What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the identification of the substances of which matter is composed; the investigation of their properties and the ways in which they interact, combine, and change; and the use of these processes to form new substances.
Chemistry Degree(s)
Chemistry, BA
Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ's Chemistry program provides close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes, direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and opportunities for cutting-edge research under the direction of a faculty advisor.
Contact
Chemistry Program Coordinators,
chemistry@wwu.edu | 360-650-3070
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Chemistry, BS
The Chemistry, BS degree at Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ 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.
Contact
Chemistry Program Coordinators,
chemistry@wwu.edu | 360-650-3070
View in Catalog
Chemistry/Biology— Secondary, BAE
This program is designed for those who wish to earn Washington residency certification to teach middle and/or high school and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in Secondary Education offered through Woodring College of Education.
Contact
Chemistry Program Coordinators,
chemistry@wwu.edu | 360-650-3070
Deborah Donovan, Biology-Education Advisor
Deborah.Donovan@wwu.edu | 360-650-7251
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Chemistry/Mathematics — Secondary, BAE
As a prospective teacher, Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ encourages students to focus on expanding their personal understanding of Chemistry and Mathematics and to capitalize on opportunities to work with pre-college students as a tutor, classroom assistant, practicum student, and a novice teacher in their internship.Â
Contact
Chemistry Program Coordinators,
chemistry@wwu.edu | 360-650-3070
Jessica Cohen, Associate Professor
cohenj3@wwu.edu | 360-650-3830
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Chemistry/Physics—Secondary, BAE
Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ's programs in Secondary Education are designed to prepare thoughtful, knowledgeable, and effective middle and secondary school teachers for a diverse society. Learning to teach Chemistry and Physics occurs through a variety of means: the study of a wide range of chemistry and physics, an extended internship, and continual experiences as a student, learner, and problem solver.
Contact
Thanh Lê, Physics Education Advisor
Thanh.Le@wwu.edu | 360-650-3840
Chemistry Program Coordinators,
chemistry@wwu.edu | 360-650-3070
View in Catalog
Chemistry at Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ
Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ's Chemistry program provides close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes, direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and opportunities for cutting-edge research under the direction of a faculty advisor.
Within the department, faculty are active in many research areas including biofuels, protein engineering, computer modeling, catalysis, nanomaterials, materials for solar cells, electrochemistry, polymers, thin films, protein structural analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance and x-ray crystallography, and organic synthesis.
Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ’s Chemistry program is widely recognized by employers and graduate schools as one of the strongest in the United States.
Related Minors
Student Experiences
Research Opportunities
Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ's Chemistry faculty embrace the idea of being true teacher-scholars, and are always hard at work fulfilling their goals in both areas. Because of this, Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ undergrads have incredible opportunities to become part of the research laboratories of the faculty that teach their classes, from, , or John Gilbertson and Tim Kowalczyk involving their students in , undergraduates with the desire to be part of cutting-edge research can find a home in the Chemistry Department at Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ and begin building their own legacy of research before even leaving their undergraduate environment.
Organizations and Clubs
Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ Chemistry students can involve themselves in organizations such as the (WEsTeRn Chem Club), a student chapter of the American Chemical Society, which provides students at Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ with an opportunity to gain information on educational and professional opportunities and activities and gets students involved with fun social and service activities that help strengthen bonds among students and faculty; or SACNAS, the
, an inclusive organization focusing on building a supportive community for those pursuing a STEM major.
My professors are as excited about chemistry as I am. They teach with such vigor that you can’t help getting excited. I believe I’m getting one of the best undergraduate educations possible.
Catherine Miles
I love working in the Amacher lab for so many reasons: The people, the hands-on experience, the chance to work with expert biochemists — the list could go on and on. I know that Dr. Amacher and my teammates really care about giving me and the other undergraduates the opportunity to contribute real data to real research. Essentially, I’m not just in here washing dishes.
Hannah Kodama
What can you do with this major?
Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ graduates who pursue graduate studies are doing so at such schools as:
- University of California: Chemistry (PhD)
- Stanford University: Chemistry (PhD)
- California Institute of Technology: Chemistry (PhD)
- University of Chicago: Chemistry (PhD)
- University of Illinois: Physical Chemistry (PhD)
- University of Massachusetts: Chemistry (PhD)
- University of Oregon: Chemistry (MS)
- Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ Washington University: Chemistry (MS)
Chemistry Careers
Çà¹ÏÊÓƵ Chemistry graduates have gone on to careers in medicine, aerospace, microelectronics, biotechnology, higher education, the energy sector, and many other fields, such as:
- Chemical/Pharmaceutical Sales
- Crime Lab Analyst
- High School Teacher
- Industrial Chemist
- Veterinarian
- Technical Writing
- Forensic Scientist
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- Research Scientist
- Physician
- Occupational Safety Specialist