Chemistry occupies a unique position within the modern sciences. Ultimately, most of the phenomena in the biological, geological, physical, environmental and medical sciences can be expressed in terms of the chemical and physical behavior of atoms and molecules. Because of chemistry’s key role and the wide variety of topics covered in our courses, majors in chemistry and biochemistry are well prepared to pursue careers in a wide variety of disciplines.
When you major in chemistry, you have the opportunity to engage in research projects with the department’s faculty and to gain experience with computational chemistry; modern instrumental techniques including gas and liquid chromatography; ultra-violet, visible, infra-red, Raman, fluorescence and atomic absorption spectrophotometry; nuclear magnetic resonance; and x-ray diffraction. Upon graduation, our students are knowledgeable, experienced and independent laboratory workers.
Earning a degree, minor, or endorsement from Eastern Washington University leads to many career opportunities:
Agriculture
Catalysis
Education
Engineering
Forensics
Due to the cumulative nature of chemistry courses, we strongly recommend that you receive a grade of at least 2.0 in all prerequisite chemistry courses.
Chemistry, Biochem and Physics students are awarded approximately $2,790 in scholarships each year—just one part of the $9.7 million EWU awards annually to nearly 1,500 students through a single scholarship application. Scholarships aren’t just for top GPAs or athletes—they’re based on your major, background, community service, and more. And the best part? Scholarships are free money you don’t have to pay back.
The EWU General Scholarship Application for the academic year opens Nov. 1 and closes Feb. 1.
Please work with your General Academic Advisor until you are approaching junior status (90+ credits) and are major ready.
Here are some general instructions for declaring your major in the chemistry department.
*Please note the department office does not receive a notification when you declare your major in records and registration. Bypassing the return of the major declaration form to the department office means you may miss out on important department notifications and information; such as scholarship, job, and internship announcements.
Visit our Faculty and Staff page.
If you are a prospective Forensic Science student or parent, make sure to visit the Forensic Science degree page.
Check the transfer guide on EagleNET for course equivalencies. You may also contact the Center for Academic Advising & Retention (CAAR) at 509.359.2345 or advising@ewu.edu for help from an Academic Advisor.
If you are already a student on campus, have had chemistry courses, and are interested in being a TA for Chemistry Labs, please contact Fred Joslin in Science Building 209. He can also be reached at 509.359.2809 or fjoslin@ewu.edu.
This process has now moved online! Please see the Professor with whom you wish to complete research before you complete the online form. CSTEM Directed Study/Internship Request
Some information you will need:
For internships only:
Additional questions can be sent to chemistry@ewu.edu
First, visit the Records & Registration website for more information about your registration hold. You may contact the department secretary for more information about Chemistry specific pre-requisite holds. Advisor holds require you meet with your general or major advisor.
You may need additional permission from the course Professor or Department chair, depending on the reason for the hold.
Please include your name, email, and Student ID number or Net ID number when sending email requests.
Please work with your Thesis advisor to begin this process. You will need to submit:
At EWU, Chemistry students don’t just learn in the classroom—they roll up their sleeves and dive into real research. Through your capstone project, you’ll collaborate with faculty on meaningful, hands-on work using a variety of materials and methods. Explore some of the exciting research projects our faculty are leading and imagine where your own interests might take you.
EWU Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty are actively contributing to scientific discovery through published research in peer-reviewed journals. Their work spans a wide range of topics and reflects the department’s commitment to advancing knowledge and involving students in the process.
Links for 25-26 tentative class schedules:
Interested in being a chemistry tutor? Please reach out to Dr. Janelle Jenkins at jjenkins3@ewu.edu.
PLUS at EWU has many additional tutoring options!
PLUS also has other offerings such as weekend warrior groups and academic coaching. Check them out!
The Women in Science club has end-of-the-quarter study sessions for all science students. Find the club on social media using the tag @wiseclubewu.
