The Department of Chemistry is home to about 80 majors at any given time. These students are a crucial part of a dynamic group of chemists. If you’re interested in joining us, you should start by discussing your interest with your favorite chemistry professor. They will answer your questions and guide you to the next stop in declaring your major.
Wake Forest offers four degrees certified by the American Chemical Society: Bachelor of Science (B.S.), B.S. with concentration in biological chemistry, B.S. with concentration in materials chemistry, and B.S. with concentration in medicinal chemistry. We also offer a Bachelor of Arts.
Which degree is right for you depends on your chemical interests and career plans. Any of our major advisors will be happy to discuss your options with you. Because there is considerable overlap between the degrees, it is possible to change your degree path along the way.
Be advised, if you’re reading this before coming to Wake Forest, it is very important that you take CHM 111 in the fall of your first year.
To formally declare a major at Wake Forest, you must have earned 40 credit hours. In chemistry, you should visit the department administrative assistant (Ms. Linda Tuttle, 113-C Salem Hall) and state your intention. She will assign you an advisor (one of our faculty) and give you a signed form, which you must deliver to the Registrar. Most major declarations take place in Spring of the second year but may occur any time after a student has earned 40 credit hours.
The Department of Chemistry holds a welcome event in the spring after the major declaration period in celebration of our new majors. We look forward to seeing you there!
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB)
The Department of Chemistry jointly offers an interdisciplinary major with the Department of Biology. The BMB major provides a strong foundation in biological chemistry and molecular biology, and related topics at the interface of these two disciplines. For more information on the BMB major, follow the link. Click here to visit the BMB program website!
Chemistry Minor
A minor in Chemistry requires 19 hours in chemistry and must include at least one of the following: 334, 341, 342, 351, 361, 364, 366, 370 or 373. To declare a minor, you should visit the department administrative assistant (Ms. Linda Tuttle, 113-C Salem Hall) and state your intention. She will guide you through the process from there.
