This BA degree program is designed for students preparing to incorporate chemistry into broader careers such as teaching, health sciences (PA, nursing, pre-PT), industry, business, and/or law. It is also the appropriate major for students seeking endorsement in teaching high school chemistry.
(NOTE: Students seeking a B.A. degree must complete one year college/university study or two years high school study of a single world language.)
A BS is recommended for students who anticipate pursuing a graduate degree in chemistry, health programs (MD, DO, DVM, DDS, Pharm D, etc.) or chemistry careers that might require training in a greater depth of chemistry subdisciplines. See a faculty advisor in the Chemistry Department as soon as possible to develop a course of study and to determine which degree program to pursue.
Teaching Endorsement Requirements:
This major partially satisfies the criteria for a teaching endorsement in Chemistry (5-12), qualifying students to teach Chemistry at the high school, middle, or junior high levels. Students who successfully complete the Chemistry BA and STEM Teaching Program (an alternative to the Professional Education Program) are eligible to apply for Washington State teacher certification. Teacher certification candidates must receive a C grade or higher in all major and STEM Teaching Program courses, have a GPA of at least 3.0 for either the last 45 graded quarter credits or overall CWU/transfer cumulative, and meet all Washington State teacher certification requirements. See the chemistry teaching advisor as soon as possible to develop a course of study.