Chemistry is the fundamental science of matter, the nature of substances, and the changes occurring in them. Chemical reactions are the basis of all life on earth. Everything we are or do depends in one way or another on chemistry. A major in chemistry prepares you for a variety of careers in industry, education, and public service, or for graduate study and research in chemistry and many related fields.

The department has excellent facilities and special equipment for study and research at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are active research programs in both traditional and emerging areas of chemistry. Chemistry students at WSU are encouraged to take advantage of its excellent facilities and faculty by beginning research projects as early as possible. Research expands experience beyond the classroom into the realm of new knowledge.

An undergraduate chemistry major at WSU will: 1) demonstrate their knowledge of the principals of the major subfields of chemistry, organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemistry, and be able to use it in the solution of the daily needs and future problems of the workplace and society; 2) demonstrate independence and creativity through individual work in the research laboratory; 3) be able to access, read, and critically evaluate the chemical and general scientific literature; 4) apply their skills and knowledge of chemistry within the context of a strong, fundamental general education; and 5) communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

The Department of Chemistry is on the approved list of the American Chemical Society and offers courses of study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. The Department of Chemistry also offers a program leading to both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Chemistry within a period of five years. Students wishing to enroll in the program must declare their intentions at the end of the junior year and begin research for the MS thesis while still undergraduates. The program is designed so that the BS degree will normally be awarded at the end of four years and the MS approximately 15 months later. In order to enter this program the student’s undergraduate record must show that the final transcript will satisfy the requirements for admission to the WSU Graduate School. Further information on this program can be obtained from the Department of Chemistry.

Certification Requirements

After the beginning of the freshman year, a student interested in majoring in chemistry should consult with chemistry advisors to arrange a schedule which will permit completion of required courses in proper sequence. A student may certify as a chemistry major after completing 30 credit hours, including Chem 105 and 106, each with a grade of C or better and Math 171. All chemistry B.S. degrees are certified to the American Chemical Society and prepare a student for entry into the workforce or to pursue a graduate degree. A grade of C or better is required in all chemistry courses to fulfill requirements for the chemistry degree.