Chemistry Major, BS

Program Description

The Department of Chemistry shares Winston-Salem State University’s mission of student success by providing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Courses in the major program, along with those in the General Education, provide opportunities for students to develop skills required for success in the work world and in graduate/professional schools. Chemistry majors participate in hands-on research experiences involving state-of-the-art instrumentation. Chemistry majors and minors may join the American Chemical Society Student Affiliate (ACS, professional chemistry society) or Phi Lambda Epsilon (PLU, national chemistry honor society). In 2014/2015 year, the ACS Student Affiliate was awarded an Honorable Mention from the ACS for its activities.

Vision

The Department of Chemistry is focused on providing opportunities for students to develop academic and hands-on research skills to enhance their competitiveness in: 1) the global STEM workforce, 2) gaining admission into graduate programs in chemistry and advanced studies in forensic chemistry, and 3) gaining admission into professional programs including medical, pharmacy, dental and veterinary schools.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Chemistry is to offer relevant and vibrant major programs in Chemistry and minor programs in Chemistry and Physics. The Department also offers service courses in general chemistry, physical science, environmental science and physics for students in related areas and fulfills components of the general education core curriculum.

Departmental Goals

• To prepare students for graduate/professional school admission or entry-level professional positions.
• To provide effective advising and mentoring.
• To model effective teaching methods which promote student learning.
• To promote and facilitate faculty productivity in the scholarship of teaching, learning and research.
• To provide a variety of courses in chemistry, physical science, environmental science and physics as part of the core and service curricula.

To provide service to the University and the community.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate a comprehension of fundamental chemical and scientific principles.
• Students will be able to apply fundamental chemical and scientific principles.
• Students will be able to apply critical-thinking and analytical reasoning in order to identify and solve chemical problems.
• Students will be able to perform chemical laboratory techniques and procedures while being aware of laboratory safety.
• Students will be able to effectively and professionally communicate scientific findings.

Winston-Salem State University is a bold, vibrant and diverse academic community that fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character graduates need to transform themselves and their world. These values embody our motto, “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve."

Founded in 1892, WSSU enjoys a distinguished reputation as a historically black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina that offers a rich curriculum rooted in high-quality, liberal education. Our undergraduate and graduate students can choose from many innovative areas of study designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to develop creative solutions to today’s—and tomorrow’s—complex problems.