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Chemistry

When you understand chemistry, you begin to understand the extraordinary nature of the world, down to its most basic particles. Chemistry is the science of the materials we use, the medicine we take, the environment we live in and the food we eat. Our department gives students the opportunity to learn the skills that will lead to tomorrow’s discoveries.

Through in-depth instruction, hands-on research and independent projects conducted with award-winning faculty, chemistry students learn to question, experiment and innovate. Graduates from our department have applied these skills in careers and graduate programs in healthcare, medical school, pharmacy, behavioral analysis and more. Our alumni have gone on to work as physicians in the United States and internationally, start non-profits, conduct research in a variety of industries and research and teach in higher education.

How will I focus my studies?

Students can earn either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. Both degrees offer many opportunities to conduct research. Either degree provides great preparation for professional schools, including medicine and dentistry. Intentionally chosen electives can even prepare students for careers in law, journalism, business, and more. Students in the bachelor of science are afforded opportunities to expand their knowledge in additional scientific fields. Students in the bachelor of arts enjoy greater flexibility to pursue a wide range of interests.

Sundus Lateef, Bridgeport, W.Va.

Major: Chemistry and Biology

Sundus Lateef

Sundus added a dual degree in chemistry after completing Dr. Jeffrey Petersen’s Honors CHEM 117/118 course. “The class was very small (fewer than 30 students) and offered a great learning environment. With Dr. Petersen’s help, I became a less clumsy, more confident student in the lab. I learned to write concisely and in a scientific manner.”Her experiences in this course led her to pursue undergraduate research as a freshman. “The scientific community at WVU is thriving. I’ve been fortunate to publish my work in peer-reviewed journals and travel to present and compete at poster presentations. My mentors have always had their office doors open to me. They are like second parents.”

Learn more at the Chemistry site