Nov 08, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Chemistry Major, BA


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.

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 Department of Chemistry as soon as possible to develop a course of study and to determine which degree program to pursue.

Teaching Endorsement
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. In addition to completing graduation requirements, teacher certification candidates must meet all Washington State teacher certification requirements. See the STEM education advisor as soon as possible to develop a course of study. 

Chemistry Program 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. To receive a minor in chemistry, students are required to achieve a 2.25 GPA in courses required for the minor.

Lab Fees
All chemistry labs have fees associated with them that must be paid when registering for the course.

Chemistry Program Learner Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate proficiency in the concepts and skills designated in curriculum learner outcomes for courses in the relevant disciplines of chemistry;
  • communicate clearly and accurately, using the language and style appropriate to the field of chemistry;
  • demonstrate critical thinking skills that will allow for the explanation of chemistry-related principles and techniques, as well as quantitative problem solving, and demonstrate the ability to design experiments to test hypotheses;
  • retrieve and critically analyze chemical literature, demonstrate the ability to use software-based tools for data and statistical analysis, and use computers to interface with scientific equipment in a lab environment; and
  • utilize established safety protocols for standard chemistry procedures and locate available tools to establish new safety protocols.

Chemistry BA Core Requirements


Total Core Credits: 45


Total Credits: 79-80


College and Department Information


Chemistry Department  
College of the Sciences  

Program Codes
CHEMBA, CHEMBAP