Pre-Major and Major Declaration Process

Thinking of pursuing a Chemistry or Biochemistry major?

https://catalog.wwu.edu

All of our majors are comprised of two "Phases"

Pre-major, formally known as Phase I status. Students must declare the pre-major before declaring the major

Major, formally known as Phase II status

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

Chemistry, BS, Chemistry,BA, Biochemistry, BS, Biochemistry, BA, Chemistry/Biology — Secondary, BAE, BAE CHEM/PHYS, BAE CHEM/MATH

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

Pre-Major Declaration

Students can join the Pre-Major Declaration - Chem Dept non-credit Canvas course once they have completed CHEM 161, CHEM 175 or the equivalent. Pre-Major Declarations close two weeks before Phase I Registration opens up during the Academic Year. All three steps must be completed to declare the pre-major: 1. Fill out a Plan of Study 2. Attend Group Advising Session. 3. Fill out Student Academic Declaration and Change Form. 

Students MUST declare the Pre-Major in order to be eligible to apply to the Major of their desired major.

Declaring Pre-Major 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 Pre-Major Advisors with opportunities to learn more about your post-graduation plans, talk about a plan of study, and learn more about our research program 

Major Declaration

Students apply to the Major once they have declared the Pre-Major and they have completed the Pre-Major coursework. Pre-Major coursework differs slightly between Chemistry and Biochemistry students. 

Declaring the Major is the required status for students to complete their Chemistry or Biochemistry major and overall degree.

  • Major Declarations 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 for intended enrollment starting in fall quarter.
  • Winter Start Cohort - applications are due the first Friday of fall quarter for intended enrollment starting in the winter quarter.  

Pre-Major Declaration/Advising Canvas Course

Pre-Major Declaration non-credit Canvas Course

Major Declaration Advising

Schedule a Meeting with a Major Advisor

Declaring Pre-Major 

Declaring the Pre-Major has three main steps 

Join the Pre-Major Declaration non-credit Canvas course

  • During the AY, Students will go through the modules and steps in the Canvas course to create a draft Plan of Study, sign up for a Pre-Major 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.
  • Summer- Students must submit a Plan of Study, sign up for an individual pre-major advising appointment.
  1. Complete Plan of Study
  2. Attend Pre-Major Advising Session
  3. Submit a Student Academic Declaration and Change Form  

Applying to the Major

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

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

Visit the Major Information Page if you want to learn more about Major Declaration 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 the Major and graduation. Please confirm course availability by checking Browse Classes 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.