Majors, Minors, and Programs

Just an hour from Washington, D.C., UMW is a small school with growing diversity and passionate master teachers. Our liberal arts and sciences curriculum – with more than 60 majors, minors, and courses of study – will challenge your mind and let you explore.

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Chemistry

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Our bachelor’s program in chemistry takes you beyond beakers and test tubes, deep into a discipline that touches every aspect of our lives. Core courses in organic, analytical, and physical chemistry spark important connections between physics and math, biology and medicine. Hands-on opportunities and research in our-state-of-the-art labs put you in a position to make breakthroughs that matter.

Degree Awarded

Students majoring in Chemistry who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemistry.

Areas of Study

UMW’s bachelor’s program in chemistry covers societal, organic, physical, and environmental chemistry, and offers courses in biochemistry, chemical analysis, chemical outreach, and more.

Career Opportunities

A chemistry degree from UMW will prepare you for a career or advanced studies in environmental chemistry, chemical engineering, clinical chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, biomedical and forensic science, or technical sales. Our graduates have found careers at NASA, Dow, Virginia Power, Pfizer, the Naval Research Laboratory, Atlantic Research, Estee Lauder, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, and the National Institutes of Health.

Internships

Students are encouraged to pursue research and internship opportunities with such employers as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the American Chemical Society.  Learn more about UMW internships in chemistry.

Honors

To earn honors in chemistry, you must have at least a 3.25 grade-point average in chemistry and 3.0 overall. You’ll complete an independent research project, then write and defend a thesis. Students accepted for the honors program enroll in Chemistry 491 for four credits in each semester of the senior year.

Requirements

Major Requirements

Chemistry majors must complete 39 credits, including 19 upper-level courses. Students may complete extra coursework to earn an American Chemical Society-certified degree.

Minor Requirements

A minor in chemistry requires at least 15 credits, including general chemistry with a lab, either organic chemistry or chemical analysis, each with a lab, and three more courses, to include no more than one lab, chosen from biochemistry, environmental chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry.

Scholarships

Numerous scholarships and awards are available for chemistry majors.

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Special Majors

Students also have the option to design a special major that combines courses from two or more academic disciplines into a coherent plan of study. Special majors are developed with a faculty advisor and approved by a curriculum committee. Examples of some of the special majors UMW students have developed are journalism, digital media studies, Italian studies, linguistics, biochemistry, communication, arts management, and Latin American studies.

Honors Program

The undergraduate Honors Program offers advanced students the opportunity to engage in rigorous honors designated coursework, interdisciplinary seminars, strong internship experiences, extended research and creative projects, and community service as part of a supportive community of learners.

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