Chemistry & Related Majors
At Whitman, combined majors in Chemistry integrate the foundational principles and methodologies of chemistry with another discipline, offering students a broad and interdisciplinary education. These programs are designed to give students a robust understanding of chemistry while equipping them with knowledge and skills in a complementary field.
We offer several established combined majors. You can also combine Chemistry with other fields to expand your knowledge and gain valuable and in-demand skills for the job market.
Combined Majors in Chemistry
A combined Chemical Engineering major merges chemistry principles with engineering applications, preparing students to design and optimize processes for producing chemicals, materials, and energy. In our 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program, you’ll spend your first three years at Whitman, working toward a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. Then you’ll transfer to one of our prestigious partner schools for two years to earn your Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
This interdisciplinary program provides a robust understanding of chemical processes and engineering principles, equipping students with the skills to address complex industrial and environmental challenges. This major focuses on applying chemical principles to design, analyze, and improve industrial processes.
Key Areas of Study: Process Engineering, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reactor design, etc.
Pre-engineering: Computational problem solving, Calculus III, differential equations, introductory physics and chemistry courses.
Chemistry: organic chemistry, quantitative analysis, physical chemistry, instrumental methods
Career Paths: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, and roles in pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and manufacturing.
A combined Chemistry-Environmental Studies major merges the chemical sciences with studying environmental systems, issues, and policies. This interdisciplinary program prepares students to understand and address environmental challenges through a chemical lens, equipping them with the skills to analyze environmental problems and develop sustainable solutions. This major focuses on the chemical principles underlying environmental processes and the impact of human activities on the environment.
Key Areas of Study: Environmental chemistry, environmental policy, sustainability, ecological systems, etc.
Chemistry: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Quantitative analysis, plus two additional upper-level courses (Physical Chemistry, Instrumental Methods, or Environmental Engineering), chemistry seminar, and senior research.
Environmental Studies: Introductory Environmental Studies, two areas of foundational coursework (environmental arts and humanities, environmental natural and physical sciences or environmental social science), one interdisciplinary course.
Career Paths: Environmental Scientist/Chemist, Toxicologist, Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Coordinator, Environmental Policy Analyst.
A combined Chemistry and Geology major integrates chemical principles with geological sciences, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's materials, processes, and history from both chemical and geological perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach equips students with the skills to analyze and address various environmental and geological challenges. This major focuses on the chemical composition and processes of Earth materials and the application of chemical techniques to geological problems.
Key Areas of Study: Mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, sedimentology, and geophysics
Chemistry: Introductory chemistry, quantitative analysis, instrumental methods, physical chemistry, water chemistry, or environmental engineering.
Geology: Introductory geology courses, Sedimentology and stratigraphy, minerals, society and environment, geomorphology, field geology, geochemistry, senior seminar.
Career Paths: Environmental Scientist, Geochemist, Hydrogeologist, Petroleum Geologist, Mineralogist, Environmental Consultant, etc.
More Options & Career Paths
If you’re interested in blending chemistry with another discipline—beyond Whitman’s established tracks—connect with a faculty mentor to explore relevant course options. Pursuing classes in another field aligned with your interests can help you develop diverse skill sets and open doors to career opportunities beyond Whitman.
Below are a few complementary areas to consider:
- Chemistry and Biology: Delve into the chemical processes within and related to living organisms, building a strong foundation for fields like biochemistry and molecular biology.
- Chemistry and Computer Science: Learn computational techniques to tackle complex chemical problems, preparing for opportunities in data science, cheminformatics, or molecular modeling.
- Chemistry and Medicine: Build a robust chemistry foundation while meeting medical school prerequisites, paving the way for a career in healthcare or medical research.
- Chemistry and Physics: Gain expertise in the physical principles underlying chemical phenomena, ideal for careers in materials science or physical chemistry.