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

Interested in chemistry but not majoring in it? The Chemistry Minor provides a flexible way to build your chemistry knowledge while pursuing your primary major.
Plan of Study

You should declare your intention to complete a chemistry minor when formally requesting admission to a major program. It is your responsibility to obtain information about the minor and to complete the required courses. When applying for graduation, you must indicate that you wish to be certified for the minor. 

The requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Academic Catalog. 

Why Minor in Chemistry?

Whether you're preparing for a health profession, complementing your STEM degree, or simply interested in understanding the chemistry behind the world around you, a chemistry minor can help you achieve your goals. 

Here are some reasons to consider a minor in chemistry:

  1. Complement Your Major

    • If you’re majoring in forensics, chemical engineering, biology, environmental science, exercise physiology, or neuroscience, a chemistry minor strengthens your understanding of molecular-level processes and helps you connect concepts across disciplines.
    • For engineering majors, a chemistry minor can be especially valuable in fields such as civil and environmental, energy systems, materials science, mining engineering, mechanical and aerospace engineering, nuclear engineering, and electrical and computer engineering. 

  2. Expand Career Opportunities

    • A chemistry minor can make you more competitive for jobs in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, toxicology, education, and research.
    • It can also be valuable for students interested in science communication, policy, business, or law. A strong foundation in chemistry can support careers in scientific and medical writing, intellectual property and patent law, consulting, and technology development.

  3. Prepare for Health Professions

    • If you’re considering medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, or physician assistant programs, a chemistry minor helps you complete important prerequisite coursework. 
    • Even if you’re majoring in something like neuroscience or psychology, a chemistry minor can broaden your preparation for healthcare careers. 

  4. Enhance Scientific Literacy

    • Chemistry is relevant to many global challenges, including access to clean water, agriculture, pollution control, climate change, sustainability, energy production, and pharmaceutical development. Understanding chemistry helps you engage in informed discussions and decision-making about issues that affect society. 

  5. Explore Your Interests

    • If you’re curious about how the world works at the molecular level, a chemistry minor allows you to explore topics such as human health and medicine, environmental challenges, energy and sustainability, and materials and technology without committing to a full major. 

Questions?

Contact Mark Schraf (mark.schraf@mail.wvu.edu), Academic Affairs Coordinator & Teaching Assistant Professor