Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Biochemistry: Chemistry Option

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Find Your Formula for Real-World Success

Curious how the world works at a molecular level? Turn that curiosity into real-world skills with a BS in Chemistry/Biochemistry.

In this chemistry degree program, you’ll build a strong foundation in chemistry while getting hands-on experience in the lab, using the same tools and techniques found in research, healthcare, and industry settings.

You’ll explore core areas like organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry while developing critical thinking and communication skills. You’ll also gain experience with modern instrumentation used in professional labs and learn safe lab practices.

Whether you’re considering a career in chemistry, planning for grad school, or preparing for medical, dental, or pharmacy programs, this degree helps you get there with confidence.

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Why Study Chemistry & Biochemistry at EWU?

Career Connections

Build your resume before you graduate through internships, research, and applied learning opportunities with local organizations.

Small Class Sizes

Get to know your professors, connect with your peers, and receive personalized support in every class.

Mentorship & Support

You won’t figure it out alone—faculty and advisors are here to help you choose classes, research opportunities, and career paths.

Research Opportunities

Work alongside faculty on research projects that strengthen your skills and help you stand out to employers and grad schools.

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Resources for Student Success

Find community in student clubs and get academic support through one-on-one tutoring and study groups.

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Affordable Education

Benefit from competitive tuition rates and financial aid options designed to help you graduate with little to no debt.

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About EWU Chemistry

“My time at EWU gave me a really solid foundation for graduate school. The classes helped me build skills in advanced scientific methods, and the hands-on research experience made a big difference in preparing me for lab work. On top of that, the supportive environment among my peers and faculty made it easy to grow both academically and personally.” — Sylvia Kennerly '24

Applied Learning Opportunities

  • Applied Laboratory Work: Build practical, career-ready skills by working in labs that mirror professional lab environments.
  • Classroom-Based Applied Learning/Simulation: Practice decision-making through simulations, case studies, and other hands-on activities in the classroom.
  • Internships: Get real-world experience (and often credit or pay) by working in a professional setting connected to your career goals.
  • Student Employment & Leadership at EWU: Gain skills, connections, and confidence through on-campus jobs and leadership roles in student government, departments, or clubs.
  • Undergraduate Research: Collaborate with professors on real-world research projects where you ask questions, solve problems, and present what you discover.
Girl working in a lab mixing chemicals

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Chemistry/Biochemistry–Chemistry Major, Bachelor of Science (BS)

Notes: a computer programming course is strongly recommended–see your chemistry/biochemistry advisor.

Grade Requirements: due to the cumulative nature of chemistry courses, the department strongly recommends that students receive a grade ≥C in all prerequisite chemistry courses.

Required Courses
CHEM 171
& 171L
& CHEM 172
& CHEM 172L
& CHEM 173
& CHEM 173L		GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY III
and GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY III		15
CHEM 304
& 304L		QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
and QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS LAB		6
CHEM 351ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 352ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 353ORGANIC CHEMISTRY III3
CHEM 372ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY I3
CHEM 421PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I4
CHEM 422PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II4
CHEM 432PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY 12
or CHEM 433 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY 2
CHEM 499DIRECTED STUDY4
or CHEM 495 INTERNSHIP
Required Supporting Courses
MATH/HONS 161CALCULUS I5
MATH 162CALCULUS II5
MATH 163CALCULUS III5
PHYS 151GENERAL PHYSICS I4
PHYS 152GENERAL PHYSICS II4
PHYS 153GENERAL PHYSICS III4
PHYS 161MECHANICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 162HEAT AND OPTICS LABORATORY1
PHYS 163ELECTRONICS LABORATORY I1
Electives–choose 300- 400-level CHEM courses – contact the chemistry/biochemistry advisor. At least 15 credits must be 400-level, CHEM 140 & CHEM 140L may be counted here if pursuing a Forensic Science Minor, BIOL 310 may be counted here if pursuing a Biochemistry or Pre-Med Minor.25
Required Senior Capstone
CHEM 491SENIOR THESIS5
Total Credits109

The following plan of study is for a student with zero credits. Individual students may have different factors such as: credit through transfer work, Advanced Placement, Running Start, or any other type of college-level coursework that requires an individual plan.

