Chemistry is primarily concerned with matter, energy, and their interactions, and chemists do a wide variety of things:
- Make new substances, including new materials and medicines.
- Design new ways to make known compounds.
- Isolate and determine chemical structures of naturally occurring substances.
- Elucidate the chemical mechanisms behind biological processes.
- Attempt to explain the changes matter undergoes.
- Develop and apply analytical techniques for criminal investigations and environmental problems.
- Sell chemicals, teach chemistry, and apply chemical knowledge to solve other societal and technological problems.
Chemists are also concerned about the effect their work and technology have on society and on individuals. They are in the forefront of efforts to make sure that technology serves humankind rather than vice versa.
At Seattle Pacific, the curriculum in this department is designed to serve you if you desire a career in chemistry, biochemistry, or science education, or if you are interested in pursuing further study in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, or the other sciences.
Find out more about this department’s mission, vision, and learning outcomes.
This degree prepares you for graduate study in biochemistry and molecular biology.
- A minimum 103 credits, including 49 upper-division, are required for this major.
- To complete this degree in four years, begin with CHM 1211 and MAT 1234 in the first quarter of your freshman year.
- If you are interested in health sciences, refer to Pre-Professional Health Programs.
If you are preparing for medical or dental school, a career in medical technology, pharmacy, or related fields, or to teach chemistry at the secondary level, this major is intended for you.
- A minimum 80 credits are required for this major, including 37 upper-division credits in chemistry.
- If you are interested in a career in medicine, dentistry, or other health-related fields, refer to Pre-Professional Health Programs.
This major is recommended if you intend to pursue a professional degree in chemistry or plan on graduate and other advanced work in chemistry, certain aspects of molecular biology, toxicology, and forensic science.
- A minimum 100 credits are required for this major, including 52 upper-division credits in chemistry.
- To complete this degree in four years, you should generally begin with CHM 1211 and MAT 1234 in the first quarter of your freshman year.
- If you plan on graduate studies in chemistry, additional mathematics (e.g., MAT 1236, MAT 3237, and MAT 3360) may be recommended by your faculty advisor.
- This major is guided by recommendations of the American Chemical Society and should prepare you for graduate work in chemistry or for employment as a chemist.
Apply to the major or minor
To qualify for admission to a Chemistry and Biochemistry major or minor, you must have a minimum 2.7 grade point average in SPU CHM 1211 and 1212, or a minimum 2.3 cumulative grade point average in at least 10 credits of SPU CHM 3000-level courses.
Application is made through the online Major or Minor Application form. You must complete the major or minor requirements in effect when you are admitted to the major or minor.
Please note that the following CHM-prefix courses cannot be applied to Chemistry and Biochemistry majors or minors: 1100, 1110, 1310, 1330, 1360, 2930, and 4930.
Elementary Teacher Certification
If you plan to obtain Residency Teacher Certification and are interested in teaching chemistry, you must major in the Integrated Studies major with a concentration in Natural Sciences.
The concentration consists of courses in biology, physics, and chemistry.
Application to this major is through the advisor for the natural sciences concentration, Dr. Kara Gray (grayk5@ngskmc-eis.net).
Further information on the elementary certification program is available in the School of Education.
Secondary Teacher Certification
If you plan to obtain secondary Residency Teacher Certification, you should complete the requirements for a BA in Chemistry and any additional requirements needed for certification. Information about secondary certification can be found in the School of Education.