Chemistry
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Discover God’s phenomena in natural sciences
Chemistry impacts the world’s understanding and adapting of new drugs and vaccines, synthesis of new materials, alternative energy sources, environmental protection, climate change, and more. You’ll study a physical science that helps us better take care of God’s creation.
Our chemistry program gives you access to modern laboratory technology and experienced faculty, giving you hands-on learning experiences from your first day. Our faculty, rather than Teacher Assistants like other programs, lead the intentionally small and personal classes to give you and your peers personalized attention. Our student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1 means our professors will know your name and your goals. You’ll sharpen your skills in your courses, labs, and out in the field while completing highly-desired undergraduate research.
Gardner-Webb’s emphasis on instrumentation and a fundamental understanding of chemical science grounded in Christian principles prepares you for your calling, whether that’s graduate studies, professional school, or a chemistry-related career.
Your classes, labs, and hands-on learning experiences will help you:
Evan shares how her time at Gardner-Webb shaped her career and influenced her journey in the sciences. Discover the lasting impact of a Gardner-Webb education through the stories of our alumni.
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in industrial chemistry, forensic chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical research and development, or graduate studies in chemistry.
You can add the Pre-Health Professional Concentration within the BS Chemistry degree to prepare you for a career as a physician, physician assistant, dentist, pharmacist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or graduate studies in medicinal chemistry.
In addition to the Gardner-Webb University general education requirements, the student must complete a minimum of 34 hours of chemistry coursework in the major.
For a more in-depth look at program requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.
The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry degree is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in chemical marketing, pharmaceutical sales, patent law, forensic law, environmental law, art conservation, scientific writing, or scientific illustration.
Depending on the elective courses you take, this major might also be useful for pursuing graduate or professional studies.
In addition to the Gardner-Webb University general education requirements, the student must complete a minimum of 32 hours of chemistry coursework in the major.
A student seeking a second major in any field of study offered by the Department of Natural Sciences must meet all of the criteria for the primary major.
Students pursuing a Minor in Chemistry will take a general chemistry course, as well as a 2 organic chemistry courses, and 2 chemistry electives, for a total of 20 credit hours.
For a more in-depth look at minor requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.
Additional minors available in the Department of Natural Sciences include the Biology Minor (16 hours), the Environmental Science Minor (20 hours), the Forensic Science Minor (15 hours), the Health Science Minor (16–17 hours), the Physical Science Minor (16 hours), and the General Science Minor (20 hours).
These courses are required for each of the Chemistry majors.
Analytical Chemistry CHEM 301
Instrumental Analysis CHEM 302
Inorganic Chemistry CHEM 351
Physical Chemistry CHEM 401
Biophysical Chemistry CHEM 402
Choose any one of the following chemistry courses:
Environmental Chemistry CHEM 350
Forensic Chemistry CHEM 380
Special Topics in Chemistry CHEM 405
Aquatic Chemistry CHEM 420
Biochemistry CHEM 422
Prof. Readiness in Chemistry CHEM 291
Chemistry Seminar I CHEM 391
Chemistry Seminar II CHEM 491
Calculus I MATH 151
Calculus II MATH 152
University Physics I PHYS 203
University Physics II PHYS 204o
Biophysical Chemistry CHEM 402f th
Biochemistry CHEM 422e
University Physics II PHYS 204
Anatomy & Physiology I BIOL 203
Anatomy & Physiology II BIOL 204
Medical Terminology BIOL 222
Choose any one of the following biology courses:
General Microbiology BIOL 206
Genetics BIOL 301
Cell Biology BIOL 352
Immunology BIOL 411
Intro. to Natural Science CHEM 191
Choose between Precalculus MATH 150 or Calculus I MATH 151 and Choose between Fundamental of Statistics MATH 105 or Statistics and Data Analysis MATH 325
General Psychology PSYC 201
Choose between Business Communications BADM 325 or Professional Writing ENGL 303
Students must take two semesters of a World language in the General Education core.
Although not required, students wishing to attend some professional programs may choose to also take
General Physics I PHYS 111
General Physics II PHYS 112
Whether you pursue professional or graduate studies or directly enter a chemistry-related career, our program will prepare you for making a positive impact on science and technology. Chemistry program alumni have found their passions in research, development, analysis and testing, consulting, forensics, and more.
Depending on additional education and career goals, you may pursue a wide range of health- and science-related professions including the following:
You’ll also be able to go directly into entry-level positions including the following:
Chemistry alumnus, Dr. Jacob Walley, ‘17, received his Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. While there, Walley’s research was published in one of the most prestigious chemistry journals in the world (Angewandte Chemie), and he has been recognized with several awards and published 11 papers. His interest in research was developed in the GWU chemistry lab and through internships. “All the chemistry professors at GWU are excellent teachers/mentors who genuinely care about their students’ future,” Walley said. “My professors giving me the right expectations prepared me the most for graduate school.”
View Dr. Jacob Walley Profile
Learn more about the Department of Natural Sciences
As a chemistry major, you will have opportunities to complete research, internships, or other activities that will prepare you for your next steps. If you will continue your studies with a graduate or professional program, discuss your goals with your advisor and see what opportunities will best meet those future requirements.
Work at a hospital, medical office, veterinary clinic, pharmacy, or other care provider. Find a role in business, academic research, and environmental science. You also may serve as a lab assistant, gaining valuable experience that other schools typically reserve for graduate-level students!
Conduct one-on-one research with your professor. Under the guidance of your faculty mentor, you’ll select a research topic and learn the scientific process of discovery. Become a subject matter expert and present your work through research posters or oral presentations at local and regional science conferences.
We mentor our students at every step of the way, from course selection to applications for internships and undergraduate research experiences to searching and applying for graduate and professional schools. Your professors will provide assistance and advice with mock interviews to help you prepare for graduate and professional school interviews or job interviews.
Start your college career. Once you've found the program that's right for you, learn how to apply and become one of the approximately 96% of our students that receive financial aid.
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