B.S. Chemistry

Introduction

The WKU chemistry program prepares students to become professional chemists with a global perspective, and international quality research capabilities. It provides a foundation for careers in other fields such as medicine and biological science. The program provides a thorough fundamental knowledge of the major fields of chemistry such as inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, cultivates students’ research and analytical thinking abilities. Students gain advanced laboratory skills and knowledge to take full advantage of the scientific research opportunities available in the department.

Graduates of this program will be well prepared to pursue advanced degrees at top universities around the world, join research and technology firms that are developing state of the art technologies and products or to enter governmental agencies to develop technical solutions to our most challenging problems.

Major (Core) Required Courses

Chemistry

Quantitative Analysis

Organic Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry

Instrumental Method of Analysis

Physical Chemistry

Biochemistry

Advanced Organic Preparations

Knowledge and Skills

– Students graduating from the WKU Chemistry Program can expect to develop a wide array of skills. These include:

The students will have an excellent command of technical and social English. They will also develop strong interpersonal and group communication skills. With their existing capabilities in Mandarin, they will be positioned to work or study in any international environment.
Graduates will have the ability to take theoretical concepts and apply them to the real world. The Chemistry program will provide a solid theoretical knowledge of chemistry, physics, math and biology coupled with applied research and analytical capabilities. With this background, graduates of this program will be expected to be able to employ theoretical concepts and develop applied methodologies for research and practical applications. We expect our graduates to be able to utilize these abilities to work at the frontiers of the chemistry sciences.
Students will have developed excellent experimental skills, including developing and conducting innovative research.
WKU Chemistry Program graduates are expected to have the skills necessary to be able to work in a wide array of professional chemistry related fields including education, research and development, management, biochemistry, medicine, forensic chemistry, chemical engineering, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental chemistry, electrochemistry or nanotechnology.

Career Prospects

The many applications of chemistry have created a broad range of opportunities for employment. Graduates may find research and technical opportunities in a variety of industries such as oil, chemical, food processing, agriculture, photography, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, mining, and others. These fields offer qualified applicants high paying and challenging positions.