Why choose Chemistry?
Missouri 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 EDUCATIONGraduates 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 WORKFORCEMissouri 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.

Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
General Studies | ||
42-47 | ||
Major Requirements | ||
CHE 111 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
CHE 120 | General Chemistry II with Qualitative Analysis | 5 |
CHE 310 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
CHE 311 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2 |
CHE 312 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
CHE 313 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 2 |
CHE 321 | Quantitative Analysis | 4 |
CHE 326 | Instrumental Analysis | 4 |
CHE 340 | Foundations of Physical Chemistry | 4 |
CHE 370 | Biochemistry I | 4 |
CHE 380 | Environmental Chemistry & Chemical Management | 3 |
CHE 441 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 3 |
CHE 442 | Inorganic Synthesis | 1 |
CHE 480 | Advanced Physical Chemistry | 4 |
MAT 167 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 5 |
MAT 177 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 3 |
or MAT 287 | Multivariable Calculus | |
PHY 110 | College Physics I | 4 |
PHY 111 | College Physics II | 4 |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Biochemistry II | ||
Internship in Chemistry | ||
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
- Earn a minimum of 120 credit hours (100 level and higher, maximum of 6 CED credit hours applicable).
- 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.
- Earn 30 of the last 45 credit hours at MWSU in institutional coursework (exclusive of credit by examination).
- Participate in required departmental and campus wide assessments.
- Fulfill the Missouri Constitution requirement.
- Successfully pass the Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement exam.
- Major: B.S. Chemistry
Mapping your degree plan is important. You should consult with your academic advisor to create a plan and monitor it regularly.
- Major: B.S. Chemistry