Undergraduate Advising

Declaring Biochemistry or Chemistry as a Major

Choosing a major is quite a challenge for some people, especially those with a wide range of interests. At the UW, you generally need to declare a major by the time you have earned 105 credits.

The Undergraduate Advising In the Gateway Center (Mary Gates Hall 171) has a workshop "How to Choose a Major and Career" which is offered frequently throughout the year. This hour long group session helps students to zero in on their interests and strengths, and is a good starting point.

Chemistry and biochemistry are open majors meaning there are no admission requirements, and can be declared at anytime. You can make an appointment with one of the advisers (543-1610, or come by Bagley Hall 109) and bring your file from  Undergraduate Advising in the Gateway Center (171 Mary Gates Hall). The advisers will fill out the paperwork with you then. You can also indicate chemistry or biochemistry when you submit your application for admission. Either way you will need schedule an initial advising appointment to go over degree requirements.

Students may enter the biochemistry and chemistry programs directly upon admission to the University of Washington. The biochemistry and chemistry degree programs have no special admissions requirements. Upon application to the UW, chemistry or biochemistry may be listed as the choice of major on the application form. Students currently enrolled at UW can declare chemistry or biochemistry as their major by scheduling an appointment with departmental advisers. Before current students attend their initial advising appointment, they should pick up their file from the Gateway Center (Mary Gates Hall 171) or from their current departmental office, if they are changing from another major.