• Learn from a faculty of recognized scientists who provide opportunities for students to conduct independent research and present work at national meetings. Chemistry majors are required to participate in research.
• WSU’s chemistry department is one of the premier research programs in nuclear and radiochemistry.
• Faculty publish their research in journals and attract more than $6 million in external funding each year.
• The department has produced several winners of the prestigious national Goldwater Scholarship.
• Graduates have a high success rate in landing employment and being accepted into recognized graduate and professional schools.
• The department is nationally known for its excellent undergraduate preparation and state-of-the-art lab facilities.
• Students can join a math, science, and engineering residence hall and share classes with neighbors, study together, and use the hall’s computer lab.

Certification requirements

2.0 grade point average
Chem 105: Principles of Chemistry I
Chem 106: Principles of Chemistry II
Math 171: Calculus I

Suggested classes for freshmen

Chem 105: Principles of Chemistry I
Chem 106: Principles of Chemistry II

Suggested classes for transfer students

If transferring in as a junior (two years of college credit):

• One year (3 terms) organic chemistry
• One year (3 terms) calculus-based physics and multi-variable calculus (equivalent of Math 273)

If transferring in after freshman year (one year of college credit):

• One year (3 terms) of general chemistry
• At least the equivalent of Math 171

Core courses

For bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) degrees:

• Chem 105,106:  Principles of Chemistry I & II
• Chem 220, 222:  Quantitative Analysis & Lab
• Chem 345, 348:  Organic Chemistry I, II, & Lab
• Chem 370:  Chemical Biology
• Chem 398:  Undergraduate Seminar
• Chem 485:  Senior Thesis in Chemistry

Math requirement

• Math 171: Calculus I (BS & BA)
• Math 172: Calculus II  (BS)
• Math 273: Calculus III   (BS)
• Math 220: Introductory Linear Algebra  (BS)

BA degree core courses

Chem 301:  Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry
Chem 338:  Physical Chemistry for Chemical Biology
5 credits of 300 or 400 level course work from BS Courses

Biology 106:  Introductory Biology:  Organismal Biology
Biology 107:  Introductory Biology: Cell Biology & Genetics
Stat 212:  Introduction to Statistical Methods
Physics 101, 102:  General Physics I & II

BS degree core courses

Chem 330: Problem Solving in Physical Chemistry
Chem 331, 333: Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics & Lab
Chem 332, 334:  Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics Lab
Chem 347: Organic Qualitative Analysis Laboratory

Chem 425, 426: Quantitative Instrumental Analysis & Lab
Chem 401: Modern Inorganic Chemistry
Chem 410: Advanced Synthesis and Characterization
Chem 495: Directed Research
Chem 499: Special Problems

Biology 102: General Biology OR Biology 106: Introductory Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics
Physics 201, 202: Physics for Scientists and Engineers I & II

For chemistry students

The department of chemistry awards tens of thousands of dollars each year in departmental scholarships to our undergraduate students. The department also hires many work-study students to work in laboratories.

For all students

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

The active undergraduate chemistry club—sponsored by the American Chemical Society—provides student mentoring, sponsors social events, and develops programs for high school and junior high school students.

Recommended preparation for college chemistry:

• Essential high school preparation includes writing, mathematics, and science through the chemistry level.
• Calculus and advanced chemistry are highly recommended.
• Students should take two years of a foreign language in high school, which will also meet a WSU graduation requirement.

Learn more about chemistry

To learn more about chemistry, visit the American Chemical Society website.

What you can do with a degree in Chemistry

• Medical professions

• Science teaching

• Chemical engineering

• Industrial research and development

• Research chemistry

• Industrial sales, marketing, and technical service

• Government laboratory chemistry

• Forensic science

• Science writing

• Medical and pharmaceutical sales and research

• Local, state, federal, and international law enforcement

Skills you can market with a degree in Chemistry

• Mathematical and analytical skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Ability to operate scientific equipment

• Attention to detail

• Awareness of the ethical implications of science

• Strong mathematical skills

• Time management and organization skills

• Written and oral communication and ability to share research findings via written reports and oral presentations

• Ability to assimilate scientific theories and arguments for discussion and debate

• Ability to systematically record chemical properties

• Ability to use computer software/models for processing data