Why study Chemistry at Washburn?

At Washburn, Chemistry majors become scientists. Whether you want to work as a chemist, materials scientist, brewer, or go on to medical school, our degree offerings, research experiences, and internship opportunities will set you up for a successful career. Every chemistry graduate at Washburn completes at least one semester of faculty-mentored research, so you leave Washburn ready for graduate school or your career.
Career Forecast Growing OutlookAverage Salary $54,000+ as laboratory technologist $80,000+ as materials science chemist on campus
A chemistry professor points out something on an instrument during a lab.

What sets Chemistry at Washburn apart?

  • You’ll learn from professors, not graduate students.
  • Chemistry Club is a great way to meet others with common interests!
  • You’ll complete original research with faculty mentors, and present your research at a conference. 
  • Scholarships are available for first-time students, transfer students, and continuing students in this program.
  • Receive free tutoring or get paid by the department to work as a tutor.

Apply now
Apply to Washburn

Visit Washburn
Schedule your visit

Admissions scholarships

Washburn University offers generous scholarships based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success.

Chemistry department scholarships

You're eligible for a variety of scholarships based on academic performance and career pursuits. Available for incoming freshmen, current and transfer students. Applications are due early in the spring semester for the following year.

Tuition and fees

Courses in this program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate rate.

Financial aid

Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

Tuition waivers

If you don’t currently live in Kansas, learn about our Tuition Waiver programs that may qualify you for in-state tuition.
A student takes notes while performing an experiment in a vented lab area.

On campus research opportunities

Chemistry majors work with faculty mentors on at least one semester of original research. This means you’ll develop strong skills as a laboratory scientist, researcher, and scientific communicator. Grant funding opportunities mean you’ll also gain vital experience in the grant funding process. Research projects can occur in any of the five areas of chemistry: Analytical, Biochemistry (for biochemistry majors), Inorganic, Organic, and Physical. You’ll be paired with a faculty mentor with expertise in your area of interest.

Minor in Chemistry

A minimum of 20 hours in chemistry including:

  • CH 151 Fundamentals of Chemistry I (5)
  • CH 152 Fundamentals of Chemistry II (5)
  • CH 340 Organic Chemistry I (3)
  • CH 341 Organic Chemistry II (3)
  • 300 level or higher Chemistry Course (4)

25% of the total minor hours must be taken in residence at Washburn University. Credit in CH 390 (Undergraduate Chemical Research) does not apply toward the 20 hour minimum requirement.

Minor in Forensic Chemistry

  • CH 103 Introductory Forensic Chemistry (3)
  • CH 151 Fundamentals of Chemistry I (5)
  • CH 152 Fundamentals of Chemistry II (5)
  • CH 323 Advanced Forensic Chemistry (4)
  • CH 340 Organic Chemistry I (3)

25% of the total minor hours must be taken in residence at Washburn University.

It is common to declare a major in chemistry or forensics at enrollment and then determine your specific interest.

Students who have successfully completed introductory level courses can work as tutors, conduct research with your faculty mentor or apply for an internship.

Nearly half of all chemistry majors in the last five years have graduated in four years.

1 in 3 Washburn chemistry majors in the last five years has continued directly to graduate or professional school.

Other Chemistry options

A chemistry professor points out something on a page while a student adjusts his goggles.

Biochemistry

Chemistry students laugh while standing around a table with an experiment.

Chemistry Education

A student closely examines a beaker of liquid

Forensic Chemistry

Set for success

CAREER FORECAST: growing outlook

Graduate with experience

100%

of students conduct research or an internship prior to graduation.

Student/faculty ratio

16:1

Qualities for success

Critical-thinking

Problem-solving

Detail oriented

Communication and collaboration 

Tutors

Tutoring schedules and information
Read More

Apply now

Become an Ichabod!
Read More

Chemistry Club

Meet other majors and students interested in chemistry
Read More

GET IN TOUCH WITH Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry
Stoffer Science Hall, Room 312
1700 SW College Ave
Topeka, KS 66621

Phone & Email
Phone: 785.670.2270
chemistry@washburn.edu

back to top button