About Chemistry in Washington University in St. Louis

The Department of Chemistry at Washington University has a long tradition of excellence, combining a deep commitment to fundamental research with an equally deep commitment to classroom teaching. Supported by funds from the University, the government, and industry, it has created a close-knit group of teacher-scientists who provide students with the opportunity to obtain a superior education in science. The department emphasizes teaching and research in the following areas: bioorganic, biophysical, environmental, inorganic, materials, nuclear, organic, organometallic, physical, physical organic, computational, and theoretical.

For undergraduates, the department offers two majors, chemistry and chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry, as well as a minor in chemistry. Both major paths have an honors eligibility program, which is strongly recommended for those intending to go on to graduate study. The department also offers a doctoral program in chemistry with specializations available in inorganic, biological, organic, nuclear, and physical chemistry.

Historically, the WashU chemistry department traces its tradition of excellence to the end of World War II when six scientists (J. Kennedy, L. Helmholtz, D. Lipkin, H. Potratz, A. Wahl, and S. Weissman) from the Manhattan Project joined the department. Today, the department has strong programs in chemical instrumentation, particularly in magnetic resonance (solid and solution NMR, NMR imaging, and EPR), and laser spectroscopy. They are host of the NIH Research Resource in Mass Spectrometry, one of 70 national centers supported by NIH for biotechnology development. Another program focused on photosynthesis is supported by one of the largest ever Department of Energy grants and has strong implications for understanding and improving energy sources. The strong tradition in nuclear chemistry continues today in chemistry and has implications in imaging research at the School of Medicine.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree 

English language requirements 

• IELTS : 7.0
• TOEFL IBT: 100
• PTE : 68