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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry
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Undergraduate Chemistry Program

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.

Build a solid foundation for a career in chemistry

Students with an undergraduate chemistry degree pursue a variety of careers. Our graduates have successfully found jobs in industries like pharmacy, manufacturing, government and public service. Basically, any career that benefits from a solid science background is an option. Many students go on to medical school or pharmacy school, and others earn graduate degrees in other STEM fields as well as journalism, law, public service and manufacturing. The department offers the Bennett Careers for Chemists program to provide students with the perspective and advice of professionals in several careers.

Benefit from faculty expertise

The Department provides strong interaction between the faculty and the chemistry majors. Students are encouraged to take Chemistry Research (CHEM 497) as part of their coursework to further develop connections with faculty. In this course, chemistry majors work in a research lab with close supervision by a faculty supervisor, and possibly a postdoctoral associate or graduate student. The undergraduate research experience is especially advantageous for students planning to apply to medical or pharmacy schools as well as to chemistry graduate programs.

The ACS Student Affiliates offers close ties with other chemistry and science undergraduates and several group activities, such as tutoring at the Chemistry Learning Center and magic shows for area schools. The Chemistry Learning Center is staffed with tutors who are members of the ACS Student Affiliates.

American Chemical Society (ACS) approved

The BS in Chemistry degree provides an in-depth coverage of the academic sub-disciplines of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, and biochemistry), and  has been approved by the American Chemical Society since 1941.

How will I focus my studies?

All a BS in Chemistry major, you will spend 1-2 years on foundational coursework. 

You’ll then choose a focus area in:

  • Chemistry and Health
  • Chemistry and the Environment
  • Certified Chemist
ACS - Chemistry for Life

Explore Undergraduate Programs

Our department gives chemistry students the opportunity to learn skills that will lead to tomorrow’s discoveries. Through in-depth instruction, hands-on research and independent projects conducted with award-winning faculty, you will learn to question, experiment and innovate. 

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

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.

Major in Chemistry

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

An interdisciplinary science, the Biochemistry B.S. is offered jointly with a collaboration between the Department of Biology, the Department of Chemistry, and Davis College.

Major in Biochemistry

Minor in Secondary STEM Education

Prepare to become a certified middle or high school STEM teacher, combining expertise in your subject area with teaching skills to engage and inspire young learners.

Minor in STEM Education
As of Fall 2025, the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry degree is no longer offered by the department.

Resources and Opportunites

Chemistry Learning Center

Located on the first floor of the Chemistry Research Laboratory Building in room CRL 157, the CLC provides resources and tutoring for chemistry courses.

Bennett Careers for Chemists Program

Undergraduate Chemistry Courses

Browse this listing of courses offered by the Chemistry Department. Please refer to the catalog for all final descriptions!

STEM Course Placement

Visit the Foundation STEM Collaborative for details about course placement and the WVU STEM Pathway.

Undergraduate Advising

Advising is provided by a dedicated academic advisor to all chemistry students. Any students (new, current, transfer) who is considering majoring in chemistry should contact us to discuss their options.

Undergraduate Research

Creatively use and expand your chemistry knowledge as you work with faculty research mentors and graduate students on fundamental research.

Student Organizations

Get involved in the organizations our department supports including American Chemical Society, First2 Network, and Phi Lambda Upsilon.

Chemistry Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of several private donors, the Bennett Department of Chemistry is able to offer several chemistry scholarships.

Undergrad
B.S. in Chemistry   
B.S. in Biochemistry


Our department gives students the opportunity to learn 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. 

Students with an undergraduate chemistry degree pursue a variety of careers. Our graduates have successfully found jobs in industries like pharmacy, manufacturing, government and public service. Basically, any career that benefits from a solid science background is an option. Many students go on to medical school or pharmacy school, and others earn graduate degrees in other STEM fields as well as journalism, law, public service and manufacturing. The department offers the  Bennett Careers for Chemists  program to provide students with the perspective and advice of professionals in several careers.

The Department provides strong interaction between the faculty and the chemistry majors. Students are encouraged to take Chemistry Research (CHEM 497) as part of their coursework to further develop connections with faculty. In this course, chemistry majors work in a research lab with close supervision by a faculty supervisor, and possibly a postdoctoral associate or graduate student. The undergraduate research experience is especially advantageous for students planning to apply to medical or pharmacy schools as well as to chemistry graduate programs.

The ACS Student Affiliates offers close ties with other chemistry and science undergraduates and several group activities, such as tutoring at the Chemistry Learning Center and magic shows for area schools. The Chemistry Learning Center is staffed with tutors who are members of the ACS Student Affiliates.

Degree Requirements for the B.S. Degree Offered by the WVU Bennett Department of Chemistry

The Bennett Department of Chemistry offers a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry that includes three different focus areas (Chemistry & Health, Chemistry & the Environment, and Certified Chemist) and is involved with the Intercollegiate Bachelor of Sciences in Biochemistry, which was launched in fall 2013. The B.S. chemistry degree, which provides a more in-depth coverage of the academic sub-disciplines of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, and biochemistry), has been approved by the American Chemical Society since 1941.

All of the required chemistry classes in the B.S. degree program have specific prerequisites that must be met. Students majoring in chemistry need to be aware that the Department of Chemistry requires a minimum grade of C- in all courses applied to major requirements. For example, a minimum grade of C- in Chemistry 115 is needed for a chemistry major to enroll in Chemistry 116. If a course is repeated, all attempts will be included in the calculation of the GPA, unless the course is eligible for a D/F repeat.

As of Fall 2025, the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry degree is no longer offered by the department.