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ChemistryMajor

When you understand chemistry, you begin to understand the extraordinary nature of the world down to its most basic particles. 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. Chemistry is the science of the materials we use, the medicine we take, the environment we live in and the food we eat. Our Department gives you the opportunity to learn 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.

Students with an undergraduate chemistry degree 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 students 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.

The Department provides strong interaction between faculty and Chemistry majors. Students are encouraged to take Chemistry Research (CHEM 497) as part of their coursework to further develop connections with faculty. In this course, you work in a research lab with close supervision of a faculty supervisor, and possibly a postdoctoral associate or graduate student. The undergraduate research experience is especially advantageous for students planning to apply to medical or pharmacy schools, as well as to chemistry graduate programs.

Chemistry program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

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Fast Facts

What makes Chemistry at WVU unique?

Research and Academic Opportunities

Undergraduate Chemistry majors are encouraged to engage in research during their junior or senior year. Students will receive academic credit by completing CHEM 497: Undergraduate Research. All students in CHEM 497 are expected to submit a written report about their research at the end of the semester. Biochemistry students are required to perform undergraduate research as part of their degree program.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Affiliates offers close ties with other chemistry and science undergraduates and several group activities, such as the Chemistry Learning Center and children's chemistry shows. The Chemistry Learning Center is staffed with tutors who are members of the ACS Student Affiliates.

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:

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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 BS 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.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Chemistry at WVU?

CHE 480:
Cellular Machinery

Fundamental understanding of how a cell operates like a chemical factory; understanding how self-sustaining capacity of the cell's complex chemical reaction networks and cellular components can be manipulated in a synthetic environment.

CHEM 117:
Principles of Chemistry

A more advanced treatment of the principles and theories of chemistry than offered in CHEM 115 and CHEM 116. Primarily for students specializing in chemistry. (3 hr. lec., two 3-hr. lab.) (Students may not receive credit for CHEM 117 and for CHEM 111 or CHEM 115.)

CHEM 118:
Principles of Chemistry

Continuation of CHEM 117. (3 hr. lec., two 3-hr. lab.) (Students may not receive credit for CHEM 118 and for CHEM 112, CHEM 116 or CHEM 215.)

CHEM 215:
Introductory Analytical Chemistry

Volumetric analysis, gravimetric analysis, solution equilibria, spectrophotometry, separations, and electrochemical methods of analysis. (2 hr. lec., two 3 hr. labs.) (Students may not receive credit for CHEM 215 and for CHEM 117 and CHEM 118.)

CHEM 312:
Environmental Chemistry

Study of the nature, reactions, transport, and fates of chemical species in the environment. (2 hr. lec., 1 hr. demonstration.)

CHEM 335:
Methods of Structure Determination

Use of chemical methods and UV, IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy to elucidate structures of organic compounds. For students in chemistry and related fields who may need these methods in research and applied science. (2 hr. lec., 2 hr. lab.)

CHEM 346:
Physical Chemistry

A first course in physical chemistry. Topics include a study of thermodynamics and chemical equilibria. (3 hr. lec.) (Students may not receive credit for CHEM 346 and for CHEM 341.)

CHEM 401:
Chemical Literature

Study of techniques for locating, utilizing, and compiling information needed by the research worker in chemistry. (1 hr. lec.)

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.

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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 are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Chemistry can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

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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 for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

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

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

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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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