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Study Chemistry

Lead innovation and improve the world around you by majoring in Chemistry. Participate in research, make discoveries, and turn your knowledge into action.

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts, Undergraduate Bachelor of Science

Major

124

4 Years

Salem Campus

Students working in the chem lab.

Our Chemistry Major & Minor

Whether you want to pursue a career in health professions, environmental science, or biochemical research, a chemistry degree will help you on your journey. Join a close-knit learning community, utilize state-of-the-art instruments, and chat with influential professors.

Why choose Chemistry at Willamette?

  • Courses designed for endless options. Students can explore fields such as organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and environmental chemistry.
  • Find other ways to learn. Join the Chemistry Club, consider studying abroad, or secure a grant for summer research. We embrace different learning styles and will support students' interests.
  • Dedicated equipment, labs, and resources. Students can use industry-standard instruments and equipment for coursework and research projects. Review science publications and explore the Olin Science Center.

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Curriculum

Explore chemical reactions and apply science principles to a variety of disciplines and problems. As a department approved by the American Chemical Society, students learn all branches of chemistry. Choose between a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, or a minor. We also have a BS option with a focus on biochemistry.

  • CHEM 345W Advanced Experimental Chemistry

    Learn about chemical analysis through a hands-on lab course. Conduct real-world experiments using advanced electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques, and sharpen your formal scientific writing skills.

  • CHEM 347W Advanced Experimental Biochemistry

    Master chemical and biochemical analysis in our lab course. Conduct in-depth experiments on gene expression, protein function, and more using advanced electrophoretic, spectroscopic, and PCR techniques.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires 41-43 semester hours in Chemistry core classes and 4 semester hours in Mathematics.

The Chemistry track for the Bachelor of Science degree requires 47 semester hours in Chemistry, 4 semester hours in Mathematics, and 8 semester hours in Physics.

The Biochemistry Track for the Bachelor of Science degree requires 49 semester hours in Chemistry, 4 semester hours in Mathematics, 4 semester hours in Biology, 5 semester hours in Physics

The Chemistry Minor requires 16 semester hours of Chemistry courses and an additional 4 semester hours of Chemistry courses numbered above 300.

A student with glasses dropping liquid from a syringe into a test kit
Financial Aid and Scholarships

Willamette University offers generous merit scholarships and financial aid to Chemistry majors, with no separate application required. All admitted undergraduates are automatically considered for scholarships starting at $26,000 per year. For students with financial need and a passion for STEM, our STEM Fellows Program provides up to $10,000 annually for first-year students. This program includes mentorship, field trips, tutoring, and more, helping students succeed in their STEM careers.

A group of students listening with a Periodic Table of Elements hung behind them

FAQs

Willamette University

Chemistry