Why choose Chemistry?

ACS Approved Chemistry ProgramMissouri Western’s Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program prepares students to enter the dynamic chemical industry or to attend graduate programs in chemistry and related fields. Students get extensive lab experience and unique research opportunities in a challenging program that has been certified by the American Chemical Society since 1977.

OUR GRADUATES

CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION

Graduates often go on to attain one of our masters degrees in chemistry or industrial life science. Others can be found in Ph.D. programs at the University of Iowa, the University of Kansas, the University of Illinois, Baylor College of Medicine and more.

OUR GRADUATES

ENTER THE WORKFORCE

Missouri Western graduates can be found working in the laboratories of many regional life science employers in the Kansas City and St. Joseph area including Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Midwest Research Institute and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Student working in a chemistry lab

General Studies
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Major Requirements
CHE 111General Chemistry I5
CHE 120General Chemistry II with Qualitative Analysis5
CHE 310Organic Chemistry I3
CHE 311Organic Chemistry Laboratory I2
CHE 312Organic Chemistry II3
CHE 313Organic Chemistry Laboratory II2
CHE 321Quantitative Analysis4
CHE 326Instrumental Analysis4
CHE 340Foundations of Physical Chemistry4
CHE 370Biochemistry I4
CHE 380Environmental Chemistry & Chemical Management3
CHE 441Advanced Inorganic Chemistry3
CHE 442Inorganic Synthesis1
CHE 480Advanced Physical Chemistry4
MAT 167Calculus with Analytic Geometry I5
MAT 177Calculus with Analytic Geometry II3
or MAT 287 Multivariable Calculus
PHY 110College Physics I4
PHY 111College Physics II4
Select one of the following:3
CHE 470
Biochemistry II
CHE 475
Internship in Chemistry
CHE 490
Research in Chemistry

Chemistry majors may seek career specialization by adding one or more of the following other degree programs. 

Forensic Science: Students seeking entrance to career in forensic science or a graduate program in forensic science are encouraged to add a Minor in Criminal Justice. Elective choices within the minor should be discussed with an advisor in Chemistry and/or Criminal Justice. 

Health Professions: Students seeking entrance into professional programs in pharmacy, medicine, dentistry or similar programs may consider a Minor in Biology as they will complete several prerequisite biology courses. Elective choices within the minor should be catered toward specific entrance requirements, and should be discussed with an advisor in Chemistry and/or Biology.

Chemical Business: Students seeking a career in the chemical industry in sales, human resources, management, or business development are encouraged to complete a Minor in Business OR Entrepreneurship.  Elective choices within the minor should be discussed with an advisor in Chemistry and/or Business.

Scientific Writing: Students seeking a career in scientific writing or graduate programs are encouraged to complete a Minor in Technical Writing. Elective choices within the minor should be discussed with an advisor in Chemistry and/or English.

Secondary Teaching: Students seeking to become a secondary teacher (grades 9-12) should pair this major with the BSE Secondary Education. This combination will ensure completion of both scientific and pedagogical content toward achievement of teaching certification through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Note that other requirements beyond content must also be completed for certification, such as minimum GPA, a criminal background check, and standardized exams. Students seeking this career are advised in both Chemistry and Education.

University Graduation Requirements 

  1. Earn a minimum of 120 credit hours (100 level and higher, maximum of 6 CED credit hours applicable).
  2. Earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in upper-division courses.  Lower-division transfer courses accepted as meeting upper-division departmental course requirements cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
  3. Earn 30 of the last 45 credit hours at MWSU in institutional coursework (exclusive of credit by examination).
  4. Participate in required departmental and campus wide assessments. 
  5. Fulfill the Missouri Constitution requirement.
  6. Successfully pass the Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement exam. 

Are you ready to declare this major? Download, sign and submit the form(s) to the Chemistry Department.

Mapping your degree plan is important. You should consult with your academic advisor to create a plan and monitor it regularly.