What majors and minors are offered?
Why should I choose this chemistry program?
Why is it important that the program is accredited?
What are the admission requirements for the program?
As a high school student, how should I prepare for a chemistry degree?
What type of student succeeds in the field of chemistry?
What is the typical class size?
How do students work together with faculty?
What student organizations are available?
Does the department have any direct interaction with the community?
Has the department been awarded any recent grants?
Have any of your students or faculty members received any special awards recently?

What majors and minors are offered?
The Department of Chemistry offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Technology and Natural Science with an emphasis in Chemistry. Students pursuing the Natural Science/Chemistry degree have four option areas available: Chemical Business, Forensic Science, Health Professions, and Chemistry Education.

The Department of Chemistry also offers a minor in Chemistry.

Why should I choose this chemistry program?
The Department of Chemistry has maintained its program at a level of quality to merit national certification since 1980. The American Chemical Society’s Committee on Professional Training provides national certification for three degrees offered within our program:  the B.S. in Chemistry degree, the B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the B.S. in Natural Science/Chemistry/Chemical Education option degrees.  The Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences accredits our B.S. Medical Technology program.

In addition, employers continue to cite the excellent background in theory and the practical applied knowledge of chemical instrumentation that our students receive during their undergraduate degree programs. The acceptance rate to post-graduate and professional schools by our chemistry graduates averages 85% - well above the national average - due to the overall strength of the bachelor degree program at Western.

Why is it important that the program is accredited?
National accreditation is one way to ensure the quality of the program you choose. The organization providing accreditation ensures the program meets certain standards of quality.

What are the admission requirements for the program?
The entrance requirements are the same as those required by the institution. However, students must demonstrate proficiency in Math for continued enrollment in the chemistry curriculum. Students must have a Math ACT score of 20 or higher, or a grade of C or better in Intermediate Algebra or equivalent to enroll in General Chemistry, the first course taken by students majoring in chemistry or related sciences. Students are advised to co-enroll in College Algebra while taking General Chemistry since College Algebra is a pre-requisite for General Chemistry II.

As a high school student, how should I prepare for a chemistry degree?
High school students who have completed the college core curriculum including at least three years each of high school mathematics and science, including chemistry, physics, and biology; are best prepared for the field of chemistry.

What type of student succeeds in the field of chemistry?
Students who have a good background in high school science and mathematics and those who have mastered effective study skills are the most likely to succeed in the field of chemistry.

What is the typical class size?
General chemistry class sizes range from 36 to 48 students in lectures, with a maximum of 24 students in each lab section. Upper division classes range from 10 to 36 students in lectures and have a maximum of 12 to 18 students in labs, depending on the specific course.

How do students work together with faculty?
The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry requires that students complete two credit hours of independent research. Research may be conducted on campus under the direction of a faculty advisor or off campus in conjunction with approved research providers or universities. Students have the opportunity to participate in a number of national programs in Research Experience for Undergraduates. Students may also elect to participate as employed student mentors in the chemistry laboratory. These students assist other students and faculty in the laboratory, and act as tutors for their peers outside of class. This offers students an opportunity to become involved with the department at levels beyond their course work, helping to strengthen their knowledge and experience in the field.  Click here to see a list of faculty presentations and publications including those with students.

What student organizations are available?
The Department of Chemistry sponsors the Alchemist Club, which is the Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society. Any students with an interest in chemistry or science may join the Alchemist Club. The club sponsors fund-raising activities to attend national ACS meetings, speakers for seminars on campus, and other scholarly and social events.

Does the department have any direct interaction with the community?
The faculty members of the Department of Chemistry sponsor and facilitate the Chemistry Educators Association, a regional association of university and high school teachers of chemistry, whose purpose is to enhance the level of high school chemistry education in the region. Chemistry faculty members also provide demonstration lectures in chemistry to area middle and high school science classes as well as the St. Joseph Museum's "Super Science Saturday" event (click here for pics of this year's event). In addition, the Alchemist Club sponsors science merit badge workshops for Boy Scouts of America in the St. Joseph and Kansas City region.  Click here to see a list of organizations Chemistry faculty are invovled in.

Has the department recently been awarded any grants?
Dr. Ben Caldwell, as an investigator, in conjunction with faculty members of the Western Biology Department was awarded a $100,000 grant for “Evidence for DNA Interaction with Anti-tumor Agents,” funded by the National Institute of Health. Dr. Steven P. Lorimor was awarded a $3,000 grant for the “Investigation of Plant Nutrients,” funded by ORCAKL Inc.  Click here to see a complete list of grants awarded to Chemistry faculty since 2000.

Have any of your students or faculty members received any special awards recently?

• Dr. Robert "Greg" Downing (B.S. Chem, '75) was awarded the Missouri Western State University Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award on October 12, 2007.
• Dr. Shauna Hiley was awarded the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Chairpersons award in August of 2007.
• Dr. Mike Ducey was awarded the Jesse Lee Meyers Excellence in Teaching Award in May 2007.
• The Edger C. Little Outstanding Chemistry Graduates for 2007 were Darcie Elder, Janessa Paden, and Deborah Wright.
• The Edger C. Little Outstanding Chemistry Graduate for 2005 was awarded to a student who completed the B.S. Chemistry degree at Western and is pursing a doctoral degree program in Analytical Chemistry at Iowa State University.
• The Edger C. Little Outstanding Chemistry Graduate for 2004 was awarded to a student who completed the B.S. Chemistry degree at Western and is pursing a doctoral degree program in Physical Chemistry at the University of California at San Diego.