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ChemistryMajor

Chemistry is the science of the materials we use, the medicine we take, the environment we live in and the food we eat.

Overview

What is Chemistry at WVU like?

Description

When you understand chemistry, you begin to understand the extraordinary nature of the world down to its most basic particles.

The C. Eugene Bennett Department teaches skills that will lead to tomorrow’s discoveries. Through in-depth instruction, hands-on research and independent projects conducted with award-winning faculty, you will learn to question, experiment and innovate.

With an undergraduate chemistry degree, you can pursue a variety of careers. Our graduates have successfully found jobs in industries like pharmacy, manufacturing, government and public service, and in government facilities. Basically, any career that benefits from a solid science background is an option.

Many graduates go on to medical school or pharmacy school, and others earn graduate degrees in other STEM fields, as well as journalism, law, public service and manufacturing. We offer a Bennett Careers for Chemists program every April to provide students with the perspective and advice of professionals in several careers.

Chemistry program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Fast Facts

What makes Chemistry at WVU unique?

Research and Academic Opportunities

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Acceptance rates for graduates seeking admission to graduate or professional school exceeds 90%. In 2016-2017, three former chemistry majors, who are currently pursuing doctoral degrees in chemistry, were awarded highly competitive National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships.

Recent graduates are pursuing doctoral degrees in traditional areas of chemistry, as well as neuroscience, pharmacology, toxicology, environmental science, radiochemistry, the biological sciences, geochemistry, and immunology.

Graduates who do not pursue graduate or professional school find employment in entry level positions as analytical chemists or chemical technicians in private industry.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Chemistry major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Courses

What are the courses like in Chemistry at WVU?

CHEM 215:
Introductory Analytical Chemistry

The science of precision — using cutting-edge techniques to uncover what substances are made of, how much, and how they behave.

CHEM 233:
Organic Chemistry 1

Builds a foundation in modern structural theory, showing how molecular structure drives chemical behavior, reactivity, and synthesis—unlocking the logic behind organic reactions.

CHEM 312:
Environmental Chemistry

Dives into how chemicals move and react in nature — and how we can tackle their environmental impact.

CHEM 322:
Inorganic Chemistry 1

Uncovers the chemistry of transition metals and main group elements through quantum insights and molecular symmetry — connecting atomic structure to real-world chemical behavior.

CHEM 335:
Methods of Structure Determination

Equips students with powerful chemical tools—UV, IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry — to decode the architecture of organic molecules. Designed for researchers and applied scientists, this course turns data into molecular insight.

CHEM 336:

Explores how a drug’s chemical makeup shapes its interaction with biological systems, laying the foundation for smarter, targeted therapies.

CHEM 341:
Physical Chemistry – Brief Course

Introduces the core pillars — quantum mechanics, kinetics, and thermodynamics – to reveal the forces driving chemical behavior.

Capstone Projects

Before graduating, all undergraduates in this major complete an academic project (or "capstone") to demonstrate their research, communication and critical thinking skills. Projects in WVU's Chemistry major have included:

Cost and Aid

How much does Chemistry at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

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Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

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Ways to Save

Here is a way for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Chemistry at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Chemistry major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

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Request Information

Want to know more about Chemistry at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

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