The Department of Chemistry offers two degree programs. Designed for majors who wish to qualify for professional positions in industry and government services, the bachelor of science curriculum also qualifies students for graduate work in chemistry or allied areas in preparation for research careers in industry and/or university teaching. To acquire a background in the principles of chemistry, you may pursue a bachelor of arts with a major in chemistry and enter many fields in which this type of education is an asset. Both degree programs prepare students for admission to professional schools of medicine, dentistry, or law. Students also may pursue a BA degree in biochemistry through the department. Careers ranging from biotechnology to medicine await graduates. The department is an integral part of WVU’s Forensic Identification Program, and opportunities are developing that will allow students to prepare for work in forensics labs throughout the country. Additional information may be obtained from the department. Admission to the Departmental Honors Program may be sought at any time after the student’s first semester and no later than three semesters before graduation. Qualifications include at least a 3.5 GPA in Chemistry courses taken at WVU and the endorsement of the Chemistry faculty. During the first two years, the BA and BS degree programs are essentially the same. However, students in the bachelor of science program should complete the calculus requirement as soon as possible in preparation for both the physics and physical chemistry sequences. The other difference is that more upper-level Chemistry courses must be completed by bachelor of science degree candidates. To earn a bachelor of arts, a student must complete a total of 128 credit hours. These credits must include 26 hours of required chemistry courses, seven credit hours of chemistry electives, eight credit hours of calculus, and eight credit hours of physics.

Chemists hold about 192,000 jobs nationwide. The majority of chemists are employed in manufacturing firms—mostly in the chemical manufacturing industry, which includes firms that produce gasoline and other fuels, plastics and synthetic materials, drugs, soap and cleaners, paints, industrial organic chemicals, and other miscellaneous chemical products. Chemists also work for state, local, and federal governments, primarily in health and agriculture. Others work for research and testing services. Chemistry graduates with advanced degrees hold faculty positions in colleges and universities. Many employers prefer chemists with a PhD to work in basic and applied research. A PhD is also generally required for a university faculty position and for advancement to many administrative positions. Chemists who work in sales, marketing, or professional research positions often move into management.