Chemistry Degree Plan
Degree Options
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Professional Chemistry
- Materials Chemistry
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
- Standard Option
- Teacher Preparation
Program Strengths
- Faculty publish their research in journals and attract more than $6 million in external funding each year.
- Learn from a faculty of recognized scientists who provide opportunities for students to conduct independent research and present work at national meetings. Bachelor of Science Chemistry majors are required to participate in research.
- WSU’s Chemistry Department is a premier research programs in Nuclear and Radiochemistry.
- The department has produced several winners of the prestigious national Goldwater Scholarship.
- Graduates have a high success rate in obtaining employment or being accepted into prestigious graduate and professional schools.
- The department is nationally known for its excellent undergraduate preparation and state-of-the-art lab facilities.
- Students can join a math, science, and engineering residence hall and share classes with neighbors, study together, and use the hall’s computer lab.
- The Chemistry Learning Center is located on the third floor of Troy Hall.
Student Club
Chemistry Club
Admission to the Major Requirements
Students may be admitted as Chemistry majors upon declaring their intent to the department.
Suggested Classes for Freshmen
- Chem 105: Principles of Chemistry I
- Chem 106: Principles of Chemistry II
Suggested Classes for Transfer Students
If transferring in as a junior (two years of CC):
- One year (3 terms) organic chemistry
- One year (3 terms) calculus-based physics and multi-variable calculus (equivalent of Math 273)
If transferring in after freshman year (one year of CC):
- One year (3 terms) of general chemistry
- At least the equivalent of Math 171
Math Requirement
- Math 171: Calculus I (BS & BA)
- Math 172: Calculus II (BS)
- Math 273: Calculus III (BS)
- Math 220: Introductory Linear Algebra (BS)
Career Options
- Medical professions
- Science teaching
- Chemical engineering
- Industrial research and development
- Research chemistry
- Industrial sales, marketing, and technical service
- Government laboratory chemistry
- Forensic science
- Science writing
- Medical and pharmaceutical sales and research
Core Courses BA & BS
- Chem 105, 106: Principles of Chemistry I & II
- Chem 220, 222: Quantitative Analysis & Lab
- Chem 345, 348: Organic Chemistry I, II & Lab
- Chem 370: Chemical Biology
- Chem 398: Undergraduate Seminar
- Chem 485: Senior Thesis in Chemistry
BA Degree Courses
- Chem 301: Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry
- Chem 338: Physical Chemistry for Chemical Biology
- 5 Credits of 300 or 400 level course work from BS Courses
- Biology 106: Introductory Biology: Organismal Biology
- Biology 107: Introductory Biology: Cell Biology & Genetics
- Stat 212: Introduction to Statistical Methods
- Physics 101/111, 102/112: General Physics I & II
BS Degree Courses
- Chem 330: Problem Solving in Physical Chemistry
- Chem 331, 333: Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics & Lab
- Chem 332, 334: Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics & Lab
- Chem 347: Organic Qualitative Analysis Laboratory
- Chem 425, 426: Quantitative Instrumental Analysis & Lab
- Chem 401: Modern Inorganic Chemistry
- Chem 410: Advanced Synthesis and Characterization
- Chem 495: Directed Research
- Chem 499: Special Problems
- Biology 102: General Biology
- OR Biology 106: Introductory Biology: Organismal Biology
- OR Biology 107: Introductory Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics
- Physics 201/211, 202/212: Physics for Scientists and Engineers I & II
Contact the Department of Chemistry
chem.wsu.edu
chemistry@wsu.edu
509-335-5585
Advisors
Jeremy Lessmann
jlessman@wsu.edu
Fulmer 311
509-335-2098
Krista Nishida
krista_nishida@wsu.edu
Fulmer 317A
509-335-9435