Majors, minors & more
Chemistry
College of Arts and Sciences
- Offered as:
- Major
- Minor
- Graduate program
Overview
Chemistry is the branch of science that studies the nature and characteristics of substances and the changes they undergo. Being concerned with the building blocks of all materials—atoms and molecules—chemistry is fundamental to most scientific disciplines and technology.
Specialization tracks available
- Strengths of the program
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- 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.
- Requirements and core courses
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Certification requirements
2.0 grade point average
Chem 105: Principles of Chemistry I
Chem 106: Principles of Chemistry II
Math 171: Calculus ISuggested classes for freshmen
Chem 105: Principles of Chemistry I
Chem 106: Principles of Chemistry IISuggested 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 CoursesBiology 106: Introductory Biology: Organismal Biology
Biology 107: Introductory Biology: Cell Biology & Genetics
Stat 212: Introduction to Statistical Methods
Physics 101, 102: General Physics I & IIBS 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 LaboratoryChem 425, 426: Quantitative Instrumental Analysis & Lab
Chem 401: Modern Inorganic Chemistry
Chem 410: Advanced Synthesis and Characterization
Chem 495: Directed Research
Chem 499: Special ProblemsBiology 102: General Biology OR Biology 106: Introductory Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics
Physics 201, 202: Physics for Scientists and Engineers I & II
- Scholarships and financial aid
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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.
- Suggested strengths, interests, and preparation
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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.
- Careers in chemistry
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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