Undergraduate

Chloe Corning, GW Undergraduate
Luther Rice Fellow Chloe Corning is recognized at the 2023 Scholars' Salon

Chemistry is a powerful springboard that can launch students into rich and rewarding careers in pharmacology, material science, clinical and forensic laboratories, academia, patent law and more. For students interested in postgraduate study or careers in a chemical field, our American Chemical Society-certified tracks offer a rigorous and nationally recognized foundation. For those considering careers in professional fields such as medicine, dentistry, law and business, we also offer a more flexible bachelor’s degree track that incorporates a wider selection of elective courses.

All of our undergraduate degree options provide a well-rounded base in chemical theory through hands-on laboratory experience in small sections.

Prospective and current students who have questions about the chemistry major are encouraged to email our department at gwchematgwu [dot] edu (gwchem[at]gwu[dot]edu).  Chemistry Majors or prospective Chemistry Majors can email Dr. Wagner with questions at wagnermatgwu [dot] edu (wagnerm[at]gwu[dot]edu).  Chemistry Minors or prospective Chemistry Minors can email Dr. Massiah with questions at massiahatgwu [dot] edu.

 


Undergraduate Programs

 


Additional Requirements

 

ALEKS Chemistry Prep Course

All incoming students who intend to pursue certain academic fields including chemical sciences must complete the ALEKS Chemistry Preparatory Course. The ALEKS course occurs over the summer before undergraduate students begin at GW.

Learn More About ALEKS

 

 

Honors

In addition to meeting the general requirements stated under university regulations, a candidate for graduation with special honors in chemistry must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in chemistry courses and take CHEM 4195 or CHEM 4195W for at least three credits over two semesters. Along with the final report required for the research course, honors-track students also complete a poster or oral presentation.


Department News

PhD student Elizabeth Decoteau, Professor Chris Cahill and colleagues stand together in a room with framed photos on the wall behind them

UWI-FST Mona and George Washington University Strengthen Chemistry Research Collaboration

Professor Cahill and PhD student Elizabeth Decoteau visited the University of the West Indies as part of a collaboration on research and student initiatives.

Lauren Pincus seated at a table with her name in a sign, gesturing and talking to seated writers listening

GW Research Shared with Science Writers at D.C. Science Writers’ Association Professional Development Day

Chemistry's Lauren Pincus discussed research related to how plastic pollution degrades in the environment, the design of materials for metal recovery and more.

 


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Hannah Yi

“Being a part of the Chemistry Department was one of the biggest highlights of undergrad. The entire department, including the administration and faculty, are so welcoming and friendly. I really enjoyed going to lab every day!”

Hannah Yi
BS '16