Chemistry
College of Arts & Sciences
Chemistry involves the understanding of the structure and reactivity of matter from atomic- and molecular-level perspective. Degrees in Chemistry involve training in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Elective courses are also available allowing students to pursue interests in materials, biological, and other advanced areas of chemistry.
Major category: Minimum requirements
Minor available
Curricular options: B.A., B.S., B.S. ACS certified
Topic(s): Health, Natural and environmental sciences
websiteDegree requirements
Applicant type
First-year students can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)
Read more about applying to the UW as a first-year student, including details for programs that provide high school students with college credit (like Running Start).
Quarters of general admission to UW: autumn / winter (U.S. applicants only) / spring / summer
Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.
- Use the information below to help you prepare for this degree
- Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
- Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
- UW college and school graduation requirements
Department admission information
Please contact the department for details about the application process.
This major has minimum admission requirements, including a minimum overall GPA of 2.0. For more information, visit the department’s website.
Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
Courses REQUIRED for admission:
Regular Admission
One of the following CHEM series:
- CHEM 142 NSc RSN – General Chemistry
- CHEM 152 NSc RSN – General Chemistry
- CHEM 162 NSc RSN – General Chemistry
OR
- CHEM 145 NSc RSN – Advanced General Chemistry
- CHEM 155 NSc RSN – Advanced General Chemistry
- CHEM 165 NSc RSN – Advanced General Chemistry
OR
- CHEM 143 NSc RSN – Accelerated General Chemistry
- CHEM 153 NSc RSN – Accelerated General Chemistry
One of the following CHEM series:
- CHEM 237 NSc – Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 238 NSc – Organic Chemistry
OR
- CHEM 335 NSc – Honors Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 336 NSc – Honors Organic Chemistry
One of the following MATH series:
- MATH 124 NSc RSN – Calculus Analytic Geometry I
- MATH 125 NSc – Calculus Analytic Geometry II
OR
- MATH 134 NSc RSN – Accelerated [Honors] Calculus
- MATH 135 NSc – Accelerated [Honors] Calculus
One of the following PHYS series:
- PHYS 114 NSc RSN – General Physics
- PHYS 115 NSc – General Physics
OR
- PHYS 121 NSc RSN – Mechanics (recommended)
- PHYS 122 NSc – Electromagnetism (recommended)
Entering transfer information:
Total undergraduates: 215
Total from Washington community colleges: 19
Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):
3.75 – 4.00: 8
3.50 – 3.74: <5
3.25 – 3.49: <5
3.00 – 3.24: <5
2.75 – 2.99: <5
2.50 – 2.74: <5
2.49 and below: <5