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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry
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Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

A chemistry degree is versatile and marketable! Choose a focus area in Chemistry and Health, Chemistry and the Environment, or Certified Chemist.
Plan of Study

Embark on a journey through the chemistry major to explore the molecular foundations of the natural world, develop analytical skills, and prepare for impactful careers in science, medicine, industry, and beyond.

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

Your path to a variety of STEM careers starts in our flexible and career-focused Chemistry program.

As a Chemistry major, you’ll build a strong foundation in the sciences while tailoring your education to fit your interests and career goals. With hands-on research, personalized advising, and a flexible curriculum, you’ll be prepared to thrive in today’s dynamic STEM landscape.

After 1-2 years of foundational coursework, you’ll choose a focus area in Chemistry and Health, Chemistry and the Environment, or Certified Chemist.

This diverse training prepares you to be a competitive applicant for:

  • Graduate programs in chemistry and related STEM disciplines
  • Health-professional schools (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant)
  • Professional schools (law, education, technical writing, business)
  • Industry roles in pharmacy, environmental testing, forensics, materials engineering, energy, and more

Opportunities

Explore the WVU Difference through this the chemistry program's academic, research, and student life opportunities:

  • The Bennett Careers for Chemistry program, which is unique to WVU, brings people from the business, academic, and health sectors to discuss how chemistry provided the foundation for their careers.
  • Presence of WVU's doctoral chemistry program offers undergraduates opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.
  • Undergraduates can select from a variety of 500-level graduate courses to fulfill their chemistry elective requirement and enhance their preparation for graduate work.
  • The chemistry degree program has been approved by the American Chemical Society since 1941.
  • Our Pre-Health Office is an asset to any student planning to pursue health or health-adjacent fields.
  • WVU iServe helps students earn and track community service hours.
  • Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.

Living Learning Communities

Find a community where you can live with others who share your interests. You will have opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and professionals in areas aligned with your LLC's emphasis. Learn more about WVU Living Learning Communities.

Student Organizations

To explore more organizations, visit WVUEngage where you can browse and manage organizations, find events, and showcase your involvement.

Research and Opportunities

Explore Career Paths

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

  1. Chemists

    Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

    Also called: Analytical Chemist, Chemist, Research Chemist, Scientist

  2. Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

    Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

    Also called: Assistant Professor, Chemistry Instructor, Chemistry Professor, Professor

  3. Soil and Plant Scientists

    Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

    Also called: Agronomist, Research Scientist, Research Soil Scientist, Scientist

  4. Chemical Plant and System Operators

    Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.

    Also called: Chemical Operator, Loader Technician, Process Operator, Process Technician

  5. Chemical Engineers

    Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

    Also called: Chemical Engineer, Engineer, Process Engineer, Scientist

  6. Chemical Technicians

    Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.

    Also called: Chemical Technician, Laboratory Analyst (Lab Analyst), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Quality Control Technician (QC Tech)

  7. Dentists, General

    Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

    Also called: Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Pediatric Dentist

  8. Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

    Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

    Also called: Environmental Programs Specialist, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Specialist

  9. Family Medicine Physicians

    Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

    Also called: Family Physician, Family Practice Physician (FP Physician), Medical Doctor (MD), Physician

  10. Lawyers

    Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

    Also called: Attorney, Attorney General, Counsel, Lawyer

  11. Pharmacists

    Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

    Also called: Clinical Pharmacist, Hospital Pharmacist, Pharm D (Pharmacy Doctor), Pharmacist in Charge (PIC)

  12. Physician Assistants

    Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

    Also called: Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), Family Practice Physician Assistant, Physician Assistant (PA), Physician's Assistant

  13. Preventive Medicine Physicians

    Apply knowledge of general preventive medicine and public health issues to promote health care to groups or individuals, and aid in the prevention or reduction of risk of disease, injury, disability, or death. May practice population-based medicine or diagnose and treat patients in the context of clinical health promotion and disease prevention.

    Also called: Occupational Medicine Physician, Physician, Public Health Officer, Public Health Physician

  14. Technical Writers

    Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

    Also called: Documentation Specialist, Information Developer, Technical Communicator, Technical Writer

  15. Where can a chemistry degree take you?

    Chemistry graduates are equipped to launch into a wide range of exciting paths. Whether you're aiming for graduate study in chemistry or related STEM fields, or professional school in education, law, business, or healthcare, your options are wide open. Prefer to dive straight into the workforce? You’ll be ready for impactful roles in research, industry, healthcare, academia, and government—wherever science meets innovation.

  16. Further your education

    With a degree in chemistry, you could apply to these graduate and professional programs, as well as others.

    • Astronomy/Astrochemistry
    • Biochemistry
    • Biomedical Sciences/Engineering
    • Business
    • Chemistry
    • Clinical and Translational Medicine
    • Dentistry
    • Education (K-12 Science Teaching)
    • Engineering
    • Environmental, Soil or Water Science
    • Food Science
    • Forensic Science
    • Geochemistry
    • Immunology
    • Industrial Hygiene
    • Law (Patents and Intellectual Property)
    • Library Science
    • Materials Science
    • Medicinal Chemistry
    • Medicine
    • Neuroscience
    • Nuclear Energy
    • Pathologist’s Assistant
    • Pharmacology
    • Pharmacy
    • Physician’s Assistant
    • Professional Editing
    • Public Health
    • Technical Writing
    • Toxicology
    • Veterinary