Chemistry and Biochemistry Department

Chemistry students

Chemistry forms a foundation for the study of a wide variety of scientific disciplines. It is concerned primarily with matter, energy, and their interactions. Chemists are both creators and problem-solvers who do everything from create new substances to analyze criminal evidence. They are at the forefront of efforts to make sure that technology serves humankind. And at Seattle Pacific University, chemists and chemistry are informed and influenced by a Christian worldview.

SPU offers three chemistry degrees for you to choose from:

  • BA in Chemistry, designed for those interested in education or the health professions.
  • BS in Chemistry, for students who wish to continue their studies in graduate school, move into environmental or industrial science, or prepare for a professional healthcare career.
  • BS in Biochemistry, which provides a strong foundation for fields in any of the molecular-related biological sciences and helps students prepare for a professional healthcare career.

Coursework is balanced between theoretical material and a variety of laboratory experiences, including traditional “wet chemistry,” instrumental techniques, and computational methods.

Benefits

Seattle Pacific University’s location will benefit you in many ways. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for internships in a variety of biomedical, biotechnological, environmental, analytical, and industrial laboratories. You’ll also hear from world-class researchers who regularly visit campus to give lectures on their work.

SPU graduates with degrees in chemistry and biochemistry have many options. Our chemistry and biochemistry alumni are working at places such as:

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • Washington State Patrol Forensic Lab
  • Los Alamos National Laboratories
  • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
  • Bristol-Meyer/Squibb
  • Seattle Biomedical Research Institute
  • Cardinal Health
  • Rapigene
  • Mayo Clinic
  • Public and private schools
  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  • EvergreenHealth Medical Center
  • Juno Therapeutics
  • Amazon
  • Boeing

Many alumni have also entered medical school or other graduate programs at such renowned institutions as the University of Washington, Johns Hopkins University, Harvard, Yale School of Medicine, and Georgetown University.


Placement Tests

You can take a chemistry placement test to qualify for CHM1310 or 1211.

About Philip W. and Sharon K. Eaton Hall

Eaton Hall opened in 2003, with facilities dedicated to undergraduate research as well as teaching. Take a virtual tour of our facilities.

Pre Pro

Pre-Professional Health Sciences Program

It isn’t easy to get accepted into graduate health care programs (medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, and veterinary). Find guidance and preparation every step of the way through SPU’s Pre-Professional Health Sciences Program.

Meet Dylan Marashi, a biochemistry graduate pursuing a master of bioethics at Harvard Medical School. See how research at our ecumenical faith-based institution helped get him there.

Read about one of SPU’s latest study abroad programs that allowed chemistry students to speak with scientists at leading research facilities in New Zealand: “Climate Change: Chemical Basis and Financial Accountability.”