Program Description
The Bachelor of Science (BS) major is designed for students who are interested in how elements, compounds, and molecules interact with their environments. A BS degree in chemistry gives students the fundamental knowledge about how the materials that make up our everyday life are created (these include batteries, medications, cosmetics, consumer products, and high-tech materials). The program prepares students for further study in graduate/professional programs, or to enter the workplace directly. The BS degree is certified by the largest scientific society in the world, the American Chemical Society, if chemistry elective requirements are met.
Likely Career Paths
Research Scientist, Laboratory Production Supervisor/Engineer, Pharmaceutical/Health Sciences Researcher, Environmental Cleanup, Medical Professional (Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist, Optometrist), Industrial Hygienist. Past alumni work for a variety of employers including Intel, Seattle Genetics, Pace International, Haas, Department of Ecology, Department of Health, Moses Lake Industries, REC Silicon, and Pacific Northwest National Labs.
Key Considerations
Cost: University-wide costs (cwu.edu/financial-aid/cost-attendance). Chemistry lab classes cost $45 per course.
Location: Ellensburg
Primary contact: Chemistry@cwu.edu | 509-963-2883 | www.cwu.edu/chemistry/
Course Planning
| CWU Course # | CWU Course Name | Transfer Course # |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 153 | Precalculus I | MATH& 141 |
| MATH 154 | Precalculus II | MATH& 142 |
| MATH 172 | Calculus I | MATH& 151 |
| MATH 173 | Calculus II | MATH& 152 |
| CHEM 181 + CHEM 181 lab | General Chemistry I | CHEM& 161 |
| CHEM 182 + CHEM 182 lab | General Chemistry II | CHEM& 162 |
| CHEM 183 + CHEM 183 lab | General Chemistry III | CHEM& 163 |
The Transfer Equivalency Site (TES) provides CWU equivalencies for courses at other colleges and universities.
Advising Notes
- It is recommended students pursue and earn an AA-DTA.
- Any Washington state DTA (Direct Transfer Agreement) degree will satisfy all general education requirements.
- Students transferring with an AS-T (Associate in Science-Transfer) will need to take additional coursework to fulfill CWU general education requirements.
- Students must have earned a grade of C- or higher in all prerequisites to be admitted to a course. To graduate, all chemistry majors are required to achieve at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and a 2.25 GPA in courses required for the major.
- Major requirements may change over time; students will be expected to meet the catalog requirements in place at the time they are admitted to the major. Current catalog: https://catalog.acalog.cwu.edu/
Other Resources
Admissions: 509-963-1211 | admissions@cwu.edu | cwu.edu/admissions
Financial Aid: 509-963-1611 | FinancialAid@cwu.edu | cwu.edu/financial-aid
Scholarship Information: 509-963-1611 | Scholarships@cwu.edu | cwu.edu/scholarships/
Transfer Center: 509-963-1390 | transfer@cwu.edu | cwu.edu/transfer
Veterans: 509-963-3028 | VA@cwu.edu | cwu.edu/veterans
International: +1-509-963-3612 | intladm@cwu.edu | cwu.edu/programs/international-student-admissions