Chemistry, BS

Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering

100-114 credits

Why Consider a Chemistry BS Major?

The Chemistry, BS degree at Western Washington University is approved by the American Chemical Society.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry provides many benefits to students, and is designed to meet diverse career goals. There is close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes. The students have direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and there are numerous research opportunities under the direction of a faculty advisor.

Contact Information

Chemistry Department Chair Spencer Anthony-Cahill Chemistry Building 270A 360-650-3152 Spencer.Anthony-Cahill@wwu.edu

Chemistry Program Coordinators Chemistry Building 270 360-650-3070 chemistry@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

High School Chemistry Teacher | Chemical/Pharmaceutical Sales | Crime Lab Analyst | Industrial Chemist | Veterinarian | Technical Writing | Forensic Scientist | Quality Assurance Specialist | Research Scientist | Physician | Occupational Safety Specialist | Science Lab Technician | College Professor

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Admission to the Bachelor of Science major in chemistry is selective and based upon preparation and prior academic performance. Students may apply for pre-major (Phase I) status by meeting with the Chemistry Department program coordinator, in Morse Hall (CB) 270. Admission to the BS-Chemistry major will be in two phases. Students will declare pre-major (Phase I) status upon completion of CHEM 161 and remain designated as pre-majors (Phase I) until they have completed CHEM 161, CHEM 162, CHEM 163, CHEM 351, CHEM 352, MATH 124, MATH 125, and PHYS 161. Students may then apply to be considered for full-major (Phase II) status, based on their performance in pre-major (Phase I) courses. Students with a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in pre-major (Phase I) courses will be given preferential admission to full-major (Phase II) status. Students with a grade-point average below 3.0 in pre-major courses will be considered on a case by case basis for remaining spaces in the major. Note that neither completion of the prerequisites nor attainment of any specific GPA guarantees admission to full-major (Phase II) status. See the department’s website for more details.

A typical four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science (ACS approved) is described on the department’s website.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.