Two Degree Options (BA/BS)
Top-rated professors. Cutting-edge research. Two degree options.
Chemistry is fundamental to most scientific disciplines and technologies. Whether you want to be design experiments as a full-time scientist, work at a non-profit or in sales, or teach high school, there’s a chemistry degree option for you.
At WSU, lecture classes are balanced with an excellent laboratory experience designed to help you develop and apply critical analysis to both theoretical and real-world problems.
You’ll experience cutting edge research and world-class instrumentation and learn alongside nationally renowned experts in a one-to-one environment. faculty build relationships with students that strengthen career and graduate school readiness. opportunities for undergraduate students to focus on interdisciplinary research not available anywhere else in the state. For example, our Material Science or Nuclear Science program are unique to WSU both within the state and nationally.
But earning a degree in chemistry is so much more than lab coats and safety goggles. It is about discovering new ways to look at information and taking that into your career.
Your degree options:
Bachelor of Science
As a chemistry major in the bachelor of science program, your education will include opportunities to engage in high-impact practices and undertake independent research in state-of-the-art laboratories, alongside graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
The degree of choice for students planning on graduate school or who are interested in a career as an industry chemist providing testing or developing products.
The degree is certified by the American Chemical Society.
Careers possibilities include:
- Lab technician in industries spanning biotech, environmental science, forensics, healthcare, and more.
- Field scientists in a range of disciplines, such as soil science, plant pathology, food science, viticulture and enology, water systems, oceanography, and others.
An excellent option for students interested in new technologies. You’ll dive into the molecular characteristics of materials and develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the role chemistry plays in creating the built environment.
Bachelor of Arts
As a chemistry major in the bachelor of arts program, you’ll gain a broad understand of the nature and characteristics of substances and the changes they undergo, alongside opportunities for research and a wide range of electives.
A highly flexibility curriculum offers more opportunities to take electives, focus on a secondary areas of specialization, and works well for dual majors and transfer students.
For example, your individualized path might involve electives that give you a competitive edge in biotechnology, boost your marketing career with a pharmaceutical company, or give you to the tools to become a science writer.
Careers possibilities include:
- Graduate Studies: Gain a multi-disciplinary perspective while preparing for an advanced degree.
- Healthcare Professionals: A strong option for pre-professional programs such as pharmacy, medicine, nursing, physical therapy, and more.
Pair your knowledge of chemistry with educational theory and a student teaching experience and you’ll be prepared to lead the way for the next generation of scientists. You’ll graduate with a residency teacher certificate and an endorsement in chemistry.
Admission to the major
Meet with one of our academic advisors to make your intention known.
Maintain your standing
As an admitted chemistry student, you are expected to complete Chem 105 and 106 (or 116) and one semester of calculus, each with a C or better, by the time you complete 30 credits, which is usually the end of your first year at WSU. (Equivalent transfer course work may be used to satisfy this requirement.)
You must also continue to earn a C or better in all of your chemistry courses. Failure to do so may result in being released from the chemistry major.