Southeastern Louisiana University

What you'll study

This programme builds a strong foundation in general, organic and physical chemistry before concentrating on optics and quantum chemistry topics. You study core chemistry coursework alongside supporting mathematics and physics, with an emphasis on both experimental laboratory skills and theoretical methods.

• Core chemistry modules: general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry and inorganic chemistry, each combined with laboratory components that emphasise technique, data analysis and safety.
• Optics and photonics modules: courses covering optical spectroscopy, laser principles, photonics fundamentals, and applications of light–matter interaction in materials and instrumentation.
• Quantum chemistry and theory: instruction in quantum mechanics as applied to chemical systems, molecular orbital theory, computational chemistry methods (including ab initio and density functional approaches) and modelling of electronic structure and spectra.
• Supporting subjects: calculus, differential equations, classical mechanics and electromagnetism from the physics curriculum to support quantitative understanding of optical and quantum phenomena.
• Laboratory and practical experience: hands-on training with spectroscopy (UV–Vis, IR, fluorescence), basic laser setups, and computational chemistry software; emphasis on experimental design, error analysis and scientific communication.
• Research and capstone: options for mentored undergraduate research projects with faculty in chemistry and physics, a senior seminar or capstone project that integrates laboratory and computational work, and opportunities to present findings at university symposia.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary-school credential with strong preparation in chemistry and mathematics. Typical expectations include successful completion of college-preparatory chemistry, algebra and geometry; coursework in precalculus or calculus and physics is recommended.

• First-year applicants: a high-school diploma or equivalent with a record of science and mathematics courses. Admissions decisions consider academic preparation and overall profile.
• Transfer applicants: submission of official college transcripts demonstrating completed coursework in general chemistry and college-level mathematics; evaluation of transfer credit is undertaken by the university.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary-school credentials and proof of English language proficiency where required.
• Additional considerations: applicants who intend to pursue the optics/quantum emphasis are encouraged to highlight any laboratory experience, computer programming or research activities; placement testing in mathematics may be used to determine appropriate first-year courses.

Career prospects

Graduates with a chemistry degree focused on optics and quantum chemistry are equipped for a range of technical and scientific careers or further study. The programme emphasises transferable laboratory, computational and quantitative skills valued across sectors.

• Industry roles: positions in photonics and optical instrumentation companies, materials and coatings manufacturers, semiconductor and sensor firms, and companies developing lasers or imaging systems.
• Research and development: laboratory technician or R&D assistant roles in private and government laboratories, particularly where spectroscopy and materials characterisation are important.
• Computational and modelling jobs: roles using computational chemistry and modelling tools in materials science, chemical informatics and related fields.
• Further study: preparation for graduate study (MSc or PhD) in chemistry, physics, optical sciences, materials science or engineering; professional programmes in patent law or science policy are also possible pathways.
• Education and outreach: teaching at the secondary level (with appropriate certification), laboratory instruction, or technical support and training roles.

Why study at Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana University offers a student-centred chemistry programme with small class sizes and considerable access to faculty mentors. The Department of Chemistry & Physics emphasises undergraduate research and hands-on learning, enabling students to gain real laboratory and computational experience early in their studies.

• Undergraduate research opportunities: students can work directly with faculty on projects related to optical spectroscopy, materials characterisation and computational chemistry, often presenting work at campus events and regional conferences.
• Laboratory and instrumentation access: coursework and research make use of teaching laboratories and departmental instrumentation for spectroscopy and material analysis, giving practical experience applicable to industry and graduate study.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: close ties between chemistry and physics courses support a coherent optics and quantum focus, and collaboration with nearby regional industry and research partners can support internships and applied projects.
• Student support and career services: advising, career counselling and internship-placement assistance help students plan academic paths and transition into employment or graduate programmes.