Top 10 Reasons to be a Chemistry Major at WSU!
1) Ultimately, having a Chemistry degree enhances your reasoning and problem solving skills, which prepares you for careers in diverse fields including: forensics, pharmaceutical development, medical research, nanotechnology, homeland security, and many others.
2) You end up with an American Chemical Society certified degree in chemistry. We also offer certified options in Environmental Chemistry, Materials Chemistry and preparation for High School Chemistry teachers.
3) Our majors undertake independent research projects with faculty who are leaders in their fields. Undergraduate research enhances preparation for post-graduate study and jobs in industry.
4) Every Chemistry major gains experience using state-of-the-art instrumentation found in research and industry. These include: FTIR, NMR, HPLC, GC-MS, and optical spectroscopic techniques.
5) Our majors are sought after by Graduate and Professional schools, as well as industry.
6) Great class size and access to faculty, especially in your upper level courses.
7) Chemistry majors have support from their peers via student organizations in Chemistry which include the Student Affiliate of the American Chemical Society (SAACS). The WSU SAACS chapter is an active group that participates in many outreach activities and social gatherings.
8) WSU presents a unique opportunity for majors to study at one of the few institutions in the country to have a significant program in nuclear and radiochemistry. Learn more about faculty in this area.
9) Faculty quality. All of our faculty are dedicated to maximizing your undergraduate experience in chemistry education. They are also well respected experts in their research areas, able to give you insight into cutting edge chemistry research and job opportunities.
10) Resources and support. Our support staff and advising faculty make it easy for you to focus upon your studies, and make confident academic and career decisions.
What our Majors Say
"Faculty members give me the time needed to understand the material thoroughly, which is very helpful. Professors also take different approaches on specific topics to enhance everyone’s understanding, and they always make time for the students. I think the most valuable lesson that I have learned is deductive reasoning, rather than just coming up with an answer. During research as an undergraduate, I have learned take my problem solving skills to a new level. This has given me a new driving force to excel in my classes."
--Benjamin Lantz, BS Chem. & Chem Eng.
Undergraduate Research
Jeanne McHale with Chem. Major Suzanne Lanier and PhD student Jon Downing
SAACS Outreach
SAACS members John Whitaker and Brianna Bottemus cap off a show with 'instant ice cream'!