Minor in Chemistry

Adding a chemistry minor to your WSU degree will improve your critical-thinking skills and expand your understanding of science and science communications. The chemistry minor is a particularly strong match for degrees in engineering, biology, physics and mathematics, as well as psychology, anthropology, and business.

Requirements

  • 16 hours of chemistry courses, in addition to CHEM 105 and 106/116
  • You must complete all courses with a grade of C or better
A chemistry student holds a spherical beaker containing a bluish liquid while two other students observe.

Nine of your 16 credits must be 300- or 400-level courses and must be taken in residence at WSU. Transfer students may need to take an additional 300- or 400-level course to meet the residency requirement.

You must select courses from at least two of the following three areas. Note that many have prerequisites.

  • 345 (4cr.)
  • 347 (3cr.)
  • 348 (4cr.)
  • 370 (3cr.)
  • 542 (3cr.)
  • MBIOS 303 (4cr.)

  • 220 (2cr.)
  • 222 (2cr.)
  • 425 (2cr.)
  • 426 (2cr.)
  • 520 (3cr.)

  • 301 (3cr.)
  • 330 (1cr.)
  • 331 (3cr.)
  • 332 (3cr.)
  • 333 (1cr.)
  • 334 (2cr.)
  • 338 (3cr.)
  • 401 (3cr.)
  • 480 (3cr.)
  • 501 (3cr.)
  • 531 (3cr.)

Good to know:

  • If you are interested in taking CHEM 220 and 222, try to take them as close to the completion of CHEM 106.
  • MBIOS 303 is an acceptable course but cannot be used in conjunction with CHEM 370.
  • CHEM 495 and up to four credits of CHEM 499 are also acceptable courses.
  • CHEM 101 and 102 cannot be applied toward the 16 credits in the minor.

Common paths

Often students pursuing a chemistry minor are majoring in chemical engineering or life sciences majors (biology, biochemistry, etc.). These tracks are based on what level of calculus and physics you take since CHEM 331/333 have strict pre-requisites.

The most common courses these students use to complete the minor are listed below. Other chemistry courses may be substituted; the most popular alternative is CHEM 347.

Chemical Engineers (16 credits)

  • CHEM 345 (4cr.)
  • CHEM 348 (4cr.)
  • MBIOS 303 (4cr.)
  • CHEM 331 (3cr.)
  • CHEM 333 (1cr.)

Life Sciences (16 credits)

  • CHEM 345 (4cr.)
  • CHEM 348 (4cr.)
  • MBIOS 303 (4cr.)
  • CHEM 220 (2cr.)
  • CHEM 222 (2cr.)