Major Declaration Process

Thinking of pursuing a Chemistry or Biochemistry major?

All of our majors are comprised of two "Phases"

Phase I is a pre-major status

Phase II is a full-major status

Please refer to the WWU catalog for a detailed description of Phase I, Phase II, and major completion requirements for:

BS Chemistry, BA Chemistry, BS Biochemistry, BA Biochemistry, BAE CHEM/BIOL, BAE CHEM/PHYS, BAE CHEM/MATH

What are some of the key differences between the phases and their respective declaration processes?

Phase I

Students can join the Phase I: Pre-Major Declaration non-credit Canvas course at any point. However, Phase I Declarations will only take place once a quarter, after Phase I Group Advising Session, held two weeks before Phase I Registration opens up during the Academic Year. Summer Session will be with the Chemistry Department Phase I Advisor Crystal Cline with several group advising sessions over the summer. Students MUST declare Phase I in order to be eligible to apply to Phase II of their desired major.

Declaring Phase I has multiple benefits:

  • Grants access to courses such as CHEM 354, 355, and 333 which are major-restricted
  • Prioritizes you on waitlists for CHEM 351-353 organic chemistry
  • Adds you to a departmental canvas site where announcements, updates, and opportunities are posted
  • Connects you with students who are also interested in Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Phase I Advisors with opportunities to learn more about your post-graduation plans, talk about a plan of study, and learn more about our research program 

Phase II

Students apply to Phase II if they have declared Phase I and they have completed Phase I coursework. Phase I coursework differs slightly between chemistry and biochemistry students. 

Phase II is the required status for students to complete their chemistry or biochemistry major and overall degree.

  • Phase II requires an application
  • Applications are open twice a year for two different cohorts
  • Fall Start Cohort - applications are due on the first day of spring quarter.
  • Winter Start Cohort - applications are due the first Friday of fall quarter for intended enrollment in Phase II the subsequent winter quarter.

Phase I Advising Canvas Course

Phase I Pre-Major Declaration non-credit Canvas Course

Phase II Advising

Schedule a Meeting with a Phase II Advisor

Declaring Phase I

Declaring Phase I has three main steps 

Join Phase I: Pre-Major Declaration non-credit Canvas course

  • Students will go through the modules and steps in the Canvas course to create a draft Plan of Study, sign up for a Phase I Group Advising Session, and fill out the Student Academic Declaration and Change Form. 
  • Students will have opportunities to learn more about the Chemistry and Biochemistry Majors, how to get involved in research, career and post-grad options. 
  1. Complete Plan of Study
  2. Attend Phase I Group Advising Session 
  3. Submit a Student Academic Declaration and Change Form  

Applying to Phase II

Phase II is comprised of a set of core classes that are taken as a lock-step, cohort-style program. 

Phase II cohorts begin in Fall and Winter quarters every year and require an application prior to admission. 

Visit the Phase II Information Page if you want to learn more about Phase II or think you are ready to apply

Major Specific Advising Materials

Below you will find recommended plans of study, blank plan of study documents, elective information, and course scheduling notes for each of our degrees. Please utilize these resources, the department's Program Coordinators, and your faculty advisor to ensure you have an up-to-date plan of study on hand and you're on track for applying to Phase II and graduation. Please confirm course availability by checking ClassFinder and/or contacting the chemistry department office staff. 

General Graduation Requirements

While you're working toward a degree in chemistry or biochemistry, it's important to keep in mind which general university requirements you must complete in order to graduate.