Courses could be offered in different terms, checking the academic schedule is paramount in keeping an individual plan current. Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

All Undergraduate students are required to meet the Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

First Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
CHEM 171
& 171L (Natural Science BACR 1)		5CHEM 172
& 172L (Natural Science BACR 2)		5CHEM 173
& 173L		5
ENGL 1015ENGL 2015MATH 1635
MATH 1615MATH 1625Social Science BACR 115
 15 15 15
Second Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
CHEM 304
& 304L		6PHYS 1524PHYS 1534
PHYS 1514PHYS 1621PHYS 1631
PHYS 1611Social Science BACR 225Humanities & Arts BACR 215
Humanities & Arts BACR 115Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5
 16 15 15
Third Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
CHEM 3514CHEM 3524CHEM 3533
Chemistry Elective24CHEM 3723Chemistry Elective24
Chemistry Elective22Chemistry Elective24Chemistry Elective24
Global Studies - graduation requirement15Diversity - graduation requirement15Elective - minor or general elective5
 15 16 16
Fourth Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits
CHEM 4214CHEM 4224CHEM 491 (Senior Capstone - graduation requirement)5
CHEM 4992CHEM 4322Chemistry Elective24
Elective - minor or general elective5CHEM 4992Chemistry Elective24
Elective - minor or general elective5Elective - minor or general elective5 
 16 13 13
Total Credits 180
1

University Graduation Requirements (UGR) and Breadth Area Course Requirements (BACR) courses may be less than 5 credits and additional credits may be required to reach the required 180 total credits needed to graduate.  Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

2

Electives–choose 25 credits of 300- 400-level CHEM courses – contact the chemistry/biochemistry advisor. At least 15 credits must be 400-level, CHEM 140 & CHEM 140L may be counted here if pursuing a Forensic Science Minor, BIOL 310 may be counted here if pursuing a Biochemistry or Pre-Med Minor.

Enhance Your Degree

Pair your Chemistry BS with a built-in minor that aligns with your interests and career goals—no extra credits or time required.

Forensic Science

Apply your chemistry skills to real-world investigations by exploring crime lab techniques and evidence analysis.

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Pre-Medical Professional

Complete essential prerequisites and build a strong foundation for medical, pharmacy, and other health professional programs.

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Chemistry/Biochemistry Secondary

Prepare to teach chemistry to students in grades 5–12 through foundational courses and electives that build your skills.

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Professional Chemistry

Strengthen your technical expertise and gain advanced skills for careers in industry or for graduate study.

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Biochemistry

Examine the chemistry of living systems to prepare for careers in healthcare, research, or biotechnology.

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Environmental Chemistry

Study how chemistry impacts the environment while building skills to analyze environmental problems and protect natural resources.

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Chemistry BS FAQs

A Chemistry/Biochemistry BS is a great choice if you want in-depth training in chemistry, including advanced lab work. It’s ideal for students planning careers as professional chemists or researchers, and for those pursuing graduate school in chemistry, biochemistry, or related sciences.

Common minors that pair well with a chemistry degree include biochemistry, forensic science, pre-med, and environmental chemistry. Choosing a minor can help you specialize your chemistry degree and align it with your career goals. At EWU, minors are built into the Chemistry/Biochemistry BS, so you can tailor your degree to your interests without adding extra credits or time to your degree.

A chemistry degree can lead to careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, forensics, and industry. Graduates also pursue advanced degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and other science-related fields.

Get in Touch

Still have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out!

Nicholas Burgis, PhD

Professor and Department Chair
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Pronouns: he/him/his

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509.359.7901
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Jackie Villa

CHBP Administrative Assistant
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EWU Chemistry & Biochemistry

226 Science Building (SCI)
1175 Washington St.
Cheney, WA 99004
E: chemistry@ewu.edu
P: 509.359.2447

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