Chemistry, BS

Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences and Technology

109 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Chemistry?

The Department of Chemistry, in addition to its core of fundamental studies in Physical, Inorganic, Organic, Analytical and Biochemistry, has added a variety of elective courses that offer diversity in training, study and research at the undergraduate level.  Within the department, faculty members are active in many research areas including Organometallic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Photochemistry, Protein and Nucleic Acid Biochemistry, Molecular Biology of Viruses, Electrochemistry, Molecular Spectroscopy, Reaction Kinetics, Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry, Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, and new areas of computer applications.

Why Consider a Chemistry Major? 

The programs of study within the Chemistry major provide many benefits to students.  There are a wide variety of accredited programs that are 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 opportunities for research work under the direction of a faculty advisor. 

The Chemistry Department at Western Washington University is approved by the American Chemical Society, and students who complete the Bachelor of Science in the Chemistry program receive ACS certification of their degree.

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. Application may be made through the chemistry department, Chemistry Building 270. Admission to the BS-Chemistry major will be in two phases. Students will be designated Phase I majors until they have completed CHEM 121, 122, 123, 351, 352 and MATH 124, 125. Students will be admitted to Phase II based on their performance in Phase I. Students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the Phase I courses will be given preferential admission to Phase II. Students with a grade point average below 3.0 will be considered on a case by case basis for remaining spaces in the major. See the department’s website for more details. The chemistry department at Western Washington University is approved by the American Chemical Society, and students who complete the Bachelor of Science in chemistry program receive ACS certification of their degree.

A typical four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Science (ACS certified) 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.