The Mission of the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, & Physics at Marist College is for students and faculty to acquire a better and more systematic understanding of the Physical World, and to disseminate new discoveries to the greater scientific community. Faculty expand the knowledge, skills, and values of all students, and help transition their learning styles from passive to active.

In support of this mission, a research-rich, challenging curriculum engages undergraduate students amidst a supportive environment featuring exceptional access to faculty and facilities. The American Chemical Society-approved curriculum emphasizes extensive hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation and development of effective communication skills. Computational modeling is integrated throughout the curriculum as one mechanism to blend contemporary practice with traditional methods. A strong sense of community grows from personal attention and individualized mentoring from faculty and support from fellow students.

Students are therefore the central focus and an integral part of the Department, working side-by-side with faculty who are enthusiastically committed to the teacher-scholar model. Faculty strive to be nationally recognized in their areas of specialization by working in research partnership with students as colleagues. Most students complete original research projects, many of which culminate in presentation or publication at the national level. Marist Chemistry and Biochemistry graduates are superbly prepared to be critically thinking, ethical scientist-citizens, with a balanced understanding of theory and method. Such graduates will be successful regardless of the paths they follow after leaving Marist College.