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Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Chemistry, BS

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.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

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

Chemistry majors are encouraged to take Chemistry Research (CHEM 497) as part of their coursework to further develop connections with faculty. In this course, you'll 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.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

  • CHEM 215:
    Introductory Analytical Chemistry

    Volumetric analysis, gravimetric analysis, solution equilibria, spectrophotometry, separations, and electrochemical methods of analysis.

  • CHEM 312:
    Environmental Chemistry

    Study of the nature, reactions, transport, and fates of chemical species in the environment.

  • 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.

  • CHEM 346:
    Physical Chemistry

    A first course in physical chemistry. Topics include a study of thermodynamics and chemical equilibria.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Chemistry and Health

    Prepares students for careers in health-related sciences and entry into health professional schools, such as dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, and biomedical research.

  • Chemistry and the Environment

    Prepares students for careers in environmental testing and analysis and for further schooling in environmental or toxicological chemistry. Areas such as secondary school teaching, chemical laboratory technical work, law, or business may be pursued with a proper choice of electives.

  • Certified Chemist

    Approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS). This focus area is for students who desire to qualify for professional positions in industrial and governmental laboratories, as well as those who plan to do graduate work in chemistry or allied areas in preparation for research careers in industry or academia.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • The Bennett Careers for Chemistry program, which is unique to WVU, brings 3 people from the business, academic, and health sectors to discuss how chemistry provided the foundation for their careers.
  • Presence of WVU's doctoral chemistry program offers undergraduates opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.
  • Undergraduates can select from a variety of 500-level graduate courses to fulfill their chemistry elective requirement and enhance their preparation for graduate work.
  • The chemistry degree program has been approved by the American Chemical Society since 1941.
  • Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.
Scholarships

93% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2023-24).

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Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

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.

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:

  • Chemical synthesis of pharmacologically active molecules.
  • Comparative Metabolomic Profiling with IMS-HDX-MS.
  • Computational characterization of the binding and folding process of the drug delivery pHLIP peptide.
  • Development of New C-C Bond Forming Reactions Catalyzed by First Row Transition Metals.
  • Experimental Studies of Propagating Precipitation Waves in the AlCl3 + NaOH Reaction.
  • High-Temperature Gas-Phase Kinetic Study of the OH + Cyclopentadiene Reaction.
  • Luminescent Metal Complexes for Solar Energy Conversion.
  • Mild carboxylation methods using homogeneous base-metal catalysis.
  • Molecular Mechanisms of Huntingtin Interactions with Lipid Membranes.
  • Reductive cyclizations to indoles and isoquinolines.

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

View all of the student organizations you can join.

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

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

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $86,220

Possible job titles include: Assistant Professor, Chemistry Instructor, Chemistry Professor, Professor.

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Dentists, General

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $172,790

Possible job titles include: Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Pediatric Dentist.

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Chemical Plant and System Operators

Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.

Median Salary: $73,540

Possible job titles include: Chemical Operator, Loader Technician, Process Operator, Process Technician.

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Chemical Engineers

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $121,860

Possible job titles include: Chemical Engineer, Engineer, Process Engineer, Scientist.

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Soil and Plant Scientists

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $71,410

Possible job titles include: Agronomist, Research Scientist, Research Soil Scientist, Scientist.

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Chemists

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $84,150

Possible job titles include: Analytical Chemist, Chemist, Research Chemist, Scientist.

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Chemical Technicians

Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $57,790

Possible job titles include: Chemical Technician, Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Quality Control Technician (QC Tech).

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Family Medicine Physicians

Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $238,380

Possible job titles include: Family Physician, Family Practice Physician (FP Physician), Medical Doctor (MD), Physician.

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Preventive Medicine Physicians

Apply knowledge of general preventive medicine and public health issues to promote health care to groups or individuals, and aid in the prevention or reduction of risk of disease, injury, disability, or death. May practice population-based medicine or diagnose and treat patients in the context of clinical health promotion and disease prevention.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $-1

Possible job titles include: Occupational Medicine Physician, Physician, Public Health Officer, Public Health Physician.

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Where Graduates are Working

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

Areas of Graduate Study

The acceptance rate for our Chemistry students seeking admission to various graduate or professional programs like medical school and doctoral programs exceeds 95%.

Graduates pursue doctoral degrees in traditional areas of chemistry, as well as:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Environmental science
  • Radiochemistry
  • Biological sciences
  • Geochemistry
  • Immunology

Admission Requirements

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

Tuition 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.

Find Scholarships

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.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Chemistry major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

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.

Learn More

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

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