey and New York, examines how climate extremes are impacting tree growth and forest resilience. The expanded campus forest at William Paterson will provide additional research opportunities where students can directly engage in data collection and analysis, and forest stewardship.
