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Chemistry Comprehensive

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

UWA’s Chemistry Major (BA/BS) is designed to be paired with a minor of the student’s choosing and provides a general preparation in chemistry. This degree option is typically chosen by students who wish to enhance their chemistry background by including preparation in an additional field. It is often be used by students pursuing laboratory careers as well as those planning to attend graduate school. 

UWA’s Chemistry Major also offers three separate tracks: 

  • The Chemistry Comprehensive Forensic Track (BA/BS). This track provides students with the opportunity to earn a Chemistry degree while taking the courses that would be most beneficial for careers in fields such as forensic chemistry, crime scene investigation, forensic toxicology, forensic DNA analysis and more.  Their specialized knowledge in chemistry and forensic science equips them to play vital roles in the investigation and analysis of evidence, contributing to the pursuit of justice and resolution of criminal cases. 
  • The Chemistry Comprehensive Pre-Pharmacy Track (BA/BS). Students can earn a Chemistry degree while taking the courses required for applying to a doctoral program in Pharmacy that leads to a career as a pharmacist, clinical pharmacy specialist, research scientist in pharmaceutical industries, pharmaceutical consultant and more. Their comprehensive understanding of chemistry principles and pharmaceutical sciences equips them to excel in various roles within the healthcare sector, contributing to patient care, drug development and the advancement of pharmaceutical knowledge and practice. 
  • The Chemistry Comprehensive Traditional Track (BA/BS). This program is geared to students who plan to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry or related fields such as Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry and more. The comprehensive understanding of chemistry principles and specialized knowledge in their chosen field, taught through this track, equips them to contribute to advancements in scientific research, industry and technology, making a significant impact on the world through their work.  

Visit the Academic Catalog for information regarding program admission requirements, prerequisites, course offerings and more.

Program Facts

Program Format

On Campus

Academic Term

Spring, Summer and Fall semesters

Number of Credits

120 hours

Academic Calendars

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Sample Courses

CH241 Organic Chemistry I

4 Credits

General principles and theories of organic chemistry including bonding, molecular structure, nomenclature, stereochemistry, mechanisms, functional groups, and reactions of hydrocarbons. Three lecture and four laboratory hours each week. Prerequisite: CH112.  

CH242 Organic Chemistry II

4 Credits

Spectroscopic interpretations and reaction mechanisms of various functional groups including carbonyl groups. Three lecture and four laboratory hours each week. Prerequisite: CH241.  

CH308 Seminar in Chemistry

1 Credits

Study of current issues in chemistry through literature review and oral presentations. Emphasis is placed on the retrieval of information from scientific journals and online databases. Prerequisite: 16 hours of chemistry. 

Career Outlook

Students completing this degree track will earn a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, preparing them for any career path that requires a chemistry degree. Such career paths include those found in testing laboratories, chemical plants and paper mills. The addition of an academic minor to this degree allows the student to include additional preparation in a field of their choice. 

The Forensic Track program prepares graduates to become forensic chemists, who often find work in labs associated with federal, state or local police departments, medical examiner’s offices, forensic services labs, in branches of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and private labs. 

The Pre-Pharmacy Track prepares students to apply to a doctoral program in Pharmacy. 

The Traditional Track focuses on the customization of the degree based on the field of chemistry of most interest to the student. Students completing the program will be better prepared for graduate school in a particular field of chemistry and are also prepared for any career path that requires a chemistry degree, such as those found in testing laboratories, chemical plants and paper mills. 

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